Thank you for choosing China Travel Depot for your journey into China.

We are enthralled by the magic of the Middle Kingdom and we’re sure you will be too. To assist with your travel arrangements we have prepared the following pre-departure information. Please read this carefully before your travel to China and be mindful of some of our suggestions while you are traveling.

What to Expect	Visa Requirements & Departure Taxes	Arrival Instructions	All other airports
Insurance	Money	Baggage & Clothing	Electricity
Health & Fitness	Food/ Water	Tipping Policy	Post & Communication
Photography	Tour Guides	Local Time	Shopping
Important Dates Affecting Touring	Massage Services	Recommended Reading	Guide Books

What to Expect

The first thing that strikes visitors to China is its vastness in terms of both geography and population. It is a country with an incredible history of dynastic rule, which was eventually replaced by communist domination and closed to the outside world for many years. However, modern day China has advanced far from the image of uniformly clothed peasant workers on bicycles. The country now has a growing middle class determined to practice their capitalist principles in what is still a communist political system. In larger cities you may experience the shove of railway station crowds, the noise of construction work and the sight of young entrepreneurs holding mobile phones and eating “fast food”. But venture away from the large cities and you will be rewarded with an experience that stays with you for years after you leave. From the deserts of Xinjiang, to the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, from the beauty of the Li River near Guilin to the mystery of the “Silk Road”, from the relaxing getaway towns of Yangshuo, Lijiang and Dali to Tibet’s magnificent mountains and monasteries - China’s diversity is more evident than perhaps in any other country in the world.

The travel industry in China has for quite some time now been growing at a rapid pace. However, there are still a number of areas in China where the freshness and novelty of tourism is still evident. Major cities now offer facilities and services at western standards; however traveling in the more remote areas of China may involve road travel on bumpy roads, noisy trains, and the use of clean but basic accommodation. You may also find that attitudes towards customer service may not always be at the standard you would expect in a western country.

Whilst traveling through China please also be prepared for possible changes to tour travel plans. Flight, train and boat schedule changes throughout China are common and are a reality of traveling through this part of the world. Travel Indochina and your tour leader or local guide will keep you fully informed of any changes and amendments to the order of sight-seeing. Be aware that if you plan to travel around Chinese national holidays (listed in this guide), you may experience more disruptions than usual to your normal itinerary.

Visa Requirements & Departure Taxes

To enter China you will require a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with at least 2 blank pages. A visa will need to be organized prior to your arrival. For this you will require a completed application form with one passport photo (two for US citizens) and your passport. Allow 5-10 working days for processing. It is your responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to arrival in China.

Tibet is a part of China and as such the normal China tourist visa applies for Tibet. In addition to the China tourist visa, permits are required for visits to each region of Tibet. Note that permits are arranged by Travel Indochina for client travel to Tibet and thus do not need to be arranged by the client or the agent.

Visitors from most countries, including citizens of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and Japan, can enter Hong Kong (a Special Administrative Region of China) without a visa for periods of 90 days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Arrival Instructions

Arrival (and departure) transfers are included for all Small Group Journeys. If you have pre-arranged an airport arrival transfer in China you will find a representative from Travel Indochina waiting to meet you. Please look for a sign with your name on it (not a hotel sign). The airport arrival area tends to get crowded with lots of people holding signs, so we have designated particular meeting points in some airports.

Beijing: Exit from the luggage claim area into the arrivals hall. Many people will be waiting there, but please proceed past them and make your way to Exit 5. It is directly facing international arrivals and two minutes walk left out of domestic arrivals. At Exit 5 you will see Starbucks Café. Look for your Travel Indochina representative holding a sign with your name on it, outside the café.

Hong Kong: Exit customs and proceed directly to desk B1 in the arrivals hall. There you will find a Travel Indochina representative holding a sign with your name on it. The representative will lead you to a shuttle bus for your transfer to your hotel.

All other airports

Immediately on exiting the customs hall you will see a Travel Indochina representative holding a sign with your name on it.

Please look carefully for your transfer. If you cannot find a sign with your name please call the relevant emergency contact number which is also listed on your itinerary.

If you have no airport arrival transfer pre-arranged in China, metered taxis are available at the airport. To catch a metered taxi, make your way out to the “Taxi Stand” (labeled in English) directly outside the airport terminal building. Taxis will be queued at the taxi stand. Board the taxi as directed by staff and make sure that the taxi meter is turned on once your journey begins. You should not pay more than RMB120 (USD$15) to reach your hotel in Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu, and even less in Kunming. Any road tolls are to be paid by the passenger (usually at the end of the journey).

