Quarantine tips
 

Since there's a thread on entry into China, I thought it might be useful to have a thread on quarantine tips. For example, what to pack in luggage, how to exercise, how to try to get best hotels, etc.

I've not gone through it, but these are things I've heard from others who have (including Moondog):

- For Shanghai, Xuhui district seems to have decent hotels (I've seen bad ones in Changning)
- Alcohol and knife deliveries are not allowed, so plan accordingly
- Depending on the hotel, food deliveries are not allowed

Open questions

- is VIP treatment possible (i.e., better hotels?)
- what city has the best (if you can call it that) quarantine? For example I've seen hotels in Xiamen with outdoor spaces

I’ve done it twice so far so I’ll chime in.

I believe VIP treatment is possible if arranged in advance and with enough pull. If you’re the China CEO of Apple I think you’ll be able to get decent treatment, maybe even at home Q. If you’re an average expat then expect the normal routine. I saw a husband and wife couple get off my flight from SFO and immediately get whisked away at the airport after baggage claim (someone official was holding a sign with their name) and didn’t have to go through the waiting at the airport for your hotel to be assigned. This is likely arranged through the government in your district and your HR or government contact.

Shanghai is without a doubt the best place to go through quarantine as they allow the 14 + 7 with the 7 basically free to roam the city. A crappy hotel cell for two weeks followed by 7 days of pretty much unlimited freedom beats 21 days or more in a nicer hotel.

For exercise I walked back in forth in my room everyday until I reached 10k steps. Took about 3 hours every morning. I also brought resistance bands which I used daily as well.

The meals were terrible but I came prepared with quick oats for breakfast, lots of packaged foods like the fruit pouches and tuna on the go type stuff they sell at target. I also bought instant espresso and instant coffee. Beef jerky and lots of cookies and crackers to give myself some treats. Turns out I ended up ordering from Aldi every day which was awesome! Don’t forget to pack a cup, mug, bowl and utensils. I basically had one whole suitcase dedicated to food/necessities for the 2 weeks.

Bring books and load shows you want to watch as well. Also remember, it’s not as bad as it sounds :-)

I know two people who have done VIP:
-a friend of mine has a friend pretty high up in Shanghai immigration, and cashed in on a favor
-the man directly behind me on UA857

The first got a Wyndham and the second got the Crowne Plaza Xujiahui. Honestly, neither of these are huge upgrades over the place I stayed, though the Crowne Plaza guy told me the food was good there. The fast track immigration (the current process is painfully slow) and the private car might be more valuable benefits than the better hotels because after a 15 hour flight, getting to your room in 1.5 hours is a lot more appealing than 4 hours. It's not just the time factor, but those 4 hours are miserable.

As I mentioned in the other thread, it seems that most hotels permit grocery deliveries (and, I had no problem including beer at the bottom of the boxes), but fewer permit prepared foods. A possible reason for this at my hotel was that they only accepted pre-noon deliveries, which they brought around to rooms at around 3p. Anyway, I ended up completely ditching the meal plan after day 7, and had lots of cheese, lunch meats, bread, cookies, fruits, vegetables, etc delivered almost daily. I also ordered instant noodles from the hotel every day (y8) and added bell peppers or similar in order to make them more delicious and somewhat healthy. I previously told you guys my knife story. In the end, it wasn't that hard smuggling one in, and the knife (box cutter) cost next to nothing, but waiting a day+ for it to show up meant that I wasn't able to eat much of the produce that I had. So, yeah, bring a knife with you.

To watch video content on the hotel room TV (instead of my computer), I prepared two solutions in advance, and both worked: 1. USB disks and 2. X-cast.

After I got out, I failed to show up for a PCR test on one of the designated days. This prompted my minder to become even more anal. When you leave the hotel, they'll give you a piece of paper showing hospitals (there are lots to choose from) along with the days you're supposed to go. I will say that the hospital I went to (Huaihai Road/Shanxi Road) was extremely efficient, and +7 people skip the line at the entrance.

