General China Travel Tips
A China Trip will be full of wonderful memories especially if you are well prepared. The following tips will be most helpful in planning your China Trip.
Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required for U. S. citizens along with a China visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after departing China and have available blank pages for a visa stamp.
For individual tourist visa a completed visa application form with signature needs to be filled out. One recent 2”x 2” passport photo (color or black and white) needs to be attached to the form.
For a group tourist visa, there must be a minimum of 5 people traveling together. You must all arrive in China and depart from China at the same time. You must list the names of each city in order of visiting with arrival and departure date from China. Click here for group visa form.
Time:
China is 12 hours ahead of New York time.
Climate:
China is a vast country with a wide range of temperatures. Summer can be hot and winter quite cold. The best time to visit China is from April 1st – May 31st and September 1st to November 15th.
Currency:
Renminbi (RMB or Yuan) is China’s currency. The present exchange rate is US $1 = RMB 6.8. For up to date money conversion rates, go to www.xe.com. You can either bring traveler’s checks or use your ATM card. ATMs are available in all big cities. There is a bank charge for using your ATM card. When using credit card overseas, you will be charged an additional 3 % by your bank for purchases. It is important to let your credit card companies and Bank (ATM card) know when you will be in China. Otherwise, you maybe blocked form using these cards.
Electric Outlets:
China electricity is generally 220 volts. Outlets in China generally accept the flat blade plug and the v shaped flat prong. You may want to buy a combination voltage convertor and plug adaptor.
Telephones:
To call China from the U.S, you must dial 011 + 86 (China code) + City code + number. If you will be making lots of calls in China, you can rent a phone inexpensively. Internet is available in almost all hotels. Some hotels do not charge for internet and some charge by the hour or a daily rate.
Vaccinations:
It is important to see what vaccinations your doctor recommends for travel to China. You can also go to www.cdc.gov to see what is recommended.
Cancellation and Medical Insurance:
Trip cancellation insurance is HIGHLY recommended. This also includes some money towards medical care while away.
Water and Food Precautions:
Only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water unless the hotel has a purification system. Eating street food is not recommended. Do not eat unpeeled fruits and vegetables or raw vegetables that are not washed with purified water. Do not drink from soda or water bottles that have a broken seal.
Tipping:
The following is a guide line. You can give according to how pleased you are.
Guide: For 1 person, $7-$8/day.
For 2 -5 people, $5/person/day.
For 6 – 10 people, $3- $4/person/day
Driver: Driver receives half of what guide receives.
Shopping:
There are usually some shopping stops on tours. If you do not want to stop or have a special request, let the guide know and he/she can plan accordingly.
Books:
There are some recommended fiction and non-fiction books listed under China on my website.
Your trip should be planned and booked before arriving in China. Geringer Global Travel has the expertise along with a Chinese tour operator to help plan a very special custom China tour. Personalized service while in China will ensure that you are well cared for as excellent drivers and guides will be provided to meet all your needs. With Geringer Global Travel’s help, your China trip should be hassle free filled with amazing experiences and life long memories of China.
