PSB Registration?

[chrisquokka]

Hi, I have just arrived in China for the first time, specifically in Urumqi.

I am British, do not speak Chinese, and staying in Maitian International Youth Hostel.

From what I am reading here, it is very important that I register where I am staying with the PSB: https://www.tobysimkin.com/faq-items/psb/

My hostel will not do this for me, and the owner insists it is not important... Essentially he is not being very helpful about it, but I am quite paranoid.

Does anyone have any experience of doing this in general, or even better, within Urumqi? I am worried about not having a papertrail when it comes to leaving the country. Unfortunately there are no other foreigners in this hostel to ask their experiences...

Help ASAP would be appreciated!

Cheers.

[steven]

I personally have not heard of anyone doing that.

[bwv812]

Never heard of this being required by tourists, or police checking, or anyone having problems when leaving. Hotels/hostels do have to have permits in order for foreigners to stay there (which means they will properly register you with the authorities despite you not having a Chinese ID card), but the only one who will get in trouble if they don't is the hotel/hostel.

[BakuBound]

You must register yourself ONLY if you are not staying in a place licensed to provide accommodation. For example, you must register yourself when staying at an Airbnb or in someone's home.

Given the strict control of just about everything in Xinjiang, I feel awfully sure that hostel is properly licensed. Did he ask for your passport and scan or copy it? That's for the registration.