My friend who shared the pictures of his Xiamen hotel definitely thought it was first rate (I think he paid 700 per night instead of 300-500 that seems to be standard here). However, because there was an outbreak towards the end of his 14 days, they tacked on an additional 7 days there. Then, for some reason, after he got to Hangzhou, he was treated to an additional 14 days of hotel quarantine. The outbreak thing was bad luck for him, but I'd like to think that funny business doesn't happen in Shanghai.

And, of course, we know to avoid Shenyang, not that it's on your radar. Beijing seems to be okay now, but whenever things get a little out of whack, they tighten up the rules. If the HK travel bubble happens before your trip, I'd look into it as an option because you get to pick your own hotel, including several executive apartments with full kitchens. I've also heard that q in HK is much friendlier.

A friend of mine was released from his 14+7 quarantine in Shanghai on November 25th, which he said was "so comfortable", two days later he flew back to Handan and was hit with another 14 days hotel quarantine......

I will make a note of all the useful tips on this thread to hopefully make my planned return next March a bit more easier......

One thing I forgot to mention about the +7 is the Crowne Plaza man I mentioned was kept in the Crowne Plaza for the extra 7 days because he hadn't bothered to book anywhere else or show proof of residence. The "anywhere else" is a little tricky because not all hotels accept +7s. Still, he had two weeks to do research and/or ask people to help him. I actually found my new apartment while I was still in quarantine, paid for it, had the lease sent over, and registered with the PSB (this is easy here now because there's an app). I was free (except for the annoying minder watching over me) at 5a on day 14; we all had to be out of that place by 6 because the door is only unlocked between 5 and 6.

The 28-day quarantine only applies to those whose final destination is Shenyang. If you're just landing in Shenyang before heading elsewhere (including another city within Liaoning), they'll give you the boot after 14 days.

With Omicron, HK has placed almost every country in the world on the high-risk list, and now there is an A+ list as well which the US is on. For high-risk arrivals, you must be an HK resident and will need to quarantine for 21 days. For A+ arrivals, the first seven days of those 21 must be spent at Penny's Bay instead of a hotel.

Mere mortals who don't live/stay in Shanghai can't choose which hotel they end up in.
I've heard that people who live in Shanghai may have a choice of hotel, depending on which district they live in....not sure if true.

So, according to the government 'rules', all hotels are supposed accept the +7s, but there are loopholes. Capacity is one of them, I believe.
I made a list of my preferred hotels based on chain, location and price, and started calling them. It was the third one that said "Yes!".

So what actually happens and when? Do you provide an address after you land? Do you need to prove you live there (like with a lease) or do they take you at your word? Can you just provide the address of a hotel where you plan on doing your +7, and be assigned to that district?

Yes, after you land. They ask you where you're going, and then partition you off with others accordingly. The initial hotel is determined according to your final destination.
You choose the +7 hotel during your 14 night initial quarantine. In Shanghai there were no restrictions on where in Shanghai the +7 hotel had to be.

ADDED:
One really needs to differentiate between the first hotel/facility, and what follows afterward.

1) The initial hotel or quarantine facility for the first 14 nights after arrival in China is what is sometimes referred to as ISOLATED QUARANTINE. During this time you will not be allowed to exit your room. You are isolated within that room for 14 nights. The door opens, and you are asked to leave exactly 336 hours after arrival or landing. (This at least was the case with me for a PVG arrival, and Shanghai isolated quarantine hotel).

2) The next steps are completely dictated by your final destination; this varies a lot depending on where you arrived, and where your final destination is.
For a PVG arrival and a Beijing final destination, for instance, there is an +7 Shanghai hotel stay requirement. This hotel was completely my choice, providing the hotel allows +7 guests. During this +7 time, you're pretty much free to do as you please, although you are asked to stay away from crowds. Restaurants are fine, ferry was fine, shopping is fine, etc.

