Before You Book

PREPARING TO GO TO CHINA

 

CAPITAL

Beijing

LANGUAGE

Mandarin and Cantonese is the official language of China.

RELIGION

China has three main religions - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

LOCAL TIME

The standard time for China is calculated from Beijing. China Standard Time (CST) is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

ELECTRICITY

220 Volts - sockets come in at least four designs: 3 pronged angled pins (as in Australia), three pronged round pins (as in Hong Kong), two flat pins (American style but without the earth wire) or two narrow round pins (European style).

PASSPORT & VISA

To enter China, a passport with at least six months' validity is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. To enter Hong Kong, a passport valid for the duration of stay is required by nationals in the chart above.

A passport and visa are required by all nationalities. A tourist visa is normally valid for entry within three months of the date of issue and allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry. Visas are refused without explanation to those the authorities consider a proscribed profession. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid listing your profession as a journalist, editor or similar. Hong Kong is treated as a separate entity and most travellers do not need to obtain a visa in advance. Visas for China can be obtained in Hong Kong but can take several working days. Visa regulations for China can change without notice so please ensure you check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate before travel for up-to-date information.

When making the visa application you will need to submit a detailed itinerary of all places you plan to visit and all hotels.

You do not need a tourist visa if you are:

• on a continuing international flight.
• connecting flights or if you remain at the airport for less than 24 hours. If you wish to leave the airport while awaiting transit, you must request a stopover permit from the Chinese border authorities at the airport.
• visiting any of the following cities for up to 72 hours while in transit and between two pre-purchased international flights, via their international airports:
  • Changsha via the Changsha Huanghua International Airport
  • Chengdu via the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
  • Chongqing via the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
  • Dalian via the Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
  • Guangzhou via the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  • Guilin via the Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
  • Harbin via the Harbin Taiping International Airport
  • Kunming via the Kunming Changshui International Airport
  • Qingdao via the Qingdao International Airport
  • Shenyang via the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport
  • Tianjin via the Tianjin Binhai International Airport
  • Wuhan via the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
  • Xiamen via the Gaoqi International Airport
  • Xi’an via the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
• visiting Shanghai municipality, Zhejiang Province or Jiangsu Province for up to 144 hours while in transit between two pre-purchased international flights, via the following ports:
  • Beijing via the Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
  • Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
  • Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
  • Shanghai Railway Station
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Foreign nationals must always carry their passports as police carry out random spot checks; these are more frequent around times of heightened security such as sporting events.

Those wishing to visit Tibet are strongly advised to join a travel group. Individual travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Applicants also need to show their Chinese visa.

All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition, travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is the sole responsibility of the traveler.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The monetary unit in China is the Yuan Renminbi (CNY; symbol ¥) = 10 jiao/mao or 100 fen. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 5 jiao and 1 jiao. Coins are in denominations of ¥1, 5 jiao and 1 jiao. Counterfeit ¥50 and ¥100 notes are commonplace. The Yuan is often referred to as the ‘guai’ in street slang.

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.

MONEY EXCHANGE, CREDIT CARD & ATM

There is a set exchange rate in China determined by the Bank of China, the only bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange. Tourist class hotels are often also authorised to exchange foreign currency, have exchange rates that are equivalent to those at the bank and are far more convenient for travellers. Cash and traveller's cheques can be easily changed throughout the country and oddly the latter attract a better rate than cash. Although there are ATMs in larger cities, these facilities are very unreliable. Do not rely solely on a debit card as a source of funds whilst in China. Credit cards are accepted in very few shops and not generally in restaurants. It is very easy to change money at the airport on arrival in Beijing, but not so convenient in Beijing itself. Given that exchange rates are the same throughout the country it is advisable to change some money at the airport, particularly if you arrive on a weekend or if your tour leaves the city the next morning.  In Hong Kong money exchange is very easy but rates vary considerably. Credit cards are readily accepted, and ATMs are found throughout the city.

CLOTHING

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In China's hot and humid summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon. Be prepared for cooler evenings and early morning starts - for this reason you will generally find it better to pack several thin layers rather than one thick layer. A fleece can be invaluable. Other than that, almost anything goes in China. In the cities when it is hot the Chinese wear short skirts / shorts and vest tops so you will not offend anyone by dressing like this. The only exceptions to this is in west China where there is a sizeable Muslim population and also in some remote rural areas women may feel a little out of place with bare shoulders and 'short' shorts. At either end of the season, the weather can drop to freezing for days at a time.

COMMUNICATION

Internet
Internet cafés can now be found almost everywhere in China. The cost for an hour is usually under $US 1. Hotel business centres often charge $US 2 or more per hour but can be convenient for quick checks.

Post
The postal service is good, and stamps are widely available. An overseas stamp for a postcard will cost approx. $US 0.7.

Phone

The Chinese phone system is reliable and the mobile network surprisingly comprehensive.

Public telephones are becoming harder to locate - your best bets are in post offices and at roadside kiosks. There is a three-minute minimum charge for international calls. The cheapest way to call internationally is to buy a pre-paid calling card, available from most convenience stores and in hotels in units of ¥20, 50, 100 and 200. Skype is a further option.

