If you don't have a passport, you will need one to leave the United States. The non-expedited passport fee for people over 16 years old is $100. The fee for people under 16 is $85. In addition, you will need a US standard passport photo, which will cost anywhere from $8 to $15.
The current cost for a visa for entry to China is $130. The type of visa issued will depend on the amount of time you will be in China and the number of trips you will make outside of China. Regardless of the type of visa, the fee for US passport holders is the same.
The exact cost of airfare will depend on the place of departure and the Chinese city in which you will arrive. For example, New York to Beijing ranges from around $900 to $1,500 for an adult economy class round-trip fare. Los Angeles to Shanghai fares range from $600 to $1,900 for the same type of ticket.
The cost of getting from the airport to your hotel and back is fairly low. It is usually between $3 and $7. There is also an airport departure tax of around $3 that must be paid before leaving the country.
Hotel prices will vary depending on the quality of the hotel. Local hotels can be found for less than $20 per night. Well-known international hotels in large cities can start at around $180 per night.
How much your food will cost will depend on where you eat. Street vendors, frequented by many Chinese people, can charge as little as $2 for a meal. Meals in well-known western hotel restaurants are much more expensive.
