1. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR CHINA TOURTop
Preparing for your China Tours is simple once you understand simple things to keep in mind. This informative guide will help you prepare for you China tour. Following it carefully will ensure you have a valuable, safe and wonderful excursion.
2. WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GOTop
Before you leave on your China tour, you should read the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) guidelines. Following its guidelines will ensure your wait time at the security center is brief.
Also, be sure to make at least two copies of your passport ID page so you can easily replace it if it’s lost or stolen. Leave one copy with family or a friend; carry the other, along with a passport-sized photo, with you separately from your passport.
Finally, have a family member or friend know your itinerary in case you need to be contacted in an emergency.
3. ARRIVAL PROCEDURE Top
When you arrive at your destination, the guide traveling with you will assist you in finalizing the landing procedure, clearing customs and getting to your hotel. We also have a member center to assist you; look for the Joy Holiday sign. If your China tour is only a land tour, please take a cab to your hotel; the trip will cost only $10-15. Your hotel information will be listed in both English and Chinese in the final trip booklet we will send you approximately two weeks before your China tours under “Contact Information.”
4. BAGGAGETop
Travel as lightly as possible; we recommend one (1) checked bag and one (1) carry-on per person.
﹡ Allowance
Expect different rules for your transpacific trip and any domestic trip you might make. For transcontinental flights, you can bring two (2) checked bags. However, they must not exceed 107”(273 cms.) total dimensions (L x W x H). The maximum dimensions of one bag cannot be bigger than 62” (158 cms.). Each bag must not weigh more than 50 lbs. You can carry one carry-on; its dimensions cannot exceed 45” (115 cms.).
For domestic flights in China, different rules apply. You can only take one checked bag that doesn’t weigh over 50 lbs.; your carry-on piece must not weigh more than 11 lbs. and must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
Baggage not following these rules will sustain excess baggage fees that must be paid on-site by the passenger.
﹡ Precautions
Put tags on each piece of luggage. Also place your name and contact information plus your itinerary in the front pocket of your bag to help airline workers to help return any lost luggage to you.
Do not bring prohibited items such as lighters, valuables such as jewelry or money, fragile items such as cameras, undeveloped film or glasses or medications in your checked baggage. Read about prohibited items on the TSA Prohibited and Permitted items.
﹡ Lost/Damaged Baggage
We are not responsible for lost or damaged baggage. Make sure you file a claim with the airline prior to leaving the airport. If your luggage or personal belongings are harmed by other things, file a report to local authorities immediately and get a written report to submit to your travel insurance provider.
﹡ Baggage Lock
Your bags must have locks on them for transport in China, no exceptions. This is a Chinese regulation. It doesn’t matter what kind of lock you use as long as you use one.
However, in the USA you must use a lock approved the TSA that screeners can open and lock easily. If you don’t, your lock will be cut off if your luggage is inspected.
﹡ For Bus Tours, how many luggage bags are allowed, and the size?
For the purposes of safety and comfort, we recommend you that do not carry too much baggage. Too much baggage will occupy the passenger’s room and cause the danger of driving. We recommend: 1 backpack for 1 Day Tour; 1 carry-on for 2/3 Days Tour; 2 carry-on for 4/5 Days Tour; 1 large baggage for 6/7 Days Tour; 1 large baggage and 1 carry-on for 8 Days Tour or more. The principal carry-on is 21 inches; the principal large baggage is 29 inches.
5. CHINA TOUR GUIDES AND TRAVEL GROUP SIZETop
Your China tours will include a tour guide/escort from the US who is an American citizen and a local tour guide in China, who will greet you at the airport and be with you in each city, until you go to a new city. Each Chinese tour guide will speak English.
China tours’ group size is 25 people or less.
6. CHINESE CURRENCYTop
﹡ The currency in China is called the Renminbi (RMB) and is the “People’s Money.” Its basic unit is the Yuan, which is partitioned into 10 Jiao. It’s then divided again by 10 into the Fen. The Bank of China issues RMB in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Yuan and 1, 2 and 5 Jiao. You use bronze and nickel coins for smaller amounts.
