Traveling to China with camera gear

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Editguy22

New member
Hello,
So I just landed my dream freelance gig. Heading to China in a few weeks to film a documentary, well it's more of a corporate style video wrapped up in a doc, but that's okay. I've read through quite a few message boards and have searched this one as well, I'm just trying to understand how much gear I can get into the country and be okay (w/o a Carnet? Or will I need one?). I plan on bringing a camera (fs 100), batteries, media cards, 2 wireless lavs, tripod, 37" slider, ND filters and I'm still figuring out my light situation. I'll be solo production guy with a producer and traveling with a group of Chinese nationals, so translating/knowing the area should be a little easier too. Does anyone have any insight or advice to share on this project?

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Thanks!
 
I just produced a commercial for a corporate client, shot in China.

The biggest thing will be kind of visa did you apply for? Tourist? Business? It is safest to apply for business, as a tourist they want to know your employer (self-employed may not cut it, depending on the mood of the agent), and you might get questioned hauling a load of photo gear through customs. You also may have to fill out a release, as they are sensitive to photographer journalists (documenting realities they don't want to show the world).

Make sure to have detailed receipts for all of your equipment as well. That way no one can play games with you, or try to hit you with charges in customs for equipment they say you "bought" locally.

Make sure you have power adapters for all of your gear as well. Make sure your power supplies are compatible with 220V, 50hz, and that you have the Chinese/Australia style prongs.
 
I had a layover in China a year & a half ago. Chinese airports didn't like our cinematographers big RED Scarlet batteries; we had to divide them among the crews carry-on bags. Our gear was pretty bare bones, we had a RED Scarlet, a couple DSLRs, about six lenses, wireless mic, & tripod with a fluid head. Local shops outside of the airport wouldn't accept my American Mastercard (probably an exchange rate thing). I don't want to sound sexist, but as I was walking back to my hotel, along came a female driving a car on the sidewalk against traffic straight toward me. She was going slow enough that I was abel to move out of the way before being flattened; silly me for thinking that sidewalks were for pedestrians. :smile:
 
I've shot there lots of times, both carrying-in gear and hiring local. In fact, I just got back from China last week. I had a business visa and duplicates customs lists, so no problems.

BTW China's not a carnet country, but you need to get your gear back in to your own country, so a duplicates list can be a good way to go.


Imamacuser said:
I had a layover in China a year & a half ago. Chinese airports didn't like our cinematographers big RED Scarlet batteries; we had to divide them among the crews carry-on bags.
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Batteries should always go as hand luggage on every plane. Putting them in your hold luggage can land you in serious trouble.
 
Liam Hall said:
Batteries should always go as hand luggage on every plane. Putting them in your hold luggage can land you in serious trouble.
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The cinematographer had the batteries in his carry-on, the airport just didn't like him having 4 + batteries in one bag.
 
Thanks everyone for your response! I am traveling on a business visa and I have copies of my purchase receipts ready to go. Is a duplicates list a form I would download and fill out ahead of time, or something on the spot?
 
If your US based I suggest registering your gear with Customs. Won't need receipts but will need to list each item & any serial numbers. Do this ahead of time & attach the list to the Customs form. Not sure if this needs to be done on the day of travel, like Carnets, or can be done ahead of time (like Carnets used to be).

Registration is free & the form never expires.
 
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