If you are making your own way to the hotel in Hong Kong, it is advisable to take the Airport Express train service to Central or Kowloon Stations (HK$100/HK$90). Free shuttle bus services connect these stations with major hotels. Alternatively a taxi direct from the airport should cost approximately HK$260 to Kowloon or HK$310 to Hong Kong Island (USD33/40).

There are also usually a number of taxi touts outside the customs hall more than willing to take you to your hotel, but be aware that they will usually charge an inflated price and their meter may tick over at a faster rate.

Insurance

You must be comprehensively insured as a condition of traveling with Travel Indochina. Insurance should include unlimited coverage for personal accident and medical expenses, full provision for evacuation and a minimum of $25,000USD cover for repatriation expenses, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.

We will ask you to confirm your insurance details as part of our travel registration process at the start of your journey. If you do not have appropriate insurance we will insist you obtain insurance. We reserve the right not to provide the services booked with us until insurance is purchased.

Note that travel insurance may be ‘attached’ to your credit card, although usually such cover is effective only if your travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Insurance cover from credit cards often does not include payment of medical expenses or emergency repatriation. Please check your policy carefully.

Please note that government regulations in Asia do not always require or enforce the possession of hotel, transport supplier and other supplier public liability insurance. Even when this insurance is in place, it can be for very limited cover only. Travel Indochina does its best to work with suppliers who possess public liability insurance, however this is not always possible. Regardless of length of stay and type of service, you must have adequate insurance to cover you in the event you suffer a medical problem while traveling.

Money

The currency in China and Tibet is known as the Renminbi (RMB) or “people’s money”. This basic unit of currency is formally known as the Yuan (Y). Hong Kong has its own currency, the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). Approximate exchange rates as follows but you are advised to check current rates prior to your travel:

• Y14.9 equals GBP￡1
• Y 7.5 equals US$1
• Y 5.9 equals AUD$1
• Y5.2 equals NZ$1
• Y7.0 CAD$1

You are advised to carry a mix of cash and travelers cheques (US$, AUD$, CAD$ & GBP￡ are accepted throughout China). Traveler cheques can be exchanged at most major hotels. It is a good idea to keep the exchange receipts as you may need these if you want to change the Chinese currency back to your local currency at the end of your trip. Credit cards can be used in many of the hotels and in some shops and restaurants in major cities; however they are not widely accepted in more rural areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted in cards. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at most Bank of China branches. ATM access is available through-out the country at Bank of China particularly in the bigger cities. When the ATM is not working, you can get cash out over the counter. This is usually only during business hours and you may need to have your passport with you to do this.


Baggage & Clothing

Standard sized bags (preferably soft bags), backpacks or soft cases only are permitted on our journeys. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles and trains is limited. Any flights booked through Travel Indochina (domestic and international) have a luggage limit of 20 kilograms per person. You may be required to carry your own luggage at times where porters are not available – you should be capable of carrying your own bags on and off trains, and up and down stairs. If you are doing lots of shopping during your travels, it may be necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your tour concludes, or ship purchases directly home. Keeping the amount of luggage you carry in check will ensure your safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of your fellow travelers. Porterage is not included in the cost of your journey. Please ensure you pay porters around $1USD per person for carrying your luggage. Should you wish to avoid such payments, please carry and take responsibility for your luggage.

The time of year you travel to China will affect the clothes that you pack for your trip. Extreme temperatures are common in the winter and summer months, as well as in areas of higher altitude so warm jackets or comfortable casual cotton clothes should be packed accordingly. Packing at least one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be expensive. We suggest you include:

• Flat walking shoes and sandals
• Hat & sunglasses
• Jumper/coat/thermals - if visiting in winter or mountainous high altitude areas
• Bathers
• Money belt
• Raincoat or umbrella
• Basic first aid kit (see below)
• Insect repellent
• Alarm clock
• Small torch
• Swiss Army pocketknife
• Power adapter
• Women’s sanitary products
• Ear plugs and eye patches for the train
• Day pack – for carrying items on touring days and to be used as an overnight bag

Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage.

Alcohol is no longer permitted onboard domestic flights and must also be stored in your check-in luggage. You may be asked to open bottled water at security check-points to take a sip so they can verify the contents.

Electricity

The electric current in China operates on 220 volts. Electric plug types come in at least four sizes and vary throughout the country, however the two narrow-pin type is usable in most parts of the country. You may want to bring a small hair dryer or portable iron. Many but not all of our hotels will have these.
Health & Fitness

Travelers to China should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. Western medical facilities are available in the major cities. In remote areas of China, medical facilities are basic. Some of the diseases known to exist in China include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimize your risk of exposure to these health risks. We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs. We recommend you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up to date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.