﹡ As of January, 2010, the exchange rate was approximately $1=RMB 6.8. However, exchange rates change daily so check this website for the current rate.
﹡ You must wait until you get to China to convert your money. Spend it all or exchange it back before you leave. However, Hong Kong’s currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is internationally exchangeable.
﹡ You can exchange money at hotels, airports and the Bank of China’s branches. You don’t need to shop around for a good deal as the official rate is used almost everywhere. For convenience, exchange money at your hotel. It will be supervised by the Bank of China and will be safe. Keep all your receipts because they are needed at the end of your trip to convert your money back to dollars. If you go to Hong Kong, you may exchange RMB for the Hong Kong dollar there, but make sure to change it back to RMB or American dollars before you leave. Exchange all your RMB before your last day in China or you won’t have time to do so.
﹡ Traveler’s checks are very safe; however, many hotels don’t accept them. Again, maintain your receipts so you can exchange your traveler’s checks back into dollars. We recommend using only American Express and Visa traveler’s checks as they are more reputable and recognizable to the Chinese. However, in all, cash is preferred over traveler’s checks.
﹡ Bring a stack of US dollars with you, especially $1 bills so that you can use them to tip and to buy from street vendors. Leave your coins at home; they aren’t useable on your China tours. Paper bills must be complete, free of graffiti and not worn out – if you try to use such bills, they won’t be accepted.
﹡ You can only use major credit cards at hotels, tourist shops and upscale stores. Use them for major purchases at tourist stores and to buy insurance for items shipped back to the US. Call your credit card company and inform the representative that you are going to China so your purchases and hotel stays aren’t declined.
﹡ Personal checks are not accepted in China.
﹡ You mustn’t count on ATMs to be available on your China tour unless you are in Hong Kong. ATMs, however, can be found in large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. You can only withdraw RMB and the exchange rate is the same as with credit cards. Remember, though, that if you withdrawal from your credit card, you face stiff fees. It’s probably best not to use an ATM.
﹡ If you want to feel most comfortable, use a money belt for safety.
7. CURRENCY CONCERNSTop
Carry your money in various forms: cash, traveler’s checks and credit cards. When you shop in a tourist shop, use your credit card; use local currency when the store doesn’t accept credit cards. Tip with US dollars.
8. CLIMATE/WEATHERTop
China is huge and its climate and weather vary in each area. The north is cold and dry in the winter, while the south, in general, is hot and humid in the summer. In July and August, rains scatter throughout the country. The climate in Hong Kong is almost the same as in Hawaii, being sub-tropical. You can learn more about the weather patterns by visiting this site.
9. DRESSTop
You don’t have to worry about a dress code in China; almost anything goes. Bring the most comfortable clothes you have, dress in layers to accommodate weather changes and bring your most comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. For a cruise, a casual dressy outfit is fine for meeting the boat’s Captain.
10. ELECTRICITYTop
If you need to charge things such as cameras, you will need an adapter for 220V, China’s electrical current. Plugs and outlets exist in various forms. Bring converters for all North American appliances, although housekeeping at hotels might have them. Also, hair dryers and irons are available at hotels, so don’t bother bringing them.
11. FILMTop
Pack your undeveloped film in your carry-on bags because repeated screening by checked baggage security ruins the film. Most X-ray machines in airports and rail road stations claim to be “film friendly,” but films with high ASAs could be ruined by them. Therefore, you should carry such film by hand.
12. FLIGHTS TO CHINATop
Always check with your airline prior to leaving for schedule changes, delays or other problems that might interfere with your flight taking off on time. You don’t want to wait unnecessarily at the airport or miss your flight. If your flight has a connection, ensure you can check your luggage all the way through to your final destination. Check in at least three (3) hours prior to take off. Always check the Air China flight schedule before you go.
If you plan on adding to, or changing, your trip in any way by going to another destination, please make sure you follow this guide:
﹡ Joy Holiday is not liable for missed connections or penalties acquired because of them.
﹡ Definitely purchase trip interruption insurance for your safety.
﹡ For a transpacific flight, you must check in three (3) hours before your flight.
﹡ Check in two (2) hours ahead for a domestic flight.
