| China
Travel Tips |
Visa
All visitors to China must have a
visa. Tourist visas may be obtained either through a travel agent or direct from the Chinese Embassy or consulate. Passports must be valid for at least six months before your travel to
china. Generally, a visa is valid for three months from the date of issue.
|
|
Clothing
China has a great diversity of climates. The northeast experiences hot and dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The north and central region has almost continual rainfall, hot summers and cold winters. The southeast region has substantial rainfall, with semi-tropical summers and cool winters.
Required clothing: North – heavyweight clothing with boots for the harsh northern winters. Lightweight clothing for summer. South – medium weight clothing for winter and lightweight for summer.
|
|
Health
No special shot are required for short-term travelers with the exception of those coming from or via an infected area. All visitors may be asked to complete a health form to indicate if they have symptoms of yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, or other communicable diseases.
|
|
Baggage
Baggage allowance differs for the transpacific and China sections. US transpacific allowance is two pieces of checked baggage. Maximum weight/size for each piece is 50 lbs. - 70 lbs. (subject to airline policy) and 62 inches (sum of three dimensions). One carry-on not to exceed 45 inches (sum of three dimensions) is allowed. Baggage allowance within China is one piece of baggage not over 44 lbs. per person, plus a carry-on. Baggage in excess of one piece per person will result in excess baggage fees to be paid immediately upon demand.
Pack clothes according to the weather, all-season jacket, raincoat or umbrella, and durable casual shoes are the must. Keep personal necessities and valuables with you all the time.
|
|
Things
To Bring
1. In China, personal identification is needed when taking domestic flights. Please make sure you take good care of your travel documents (e.g. passport, C.I. etc). Don’t ever lose them, or you cannot continue your trip.
2. Bring along the name, telephone numbers, and address of the person-to-contact in USA, in case of emergency (better together with you identifications).
3. Prepare enough contact lens solution and camcorder tapes, because there’s no time and it is not convenient to get to such shops for extra supply.
|
|
Main
Voltage
220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Most hotels have built-in convectors in bathrooms for shaving, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, as there is a variety of plug types in use.
|
|
Drinking
Water
Do not drink water from the tap in China. Most hotels supply boiled water in a thermos and flask or a glass of tumbler with cold water, and mineral water in plastic bottles is readily available in most cities.
|
|
Medical
Service
In China, urban and rural medical services differ a lot from each other. If traveling in the countryside, there may be no appropriate medical services beyond primary health care. Some hospitals in cities have special sections for foreigners and English is spoken there. Doctors may be found in many of the large hotels in China. Payment must be made on the spot for treatment, medicine and transport. If planning to visit areas outside of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, emergency evacuation insurance is advised.
|
|
Currency
The Chinese currency is call Ren Min Bi (RMB) and is issued by the People’s Bank of China, the state bank. Partly cash ($1, $5, $20) and partly traveler check is preferable. Traveler checks alone can’t work, because after exchange, only 50% of the exchanged value can be exchanged back to US dollar. Cash is a lot more convenient than travel checks.
Foreign Currency: No limit is set on the amount of foreign currencies brought into China. Foreign currency can be widely used at most of the shopping stores and restaurants.
Traveler’s Check: As a safety measure, traveler checks are recommended. Travelers must convert their traveler’s check into RMB before using.
Credit Card: At present, most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Million Card, Master card, Diners Club, Federal Card, East Americard-Visa, Pacific card and JCB Card can be used in China.
|
|
Customs
Foreign visitors are allowed to bring in 1 carton of cigarette, 1 bottle of 750 ml alcohol. No limit on self-use medicine, money camera or film. But professional camera or camcorder without permit is not allowed.
1. Do not attempt to bring in any contraband or other illegal items. (e.g. drug, pornography, weapon, inflammable and explosive, book of politics etc)
2. Merchandise labeled as “cultural relic” may not be taken out of China without evidence of official approval for export.
Save all currency-exchange vouchers and all receipts for major purchases as these may be required for presentation at exit and also when you exchange China’s currency back to US dollars.
|
|
Gratuities
Tipping is an international practice and cannot be neglected. It is a way to appreciate
and encourage good service of the Chinese tour guides, escorts and bus drivers. USD $7 per day is recommended.
|
|