MEALS

Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below:

• Simple Chinese snack - $US 1
• Light Chinese meal - $US 2-5
• Fancy Chinese restaurant - $US 12-25

DRINKS

Tea is usually provided free of charge at meals. Boiling water is generally available in stations and airports and is complimentary on all trains. All other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense. Approximate costs for drinks bought in a shop in the street are shown below. Prices in restaurants, hotels and on cruise boats can be considerably higher. Tap water is not fit for drinking.

• 1l of water: $US 0.5
• 30cl bottle of soft drink: $US 0.5
• 60cl bottle of beer: $US 0.5

It is not recommended that you drink the local tap water in China. However bottled water carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available throughout the country.

FOOD

Chinese cuisine has a very long history and is renowned all over the world. Cantonese (the style most Westerners are most familiar with) is just one regional style of Chinese cooking. There are eight major schools of Chinese cuisine, named after the places, where they were conceived: Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong (Cantonese), Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. China's cuisine breaks down into four major regional categories:

Northern cuisine:

Beijing food has developed from the Shandong school of cuisine and tends to be very hearty.

Specialties:

• Peking duck (roasted and eaten in a thin pancake with cucumber and a sweet plum sauce).
• Mongolian hot pot (a Chinese version of fondue; it is eaten in a communal style and consists of simmering soup in a special large round pot into which is dipped a variety of uncooked meats and vegetables, which are cooked on the spot).
• Shuijiao (pasta-like dough wrapped round pork meat, chives and onions, similar in idea to Italian ravioli; these can be bought by the jin (pound) in street markets and small eating houses and make a good snack).

Southern cuisine

Guangdong (Cantonese) food is the most exotic in China. The food markets in Guangzhou are a testimony to this, and the Western visitor is often shocked by the enormous variety of rare and exotic animals that are used in the cuisine, including snake, dog, turtle and wildcat.

Specialties:

• Dim sum (small portions of food served in steamer baskets, usually involving dumplings and rice noodle rolls).
• Shrimp wonton noodle soup.

Eastern cuisine

Shanghai and Zhejiang cooking is rich and sweet, often pickled. Noted for seafood, richly braised meats, hot and sour soup and noodles.

Specialties:

• Xiao long bao (steamed dumplings filled with pork, crabmeat, and flavourful broth).
• Shengjian Mantou (pan fried pork buns eaten dipped in vinegar).
• Hairy crabs.

Western cuisine

Sichuan and Hunan food is bold and spicy, with liberal use of the mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorn.

Specialties:

• Kung po chicken (a classic Sichuan dish, marinated with chilies)
• Dandan noodles
• Mapodoufu (spicy bean curd)

Regional drinks:

• Maotai (one of the best-known national drinks is a fiery spirit distilled from rice wine).
• Tsingtao (local beers are of good quality, which is like German lager).
• Wine drinking is rapidly growing in popularity amongst China's middle classes. Great Wall and Dynasty are the most prolific producers, but boutique wines from Grace Vineyard and Catai (owned by the Campari group) are more palatable.

WEATHER & CLIMATE

China experiences great diversity in climate. Spread over such a vast area, the country is subject to extremes in weather. There is heavy snowfall in northern regions like Beijing in winter, whilst Hong Kong in the south is warm all year round with average daytime temperatures seldom falling below 20 (celcius) even in winter. We do not operate many tours to China during the winter months and those we do run are based in the warmer south. Overall, Spring and Autumn are considered the best seasons to travel. Daily average temperatures rise to around 25 (celcius) in the summer, peaking around 30 (celcius) in July and August. July sees the highest rainfall in most parts of the country, so summer can be very humid. 60% humidity is not unusual, and it may reach 70% in Canton.

Beijing: (approx)

Kunming: (approx)

Shanghai: (approx)

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE

Still not officially approved of; tipping is becoming more commonplace in China. It is usual in tourist hotels and restaurants, and with tour guides and drivers. A service charge is often added by restaurants in large hotels.

It is a way of showing your appreciation and will be welcomed by the recipient, although if you decide not to tip in a particular circumstance, this doesn’t mean you’ll receive a lower level of service. Ultimately, tipping is discretionary and should be done at a level that feels comfortable.

Here are some guidelines that you may find helpful:

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for latest health information.

Medical services tend to be offered through local hospitals rather than private clinics, but tourists are advised to have travel insurance which covers medical costs as many hospitals will expect payment in cash before giving treatment. Costs at local hospitals are low and standards vary. Travellers are advised to take a friend who can translate if going to a local hospital, as many of the medical staff will not understand English. Medical facilities in international hospitals (these are in the bigger cities) are much better and many common drugs are available over the counter. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments are also used widely in China, such as acupuncture, meridian massage, cupping, and herbal medications.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers only if arriving within 10 days from infected areas.

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are sometimes advised. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the central Yangtze River basin. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis E is prevalent in northeastern and northwestern China and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) have resulted in a small number of human deaths. Rabies is present. If bitten, medical advice should be sought immediately. There are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. In 2010 China lifted its restrictions preventing HIV-infected visitors from travelling there.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.