For your own protection, all travelers are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance prior to departing on your trip.
If you are taking prescription medicine, please full label and pack in your hand luggage sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip.
In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour conductor and local guide for assistance.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Please bring with you the name, phone number and address of the person you wish to contact in case of emergency while on tour. We suggest you make copies of all your travel documents and keep them in a safe place. Also, we recommend that your passport, air tickets, cash and other travel documents not be kept together, so you would not lose everything in case something happens. Be sure you have everything with you before leaving for the airport.
For re-entry into the States, Resident Aliens need both a passport and an Alien Resident Card.
CLOTHING
Visit Weather Channel Service at www.weather.com for weather information before you go, and pack accordingly. We suggest you bring comfortable, casual clothing and two pairs of comfortable walking shoes for the trip. A raincoat, an umbrella and a light jacket are useful for traveling in all seasons.
BAGGAGE
Baggage allowance on tour coach is ONE large suitcase and one small bag per passenger. Since your suitcase will be transported frequently during the trip, be sure it is strong enough to withstand all the handling. Also be sure it has wheels, a luggage tag showing the name and contact information, and a lock. Unless you use a TSA approved lock, otherwise do not lock your luggage before the security check at airport. For more information on the TSA approved locks, please check TSA’s website at: http://www.tsa.gov
Travelers are required to check airline’s website for baggage policy before departure.
For China domestic flight, high-speed rails and trains, explosives and dangerous items including knives, any weapons, etc are strictly prohibited. Each passenger is allowed one checked luggage, up to 44 lbs/20 kgs, and one carry-on bag. Checked luggage must have a lock (combination locks are recommended). Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport.
Consider packing one change of clothing, one set of underwear and toiletry in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delayed or lost luggage.
DO NOT pack prescription medicine, valuables and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag.
THINGS TO BRING
Your contact lenses solution and aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. Sunglasses, hats, casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
Electrical converter and adapters (220V in China).
To protect the global environment, more and more hotels in China stop providing toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, razors, nail polish and shoes brushes, unless guests request. Travelers are strongly advised to prepare these items for yourself.
MONEY MATTERS
The Chinese currency is called RMB, and cash in EUR cannot be used. You may exchange the EUR to Chinese Yuan when you are in China. Converting RMB back to EUR you will need original receipts
The commonly accepted types of international credit cards are Visa card, Master Card, Union Pay, American Express, Diners Club International, Discover or JCB can be used in large shopping stores in major cities, but cash in advance can only be processed at designated banks.
Small businesses or retail vendors may require cash or mobile payments in RMB.
There are two main mobile payment apps in China: Alipay https://memberprod.alipay.com/account/reg/index.htm and WeChat Pay (wechat). You can download the Alipay app from the mobile APP STORE, register with your US phone number, and add your US credit card information (Visa card, Master Card, Union Pay, Diners Club International, Discover or JCB are accepted). After shopping, scan the merchant's QR code to complete the payment.
ATMs are quite popular in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but they can only withdraw RMB. Each withdrawal will charge a handling fee. The exchange rate is roughly the same as that of a credit card, but there is a maximum limit for daily withdrawals.
Personal checks are not acceptable in China. As of January 2024, the exchange rate apply:
1 EUR = 7.78 CNY (Chinese Yuan Renminbi)
CUSTOMS
China Customs: Foreign visitors are allowed to import, free of duty, one carton of cigarettes, one bottle of 750ml alcohol. There are no restrictions on importing the following items for personal use: medicine, camera/camcorder, rolls of film, foreign currency, etc. Professional recording equipment is not allowed without an import permit. Pornographic magazines, weapons, inflammable and explosive items, books of a political nature and certain drugs are illegal and are not allowed to be taken into China. Merchandise labeled as “cultural relics” or “antique” may not be taken out of China without an official export license. Save all your currency exchange receipts and purchase receipts for possible Customs inspection. For details of China Customs regulations, please check www.customs.gov.cn.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Meals are included as per itinerary in China. Lunch and dinner are Chinese, and most meals are served as a set menu with 10 people per table. One glass of local beer or soft drinks or mineral water is included with lunch and dinner. Unlimited amount of tea is included with all meals. Additional drinks at mealtime are available for purchase. Please verify the cost before ordering. Drinks in your hotel mini bar are extremely expensive. Do not take drinks from the mini bar and try to replace them later. YOU WILL BE CHARGED ACCORDINGLY since the mini bar accounting takes place in the morning, before you can replace anything. Hotel stores generally carry a variety of soft drinks and bottled water.
Costs that are the responsibility of the traveler: anything of a personal nature, walking sticks and porter services, cost of special exhibits and attractions inside a tourist site after paid entrance.
GRATUITIES
Tipping is customary all over the world. It encourages and rewards quality service. Your tour conductor, local guides, drivers, and other service personnel do their best to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are tokens of appreciation.
CHINA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
National Holidays:
January 1 - New Year’s Day, May 1 - Labor Day, October 1 - National Day
National Festivals:
Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival - First day of the first lunar month
Dragon Festival – The 15th day of the fifth lunar month
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) - The 15th day of the eighth lunar month
MISC. REMINDERS
It is very important that you bring with you on tour your passport or the ID that you present at the time of booking of reservation. Names on airline tickets, cruise lines, trains, hotels, attractions, will match the name on your passport or the ID that you use at reservation.
Please keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Watch out for pickpockets while sightseeing.
Bring name and phone number of an emergency contact. Read your itinerary and hotel information carefully before departure. Leave a copy of your itinerary and hotel list with your family.
CHECK IN TO AIRLINE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is very important to check in to the airline at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. You need to check in at the airport counter for the Air China flight.
Checking in online is pretty much standard now with many airlines. The time that check in opens varies from one airline to another, from 48 hours to 24 hours before the flight. Check your airline’s website for accurate and further information. Bear in mind, at this stage you may be able to select or change your seat if you have not done so.
