China: Things you should know before you go
Climate China is a vast country. Its northern regions experience the wide range of seasonal temperatures associated with a continental climate, while the subtropical south is generally warm and humid. In the north, winter falls between December and March and can be very cold. Although Beijing is generally dry and sunny during the winter, the temperature rarely rises above freezing point. Summer in the north spans May through August, during which time Beijing can be subjected to temperature of 380C (1000F) or higher. July and August are also Beijing’s rainy season. Spring and autumn are the best times for visiting the north and the Yangtze River area, including Shanghai-daytime temperatures range from 200C to 300C and there is less rain, although both spring and autumn can also be subject to periods of severe cold and frost. In both the north and south, most of the rain falls during summer.
Population By the end of year 2000, Mainland China (which excludes Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) had a population of close to 1,300 million. Most of China’s population is farmers living in rural areas-only 36% of the total population are classified as urban. The threat of an ever-growing population with an ever- shrinking capacity of feeding itself led the government to implement a massive nationwide birth control program in 1973 except for certain rural areas and minority nationalities.
Currency The Chinese currency is known as Renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of RMB is the Yuan, which is divided into ten Jiao, and each Jiao consists of ten fens.
The People’s Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 50 and 100 Yuan and smaller denomination of old bills of one, two and five Jiao around. Coins are in denominations of 1 Yuan, 5and 1 Jiao and one and five fen. The old paper versions of current coinage will be likely to disappear gradually.
Foreign currency and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at the main branches of the major banks in China, but you may find it more convenient to exchange your money at one of the four star (or above) tourist hotels. Hotels usually give the official exchange rate, though some will charge a small commission. Avoid changing money on the streets.
Credit cards issued by most of the world’s leading banks and other financial institutions are widely accepted in China. (Cash Exchange: The banks in China will only exchange for clean and undamaged bills. Bills with marks, writings or torn will be rejected) International ATM machines are available in most large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and in most 5-star hotels.
Exchange Rate CA$ 100.00 = RMB 550.00 approx. US$ 100.00 = RMB 600.00 approx.
Remarks: (1) Above exchange rate are subject to currency fluctuation. (2) US Dollar cash bill can get a better exchange rate than Canadian Dollar in China.
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What to pack Pack only what you will need. Think “light-weight and compact” when you’re deciding what to bring. Bear in mind that although international flights allow two 23-kilogram pieces of luggage, most domestic flights within China allow only one single 20 kilogram luggage item per passenger (checked-in). You are also allowed to carry one piece of hand-carry baggage, the size of the carry-on baggage should not exceed 20 X 40 X 55 cm and 5 kilogram in weight. During the summer months you will not need any heavy clothing. The Chinese themselves–both men and women-usually dress in shorts, T-shirt and flip-flops north of China during spring and autumn, though winter clothing will be necessary if you are planning to be in the north during the winter months.
It is recommended that you bring along your binoculars, windbreaker and suntan lotion.
Airport Securities All check-in bags had to be locked as required by the China Airport Securities. Hand carry for Gels, Liquids, Lotions, Pastes, Sprays, Water – Maximum 100 ML containers, put into the Plastic bag to be presented separately from other hand baggage for screening. All passengers are requested to have their passport ready with the boarding pass and air ticket for inspection when going through airport securities. NEW- Airport Security Requirements as per attached.
Customs Formalities Chinese border crossings have gone from being difficult and traumatic to exceedingly easy. There are clearly marked ‘green channels’ and ‘red channels’. Always take the green channels if you are a tourist, unless you have something to declare, in such circumstances, you will need to go through the ‘red channels’. You are allowed to import 400 cigarettes or the equivalent in tobacco products, as well as two litres of alcoholic beverages and one pint of perfume. You are allowed to import only 1,000 meters of movie film and a maximum of 72 rolls of still film. Import of fresh fruit is prohibited.
It is illegal to import any printed material, film, tapes etc. deemed “detrimental to China’s politics, economy, culture and ethics”. Yet, don’t be too concerned about what you take to read. When departing China, tapes, manuscripts, books etc. containing state secrets or which are otherwise prohibited for export, can be seized. Cultural relics, handicrafts, gold and silver ornaments and jeweler purchased in China must be presented to customs on leaving. You will also have to show your receipts; otherwise your goods may be confiscated. Foreigners, however, are rarely being searched.