There's also things called home quarantine and community health monitoring, with various degrees of restrictions/obligations.


Here's decently accurate and mostly up-to-date list for some Chinese cities, and the differences in their respective quarantine requirements:
https://www.ikkyinchina.com/china-tu...ltimate-guide/

ADDED #2:

Chose your initial China arrival city carefully: for a Beijing final destination, it is advantageous to not arrive in Beijing for instance, as the 3rd week quarantine has more freedom-of-movement if NOT arriving in Beijing.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da3c597865.jpg

1. Go to the desk next to the Xuhui sign
2. Show them proof of address
3. Wait

When I arrived, there were only 8 of us in the Xuhui section and we all got on the same bus (after about an hour of sitting...maybe they were hoping more people would show up) and went to the same hotel.

I met a lady yesterday who walked 13,000 steps per day back and forth in her q hotel room.

I did the Wyndham in Shanghai. I work for an international organization and they arrange to get us through the airport quickly. Also all international diplomats (which I'm not) get put up there as well. It's all pre-arranged.
Whatever hotel you get - the only thing that remains there of the original hotel is the building and furniture. The service has nothing to do with what's typical for the hotel.

At the Wyndham, you can order non-perishable food from meituan or other delivery services. If you want to get a SIM card quickly, nihao mobile will deliver one to you.

What to pack
If you need alcohol, pack that in your luggage, otherwise you won't be able to get any.
I'm really glad I packed some tea. You get a couple of tea bags and instant coffee packets and that's it, so bring your own coffee/tea. Drinks - they only provided a few bottles of water, I took some from the plane. You can order more bottles, or boil your own water with the kettle they provide.
The amount of soap they provide is also quite inadequate - especially if you want to wash clothes. All the food is provided in disposable containers - so no need to wash dishes.
I would also bring a mug or a few paper cups.
Pack any other snacks you may want - or get them delivered.
Coffee and chocolate in China is more expensive than elsewhere - so consider bringing some with you for post-quarantine life ;)

Exercise - I did a couple of routines every day - one in the AM one in the afternoon and a bit of meditation. I found some routines that worked for me on youtube and just downloaded that onto my phone to follow along.

If you're not working, find something that would keep you busy - ideally that does not involve a screen (as you'll probably be staring at one for too long anyway).
I found the experience to be pleasant and relaxing, but was happy to be out afterwards :)

I did NOT the Wyndham in Shanghai! :D


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...70b3f4816a.jpg

I don't think that's my ceiling pic that I posted in the other thread, but my first room had the same issue. The hotel forced me to move down the hall. That was annoying because I had a lot of stuff. I preferred the bad ceiling room because it faced the courtyard instead of the main street, where people were reveling in freedom.:D

I had a nice view of the bridge from my room. I only had one issue - I blew the circuit breaker and couldn't figure out how to turn one of the phases in the room back on. Turns out the breakers were in the ceiling above the entrance :D

What I found to be super amusing is how they just dump you out in the middle of the street at the end of quarantine.

Please provide their contact info when you have a chance. I met a guy on Friday who arranged his booking + car directly with the hotel in advance (i.e. he didn't avail of the normal VIP channel). I'm guessing that the CP is also possible via direct bookings. But, I want to reiterate a point you mentioned: don't think of these places as hotels in the traditional sense.

Side note: the Wyndham dude was removed from there on day 3 because his arrival test was positive, then spent days 4 and 5 in a cubicle, and days 6 through 14 inside the Italian Consulate, which he liked the most. He is an Italian citizen.

Approximately one week out, Jan 3 for return via PVG on DL, if the flights operate. Crew sick outs/flight operations obliterated the schedule from the US, Dec 19-28. I hope that this week flights start operations again, looks like Dec 30/SEA and 31/DTW might go. So far spouse is requesting a quarantine hotel stay through work/industry contacts. His final destination after quarantine is Beijing, he's hotel operations, I'm former airline staff. Happy to hear any recommendations and advise from FT folks on the forum or by msg. Much appreciated and Thank you

Follow the Delta news closely, and maybe book United as a backup (they will figure out a way to continue flying).

