Laptops and Communists: Is it safe to bring files into China?
 

I'm going to China on a trip that will involve both backroading and work. My laptop is generally essential equipment, but I'm worried about carrying personal files into China. Most everything I have is benign, but I have worked in Washington and other sensitive locales and might have some old notes that could read a little strange to a foreign security officer.

Wondering if any of you have experience with this.

You really shouldn't have any problems, as long as your visa is in order and you treat the officials with "proper" respect. You might want to get all the porn off your laptop, though. ;)

I travel a lot and on a diplomatic passport. So far it has happened three times that Chinese customs have disappeared in a little room with my laptop for about 10 minutes before giving it back to me. I carry all sensitive material on a hidden USB hard disk.

Never had a problem in China. But Saudi Arabia wants to scan all your floppies and CD's for porn. So I never bring any with me. Floppies or CD's that is.

I've travelled to China many times with my laptop. No one has ever looked at it (or anything else that I was carrying). As a rule, you will find entry into and exit from China somewhat faster, easier and more courteously conducted than entering or leaving the US.

Gov't Travel Notices
 

Here is a link to the US State Dept Notice on China. I don't see anything about computer files, but there is a section on "Document Seizures":

"DOCUMENT SEIZURES: Chinese authorities have seized documents, literature, and letters that they deem to be pornographic, political in nature, or intended for religious proselytism. Persons seeking to enter China with religious materials in a quantity deemed to be greater than that needed for personal use may be detained and fined. Chinese customs authorities may seize books, films, records, tapes, and compact disks to determine if they violate Chinese prohibitions. Individuals believed to be engaged in religious proselytism or in conduct Chinese officials consider immoral or inappropriate have been detained and expelled."

Your profile does not indicate where you are from. If you have any concerns, I would urge you to contact your countries embassy in China or the equivilent of the US State Dept in your country for the latest information and warnings.

No problems. I have commuted and lived here and go through the border several times a year. Never a check. If you are concerned, move any files to a USB drive and pack it in your luggage.

I've not had any problems at all carrying laptops (yes, I carry two) in and out of China. In each visit, nobody has even bothered to look at them besides running them through the standard X-ray machines.

I have, however had a bad experience with Israel. One of the laptops did not pass a chemical swipe as I prepare to leave Tel Aviv. Now, this laptop has so far passed tests at LAX, CDG, and FRA on the same trip. TEL security took just about everything apart, but was still not satisfied. They kept the laptop and asked me to pack all accessories in checked luggage. The laptop arrived at my home 3 days later in a cardboard box without any packaging materials. It no longer works, and neither the airport nor airline will reimburse me for it.

I highly recomend carrying files into China. They are very handy. If you are thrown into prison, you can use them to cut through the bars to engineer your escape. :D :D :D

Only been to China once and certainly no problems with the laptop. However, if I had really sensitive government documents or even things that appeared to be really sensitive I would not take them into ANY foreign country with the possible exception of a few allied countries like NATO and SEATO. Once you are there you just arent in control and you cant predict what might happen on any given occassion.