We suggest you bring a simple medical kit. Your doctor should advise you what to include, but as a minimum we suggest you bring:

• Aspirin or paracetamol (for pain or fever)
• Antihistamines (for allergies and itches)
• Cold and flu tablets
• Something to stop diarrhoea
• Something appropriate for nausea and vomiting
• Rehydration mixture (to prevent dehydration)
• Insect repellant
• Antiseptic and bandages
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor)

As part of our travel registration process at the start of any journey with China Travel Depot, you will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.

Food/ Water

Chinese food incorporates a number of styles and each region specializes in its own cuisine. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of buffet and continental style. In the major cities lunch should cost around RMB50 and dinner RMB50-100 - depending on the restaurant. Meals are generally cheaper in small rural towns or more remote regions such as along the Silk Road in Northwest China. Vegetarian meals are available but can be harder to find outside of the bigger cities. Please ensure your tour leader or local guide are aware of special dietary requirements in advance so they can assist you with ordering suitable food. Drinking local tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is cheap and readily available throughout China.

Tipping Policy

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and your tour leader, a tip is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, tipping inspires great service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across Travel Indochina destinations. As a general guide on Small Group or Special Group Journeys, please allow 2USD to 3USD per day per traveler for each of your local guide, driver and tour leader. If your tour is private, please allow 3USD to 5USD per day per traveler for each of your local guide and driver. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Should you be dissatisfied with the services provided by your local guide, driver or tour leader, please let us know.

Post & Communication

International mail generally takes 10 to 14 days to reach its destination and prices are a little less than western postal charges. Parcels must be inspected by a customs official at the post office before being sealed and boxes are usually available at the post office. Reverse charge (collect) calls are available in many cities. International phone and fax facilities are widely available however they are expensive (RMB20-30 per min). International direct dial is available from most hotels for additional charges but the service is not always reliable. Email services are inexpensive and available in some tourist areas. Hotels often have internet and email services which are convenient but more costly.

Photography

Print film, such as Kodak, Konika or Fuji is widely available and costs approximately RMB30 per roll. China has good and fast processing facilities. A roll of 24 exposures can be developed for approximately RMB40. Slide films, APS and Hi8/V8 video cassettes are not widely available outside major cities. The x-ray machines at all airports are film safe. Digital photography is easily catered for in key cities in China and most film developers are able to place digital photos onto a disc for approximately RMB40 (256mb). Take care to ensure that the memory stick is not wiped after the download.


Tour Guides

All of our tour guides have an in-depth knowledge of China and an enthusiasm for the country that is contagious. Your tour guide is your link with China and is there to ensure the smooth running of the trip. They impart local information about history, customs and culture that can only come from living in the area. Generally, we have a different local guide for each city or region we visit. Thus, local guides are usually only with the group for a few days.

Local Time

China is set to Beijing time:

• 8hrs ahead of GMT
• 2hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time
• 4hrs behind New Zealand
• 13hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
• 16hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time
• 13hrs ahead of US Eastern Time.
• 16hrs ahead of US Pacific Time.

Shopping

Clothing, paintings, jade, pearls, scrolls, silk, ceramics, antiques and a huge selection of souvenirs are favorite buys for visitors. A few guidelines to follow when shopping:

Important Dates Affecting Touring

06 Feb – 22 Feb 2008 - Chinese New Year / Spring Festival:

Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Potential cancellations and schedule changes to touring, flights, trains and hotel bookings. More crowds at popular sites due to increase in numbers of domestic tourists traveling.

30 Apr - 8 May 2007 - International Labor Day:

Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Potential cancellations and schedule changes to touring, flights, trains and hotel bookings. More crowds at popular sites due to increase in numbers of domestic tourists traveling.

07 Sep – 13 Oct 2008 - Formula 1 / Grand Prix in Shanghai:

Increased number of visitors to Shanghai for the Grand Prix event. More crowds at tourist sites, and limited hotel availability. Surcharges applied to hotel bookings. Potential cancellations and schedule changes to touring, flights, trains and hotel bookings.

30 Sep - 8 Oct 2008 - Chinese National Day:

Public holiday. Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses. Potential cancellations and schedule changes to touring, flights, trains and hotel bookings. More crowds at popular sites due to increase in numbers of domestic tourists travelling.

Massage Services

Many cities in China are deservedly renowned for their massage techniques and the quality and value for money of these services. We advise you to check carefully before using massage services in China, when some illegal massage parlors or hotlines are trying to provide over charged sex massage. It is your responsibility if you encounter any problems if you book this kind of service.


Recommended Reading

Books worth reading include those outlined below. Please refer to our website for a wider list of suggested reading.

Guide Books