The name in Chinese characters: 兴荣温德姆至尊豪廷酒店
https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=bb052...=2&form=S00027

Full address
上海市浦东新区浦东大道2288号上海兴荣温德姆至尊豪廷酒店33层

2288 Pudong Ave, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200090
+86 21 5852 6666

Ok a few more points for those doing quarantine in ShangHai:

End of 2-week Quarantine:
I was let out exactly at the same hour as my arrival on the 15th day - so it was 14 x 24-hour periods. When you are let out you are literally dumped on the street - I called a taxi to take me to my observation hotel. DiDi does not let your register directly with them, but there is a way to order a DiDi through AliPay. You can also order other taxi services through AliPay, but DiDi seems to be the smoothest, although they seem to require a local card, while you can pay for others with an international card tied to your AliPay account.

You really want to make sure you have a working local phone by the end of quarantine. Nihao mobile must be making a lot of money right now (you can order a SIM card to your quarantine hotel through them). Keep your proof of quarantine form safe - you'll need it for the next few weeks. If this is your first time in China or you haven't been here for a decade or longer, be prepared to re-learn how to do basic things, and what apps are needed for what.

Third Week of Observation (Shanghai)
Not all hotels in Shanghai allow you to check in for the third week of observation. There's no easy way to check. I ended up at the JinJiang tower hotel. The hotel contracts with a doctor, who I never saw in person. I had to report my temp 2x / day and then go do 2 NAT tests.

IMPORTANT - NAT tests during 3rd week: When they send you to the community center to do the NAT test in your third week, make sure you register for it through wechat. If you don't - you'll need to get the paper printout the next day, the results won't automatically be uploaded to the cloud, and your local health code won't turn green at the end of the week without manual intervention. It's not a straight forward process to do it (you do it on the spot), but it will save you more headaches down the line.

The local ShangHai health code was doing weird things. First it was green during quarantine, then red, then green again when they let me out. It then turned yellow the day after and stayed yellow throughout the rest of my stay there. When I boarded the plane to PEK,
Technically, you're not supposed to leave your place of stay with a yellow code, unless you have a good reason to, but in practice nobody checks, except in a few shopping centers - avoid those.

Flying to Beijing:
The Beijing HealthKit [do a search in English in WeChat or AliPay - the English version works for foreign passports] (which you need to fly to PEK) will display an error message for 21 days, and then will magically turn on, showing "no unusual conditions" / green on day 22. Don't plan on flying until day 22 after your arrival.
You will do your last NAT test on Day 21 in the morning. If you don't want to do another test to fly to PEK, make sure your flight takeoff is within 48 hours of your last test - so if you do your NAT test at 8AM on day 21, get the earlier flights to PEK from SHA. You will need a green local heath code to enter the airport. In my case, I got away with showing a screenshot of the local green health code. :D Your NAT, the arrow app (showing where you've been in the last 2 weeks) and Beijing healthkit will be checked at check/in while going through security/at the gate.

One more tip - take screenshots of everything, including all QR codes, and the green health codes - when they become green. You never know when then will want to glance at the green health code ;)

Whenever I'm confronted with requests for random health codes, my first response is to say "I don't speak Chinese", and this works 90% of the time.

For the other 10% (e.g. checking in for UA857), somebody will give you a QR code, and tell you exactly what to do.

Screenshots are definitely useful, but if you limit yourself to Wechat and Ali, you can pull up the live versions with ease. Our Shanghai green codes don't have 5 stars at present, and everybody knows this.

I thought everyone coming here has working cell phones, but I suppose some of those who are joining new companies* might not have them. While your hotels will definitely have fast wifi, you will still receive 1 or 2 actual phone calls per day. More importantly, when you're released, you might score Y700 like I did, but actual cash is useless if your goal is to go somewhere else. I've heard that Didi has a freeze on new customers. If you don't have an account, you are welcome to message me and I'll pull it off.