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Telephone & fax Phone Cards: Phone cards can be purchased in the airport, hotel lobbies and in most telecommunications offices in denominations of RMB20, RMB50, and RMB100 (hotels will also include a service charge). Such cards can only cost RMB200. Calls made on card phones are charged by the minute. To make a phone call at the public phone, only phone cards are accepted. However, most phone cards can only be used in the city where you purchased them. The dialing code to Canada is 00-1 + area code +local number. Major 4-star+ hotels usually operate a business centre offering telephone, fax, and email services.
Electricity Electricity is 220V, 50 cycles AC. Plugs come in at least four designs: three-pronged angled pins (like in Australia), three-pronged round pins (like in Hong Kong), two flat pins (Canadian style but without the round wire) or two narrow round pins (European style). For the most part, however, you can safely travel with two types of plugs: Canadian-style or Australian-style together with a conversion plug.
Toilets Public toilets, like those found in railway stations and in the side streets of the cities and towns, generally do not meet the average westerner’s expectations of hygiene. Toilets in tourist areas are generally more acceptable than the public ones, though there may be an admission charge of RMB1. Toilets charging admission usually provide toilet paper and-for those that don’t, you will need to supply your own tissues and/or disposable wet towels.
Drinking water Tap water is not potable anywhere in China. Bottled water and soft drinks are widely available and should be safe to drink. However, please be careful when you purchase bottled water from street vendors and make sure the bottled had not been opened.
Food 3 meals daily were provided throughout the journey. Breakfast are served in buffet style with a good mix of Chinese and western food in the hotel. Lunch and dinner are usually served pre-ordered Chinese dishes. A variety of dishes will be served and we will make an effort to avoid dishes being repeated. Please note that the cooking style in China may use excessive oil (mainly peanut oil) and strong taste. If you were not used to too oily food, we would recommend you to use a bowl of hot water or tea to wash the food before you eat them.
Bargaining In small shops, street stalls and bazaar, bargaining is expected. You can also bargain on ships, and in hotels and with most people you might want to strike a deal with. In large establishments such as department stores or government-regulated stores, where prices are clearly marked, there is usually no room for bargaining. If you want to do a little bargaining, it is important to be polite. There is nothing wrong in asking for a discount - just make sure you do it with a smile.
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Medicine Check with your family doctor and/or health department for professional advice as to what kind of medicines you would be advised to bring along with you.
Local Transportation Taxis are charged according to meters. They start from RMB5 to RMB10, depend on which city you are in and make sure you get a receipt after you paid. In most cities, the receipt will be printed with the taxi’s company information, total charged kilometers and fare you paid. After 11p.m., the taxi fare will increase by RMB1 to RMB3 when starting. Mass Transit subways are another mean of local transportation in some cities and they are safe and easy to use.
Safety In general, China is a safe country. However, small crimes do exist, such as pickpockets, swindlers, etc. Foreigners are specially targeted. Walking alone at night is not recommended. It is not recommended to bring along your passport when you go on tour. Safes are available in your hotel room or at reception.
Gratuities Tipping in restaurants in China is neither customary nor expected. Tipping to the bellboy when they deliver baggage – hotel lobby/room/hotel lobby, preferably to be paid individually by the tour member. (Proposed: US$1.00/RMB5 per bag and please do not pay by Canadian coins)
Tour personnel gratuities Tour group staff tipping is mandatory. It is an expression of appreciation for services provided. Your China tour price includes scheduled daily activities, sightseeing, and meals. China local guides and drivers will accompany you everyday.
The customary practice for Canadian group members is to tip US$10.00 per day. US$7.00 per day for Local Guide per person . US$3.00per day for Local Driver per person. ( You can pay the gratuities in total on the last day, before you fly to next city )
Hutong Guide in Beijing – US$2.00 per person. Pedicab Driver in Beijing – US$2.00 per person. Hotel Porters – US$1.00 per bag
During your trip, if you find any person providing you exceptional services, you are always free to give him/her special encouragement individually.
Bon Voyage!