﹡ Expect it to take one (1) hour to clear customs and get your baggage.
If you lose or misplace your tickets, expect to pay a fee to get a replacement. You will likely have to fill out a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form and pay the fee to get replacement tickets. Always notify the airline immediately should this happen.
13. FREQUENT FLYER MILESTop
Air China is working on becoming part of the Star Alliance, the largest frequent flyer program in the world. Request an Air China frequent flyer card when you fly because you can later add these points to the Star Alliance point program when Air China joins it.
14. JET LAG INFORMATIONTop
When you travel across time zones, you’re very likely to experience jet lag; it causes fatigue, irritability and some disorientation. You can expect some jet lag, but to help combat it, follow these rules:
﹡ Get a lot of sleep several nights before you leave.
﹡ Set your watch to your destination’s time so you can better gauge when to eat and sleep.
﹡ Sleep on the plane if you can.
﹡ Walk around the plane as often as possible.
﹡ Do isometric exercises and stretch often.
﹡ Drink a lot of water and juice to prevent dehydration.
﹡ Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the plane and after your flight.
﹡ Try to avoid naps and stay awake until you usually go to bed.
15. LAUNDRYTop
You can get same-day laundry service at your hotel for reasonable prices.
16. MEALS Top
When eating Chinese style, you’ll sit family style at a table for 10 and share the delicious dishes being served. Usually, you get to choose from 7 dishes, plus soup and rice. No internal organs, feet or heads will be included. Chinese tea is usually included, as is one beverage of your choice (beer, mineral water and soda).
Your breakfast will be American style to start your day with a happy stomach. You’ll also experience some familiar American meals so that you feel at home and get a variety of food.
17. MEDICATIONTop
Keep all prescription medications in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on bag. Long-term travel can cause some stomach discomfort or problems, so bring along some Imodium for such emergencies.
18. PACKINGTop
Remember, less is more when traveling anywhere, and on a China tour, this is essential. Decide whether you really need each piece you want to bring. Don’t bring things you can easily get at your hotel such as hair dryers and irons. You want to have room in your suitcase for all your purchases, so pack lightly. Remember you’ll be walking a lot so bring your most comfortable shoes!
Also, keep in mind that you’ll have access to a comb, disposable toothbrush, shampoo, body lotion and other sundries, so you don’t really need to bring those. And, should you need to, you can always buy a small piece of luggage to bring home your purchases – but we recommend packing light enough for your China tours to accommodate all you buy. Also, almost anything you need can be purchased at reasonable prices, so pack only your necessities.
19. PASSPORTS AND VISASTop
All foreign citizens and nationals must have a valid passport with at least six (6) months before expiration after the first day they enter the People’s Republic of China (PRC). You must also get a travel visa. For more information, check out the Passport and Visa website.
20. SHOPPINGTop
You’ll always want to shop on a vacation, and China tours are no exception. You can find great deals on jade, silk, rugs, cloisonné, ceramics, antiques, painting, furniture and more. Buying an item in an area for which it is famous for and you’ll get the best bargain. Remember to use a credit card for large purchases, and keep all receipts for customs purposes. Purchase insurance if you mail something home. Using $1 bills when dealing with street vendors is customary.
Please remember that all dealings with merchants are between you and the vendors. We are not responsible for any purchase you make, even if the seller is part of the tour package.
21. TELEPHONE SERVICETop
You can make both local and international calls from your hotel. Local rates vary from region to region but are usually inexpensive and sometimes included in your hotel rate. Calls from one city to another area are also reasonable and depend upon the distance from place to place. Calling internationally is very expensive, especially if your hotel adds a surcharge for such calls. Use a phone card which is usually more inexpensive. Try not to make international calls, but if you have to, prepare to pay the price.
You can also rent a cell phone if you’d like. Check out PandaPhone for rates and say you’re with Joy Holiday for a discount. For the best price, bring an unlocked tri-band (multi-band) cell phone with you and buy a SIM card as soon as you get to your first destination. Such cards are prepaid and give you more minutes for your money than an international call from your hotel.
To call North America from China, dial 00+1+phone number.