*ETA: Your companies should definitely cover this trivial expense. The problem is that you will have no ability to get a SIM directly from Unicom or China Mobile when you're locked up. I can't vouch for Nihao Mobile myself, but if they can get you a SIM that adheres to government requirements (e.g. number, name, passport are bonded), and their value added fee is reasonable, try them out.

In the event that they are unable to use didi on your own, I will front the costs.

Nihao mobile lets you get the sim directly. You may need to do a video call to them so that they can verify that you are you and your passport is in your hand - but they let you register the SIM and you then have a working number. Their rates are reasonable.

Re: DiDi - you can't register on the app, but if you go through AliPay, you can still use DiDi - AliPay feeds it your information and it's as if you already have an account with them.


One final thought on the arrival/quarantine procedures that occurred to me during my trip to SYX this last weekend from observing things in the last couple of months - most processes are extremely well-planned and they tend to work quite well. (e.g. getting a NAT test, or going through an airport) However, the processes are not very well linked together (e.g. "where do I get a NAT test?") and getting through this barrier can be challenging for non-Mandarin speakers. This is where word-of-mouth or knowing Chinese speakers is very helpful. Once you are going through a process - don't think/worry, just do. The biggest thing that may trip you up is that a process may not be designed for non-Chinese ID holders, and then you need to find a workaround.

Hopefully back on track DL3460/29Dec ICN -PVG makes DL284/29Dec PVG-DTW
DL3461/28Dec SEA-PVG makes DL288/30Dec PVG-SEA :)

Getting ready to return soon

Those are funny flight numbers for DL to use on this route. IIRC 3XXX usually means a RJ (Delta Connection carrier like SkyWest). Could these be KE codeshares, which would seem to be OK for leaving mainland China, but the reverse wouldn't work for entering China.

You might want to check also on the current rules for ICN transit.

ADDED: I just checked flight status on the DL app. DL 3460 says it's DL operated, so I'm now wondering whether it could be a ferry flight. It's showing on time, at 4:50 am-6:00 am ICN-PVG only. DL 284 is scheduled for PVG-ICN-DTW and left PVG at a totally different time, 11:14 am (delayed an hour and 9 minutes) with it also being delayed (an hour and 8 minutes) leaving ICN. It's already landed at DTW, only a half hour late.

DL 3461 SEA-ICN-PVG was all cancelled on December 28th (scheduled for 10:59 pm-3:50 am and 5:10 am-6:10 am). DL 288 (again totally different times) PVG-ICN-SEA was totally cancelled too. Scheduled times were 9:50 am-1:00pm and 2:50 pm - 8:10 am.

Flight Aware info

Again a few flight changes, but looks like ops closer to getting back on track :)

3457/3458 27Dec/28Dec (DTW)
3460/284 29Dec (DTW)
3461/287 30Dec/1Jan (SEA)

That's bloody impressive...I'm quarantining at the Shanghai Chuansha Novotel and so far have managed 6442 steps today....

I know this thread was intended for tip on quarantining when entering China from abroad, but now that there are widespread quarantines / "lockdowns" in Shanghai and other cities I thought we could share tips about those as well.

So far I've noticed different types of lockdowns:

• you can't leave your apartment
• can go outside to take out the trash
• you can wander freely within your compound, using the facilities (if any)

I've noticed (at least in Shanghai) that big compounds have strict in/out restrictions, but can usually let you roam freely within. Because of staff shortages, smaller apartments or buildings can't control you that well. Some lane houses set up a gate at one end, but leave the other end open. Deliveries are usually available, but vegetables are getting expensive. Just today, we delivered vegetables to a friend in Pudong who wasn't able to readily order and receive them.

Please share lockdown / quarantine tips (without endangering or incriminating yourself) here.