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| CHINA TRAVEL TIPS |
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Money Exchange
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB) or "People’s Money." The basic currency unit is Yuan, while the sub-units are Jiao and Fen; ten Jiao equals one Yuan and ten Fen equals one Jiao. Click for all of the RMB denominations and information.
You can bring some cash with you. You do not have to exchange RMB before you enter China. Currency can be exchanged at most airports, and hotels. However, you must show your passport during each transaction. Retain all currency conversion receipts if you wish to convert Yuan back into Dollars or another foreign currency when leaving China.
Most hotels and other commercial stores accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card or American Express. However, you may get a higher exchange rate for your purchase by using a credit card.
Please do not exchange money from strangers.
Water and Electricity
China's electric system operates on 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Adapters are not easily available; we suggest that you bring your own two and three prong adapters/converter for your personal electrical appliances as some hotels have round prongs and some have flat prongs. Not all of the tap water in China is potable, but bottled mineral water is easy to buy. Additionally, most of hotel rooms provide one or two bottled water for free, and some hotel rooms have an electric heater for you to boil water. Furthermore, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout China.
Meals
Meals provided within the tour costs are indicated each day as: (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch and (D) for dinner or (SD) for Special Dinner, e.g. Beijing Roast Duck or Xi'an Dumpling Banquet. Vegetarian dietary needs must be noted at the time the reservation is made. Breakfasts are American/Continental Buffet or mixed with Chinese style in the hotels; lunches and dinners are Chinese style table meals in local restaurants.
Shopping in China
China is a bargain-shoppers paradise, offering a marvellous selection of high quality, crafted gifts such as jade, porcelain, ceramics, cloisonné, jewellery, carpets, silks, embroideries, furniture and more. In most shops, prices are clearly marked and clerks speak English. During each tour, you will have many opportunities to enjoy shopping at stores, factory gift shops, hotel shopping arcades, and "flea markets”. Insured shipping on heavy items is readily available. However, please be very careful when you shop in China. Make sure you have an address and contact number in case you have any discrepancy afterward, especially for shipping products. Merry Travel Ltd. is not responsible for any purchases you might make in China. Always compare the prices and bargain if necessary.
Hotel Accommodations
Accommodations are provided in Superior and first-class hotels (4 or 5 stars) or at the best, readily available accommodation in town with twin-bedded rooms and private facilities. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, hotels substituted will be of equivalent standard to those shown. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 12:00 P.M. or even later in the afternoon.
Tipping Policy
To ensure all tour members be treated in the fair way, tour tipping is pre-collected with tour price upon tour reservation. Merry Travel Ltd will be on behalf of you to distribute gratuity to all involved service providers. However, additional tipping is necessary when you take Hu Tong tour in Beijing, or take a Yangtze River Cruise or other optional special tours, sightseeing, programs or activities etc if applicable.
Luggage
Check-in luggage:
For all trans-pacific carriers economy service, maximum number of bags (per person): 1 bag; maximum weight per bag: 23kg (50lb); maximum linear dimensions per bag (length + width + height): 158cm (62in). Please visit your flight carrier’s website for more info;
Carry-on luggage:
For al trans-pacific carriers economy service, each passenger is allowed for carry on one standard article and one personal article: 1 standard article: maximum size: 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (9" x 15.5" x 21.5"), maximum weight: 10kg (22lbs); 1 personal article: maximum size: 16cm x 33cm x 43cm (6" x 13" x 17"), maximum weight: 10kg (22lbs). Please visit your flight carrier’s website for more information. Valuables, passports, Insurance Policies, air tickets and medication should be carried with you at all times.
Luggage policy for domestic flights in China:
In accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free allowance within China is one baggage at 20kg for the economy class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached; failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft or train. Therefore, we urge our passengers to carry only one check-in luggage and to lock your luggage during transit. Identify your luggage with a nametag, or stick a large piece of duct tape imprinted with your last name across your bag for easy identification.
What to Pack up:
Please refer to the average temperature information further down this page. Also, check the weather reports for China during the week prior to your trip in order to be best prepared upon your arrival. China has humid summers and cold, dry winters. July and August are hot and rainy while December to February is cold. Pack lightly and bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. No formal dress is required for any occasion.
Departure Information
It is client’s responsibility to contact your flight carrier 72 business hours before departure to re-confirm flight schedule. Should any change on the flight schedule and ticket needs to be re issued, please contact Merry Travel Ltd 72 business hours prior to departure. Please arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to international departure.
Ticket Reconfirm & Seat Assignment
It is your individual responsibility to confirm your international flight round-trip seat availability. While Merry Travel is able to forward your specific seat request to airline, it is not guaranteed your request will be accommodated by airline.
Taxi
China enjoys adequate taxi service. In most cities, the taxi tends to be a small local-made car painted in either red or yellow. In large cities, there are luxurious sedans at a higher rate. Taxi fares vary from city to city but they are always clearly marked on the taxi window.
Most taxi drivers do not understand much English, although those in tourist cities are encouraged to learn and speak some simple English. Non-Chinese speaking visitors are advised to have their destinations written down in Chinese and show the address to the cab driver.
Climate and Clothing
China lies mainly in the temperate and subtropical zones. Generally, its southern part (East China, South China and Southwest China) is warm, humid, and rainy; its northern part (North China, Northeast China, and Northwest China) is dry and windy.
In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) you will need a lined jacket or woolen sweater over light clothes. In summer (June to August), cool cotton garments are recommended. In winter (December to February), a light cotton-patted coat will keep you warm enough in the south; but in the north a heavy woolen coat or down parka is a must.
Late spring and late summer are often rainy, especially in the southern part of China, so you would be wise to bring some rainwear with you. And of course, good walking shoes are essential at any time of year. |
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