To call China from North America, dial 011+86+China area code (minus the first zero)+local number.
Dialing Hong Kong is similar: 852+Chinese area code (minus initial zero)+local number.
Some numbers are crucial to know in China, but only the local weather forecast and International Assistance will usually have English speakers. If you must call other numbers, ask one of your China tour guides for help.
|
International Assistance |
115 |
|
Local Directory Assistance |
114 |
|
Long Distance Assistance |
113 or 173 |
|
Police Hotline |
110 |
|
Fire Hotline |
119 |
|
Weather Hotline |
121 |
Area Codes
|
CITY |
CODE |
CITY |
CODE |
|
Beijing |
10 |
Shanghai |
21 |
|
Guilin |
773 |
Wuhan |
27 |
|
Suzhou |
512 |
Xian |
29 |
|
Chongqing |
23 |
Hangzhou |
571 |
|
Nanjing |
25 |
Lhasa |
891 |
|
Wuxi |
510 |
Canton |
20 |
|
Chengdu |
28 |
Hong Kong |
852 |
Internet and Fax services are usually available at your hotel; check out the Business Center to use them.
22. TIME CHANGETop
The PRC covers 5 time zones, but only recognizes Beijing time throughout the country. It is 8 hours ahead of GMT. Check the World Clock for current regional time.
When it is 9 am in Beijing, it is the following times in major US cities:
﹡ San Francisco: 5 pm the previous day; 6 pm during daylight savings time (16 hours behind Beijing time, 15 hours in daylight savings time)
﹡ Denver: 6 pm the previous day; 7 pm during daylight savings time
﹡ Chicago: 7 pm the previous day; 8 pm during daylight savings time
﹡ New York: 8 pm the previous day; 9 pm during daylight savings time
23. TIPSTop
Expect to pay gratuities in China. They provide motivation for the people with whom you interact so make sure you get the best possible service by tipping. As a guideline, expect to spend $10/day, which includes the Chinese tour guide, the American tour guide, the driver and bell persons. On “price buster” tours, which don’t include American guides, expect to spend $7/day .Tips are not expected for included meals. For outside dining, a tip is included, except in Hong Kong.
You will also get detailed gratuity instructions before you go with your travel packet. It’s a good idea to give your tips to your American tour guide, who will distribute them as you go. This way you don’t have to worry about them. Tips, of course, depend upon the service you receive; if you are dissatisfied, either lower the tip or dismiss it entirely.
24. TRAVEL INSURANCETop
You should purchase travel insurance for your China trip. This will protect you from anything that might happen to you or your belongings. If you purchase your tour with a credit card, sometimes travel insurance is included, but please check with your credit card issuer before counting on it.
25. US DUTY-FREE EXEMPTIONSTop
Keeping all the receipts of things you purchase will help speed you through customs. When you arrive back in the US, be ready to show those receipts and your purchases to customs personnel. As of November, 2009, the standard personal duty-free exemption is $800 if you are a returning US resident and you bring the items you purchase with you.
If you mail home items worth less than $200, you won’t have to pay a duty on them. Antiques that are 100 years older or more and fine art are usually exempt. Folk art and handicrafts acquire duties.
You are only allowed one (1) liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars. If you purchase items worth over $800 in Duty-Free stores, you will have to pay duties on them.
If you travel with your family, you can combine the exemptions. Children and infants get the same exemption amounts as adults, although they aren’t allowed alcohol or cigarettes.
More information about Duty-Free exemptions is found here.
26. VACCINATIONSTop
No vaccines are required to travel on a China tour. However, certain precautions should be taken to ensure you are in your best health on your trip. Tell your primary care doctor about your trip to make sure you are well prepared for it. Most people get Hepatitis A and B and Tetanus immunizations before they go. Some of them need to be taken well ahead of time. Call the Center for Disease Control at 1-888-232-3228 for updates on the needs of travelers to China.
27. WATERTop
Chinese tap water is not potable so do not drink it, unless you are in Hong Kong, where it is safe. Drink only bottled or boiled water. You can easily and affordably buy purified bottled water and sodas. Your hotel for you China tour will offer you boiled water, with which you can brew tea safely.
