FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel in China

• Do I need a Chinese visa? How do I get a visa for China?
• Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
• Do I need any shots or immunizations to travel to China?
• When is the best time to visit China?
• What are the temperatures in the major cities of China?
• What should I pack for my trip to China?
• What is the electricity voltage in China? Is the electricity the same as in North America?
• What is the Chinese currency?
• How to make an International call when traveling overseas?
• Are there baggage limits on the flight to China?
• Can I drink the tap water in China?
• What is the tipping practice for visitors to China?

Do I need a Chinese Visa? How do I get a visa for China?

A visa is required for all Canadians, Americans and people of most other nationalities who travel to China.  Access China Tours can help travelers to secure a Chinese visa for your trip abroad when you travel with us. Detailed instructions and a visa application form will be sent to you upon receipt of your tour deposit.  You may also find some useful information about Chinese visa application on www.MyChinaVisa.ca. Here is a list of the Chinese Embassies and the Chinese Consulates in North America:

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Do I need a Visa to visit Hong Kong?

For Canadian and U.S. passport holders, a visa is not required for Hong Kong if your stay is less than 90 days under the tourist designation. For passport holders of other nationalities, please consult with your nearest PRC (People’s Republic of China) embassy or consulate.

China Visa Office in Hong Kong
7th Floor, Lower Block, China Resources Building
No. 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR
Tel: 852 3413 2300

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Do I need any shots or immunizations to travel to China?

There are no particular immunizations that are required for entry into China unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Canadian and U.S. disease control and prevention authorities recommend that all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations. For traveling into the countryside and remote areas, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, and typhoid fever immunizations are recommended. It is very important that you consult your own doctor or local clinic for more information.  We advise that you bring along a supply of antibiotics, an anti-diarrhea agent and any other prescription drugs required by a medical condition.

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When is the best time to visit China?

China can be visited throughout the year because of the stretch of its territories, sites and activities it can offer. China is a huge country with many different climates and types of landscape. Think of it in terms of the United States, which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling along the Golden Route (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin) is like visiting New York, Chicago, Santa Fe, and Jacksonville, Florida all in one trip. Deciding when to visit China depends on where you wish to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how much of a bargain you want.

April, May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China’s most popular destinations. The weather is also the most comfortable during these months. Prices typically drop a little from November through March and again from June through August. The winter months are peak season for trips to China’s Hainan Island and to the Northeast Harbin for its world-famous Ice-Lantern Festival.  The winter months are also packed with New Year holidays, Chinese Spring Festival and other national or local fairs.  The summer months are also a great time to explore China’s Far East-Manchuria.

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What is the temperature like in China?
Here is a chart with average temperatures in China throughout the year. The first row shows the average temperature in Celsius and the second row shows the average temperature in Fahrenheit.

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What should I pack for travel in China?

One good rule of thumb to follow is to pack lightly and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute must. A sports coat worn with a nice shirt for men, and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women will suit the most formal occasions to be encountered in China. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Shorts (for both men and women) are fine for summer days though not recommended when visiting religious shrines. Remember to dress for comfort, not for style.

Common Checklist for Traveling in China:

Electrical converter and adapter plugs. China’s electrical system operates at 220 volts.

• Hair dryer, razor, alarm clock.
• Common toiletries, cold and digestive medications, lip balm, sanitary napkins and any over-the-counter medicines you generally use. (Almost all toiletries can be readily bought everywhere in China now).
• Chewing gum, mints or throat lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
• Reading materials, including a guidebook on the places you will see.
• Sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.
• A light raincoat or an umbrella, except in winter months.
• Camera, batteries, memory cards and film. Be aware that while print film is available in most places, slide film may be difficult to find. Be sure to pack extra batteries.
• A notebook to keep track of all the exciting things happening on the trip.

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What is the electricity voltage in China? Is the electricity the same as in North America?

No, the electrical voltage in China is different. Electricity in China is at 220 Volts. You should pack an adapter if you decide to bring any type of electronics with you during the trip. Most Chinese electrical outlets use a two or three prong plug that does not fit with the North American type.

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What is the Chinese Currency?

The local currency in China is called the Renminbi (RMB) Yuan.  Please check for the most current exchange rate below or at xe.com, a very useful website, before you leave for your China trip.

American Dollar Exchange Rate

American Dollar Exchange Rate

American Dollar Exchange Rate

Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate

Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate

Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate

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How to make an International call when traveling overseas?

There are several ways to make calls while traveling in China or elsewhere in Asia. Please review the information listed below and you can decide what will be best for you based on convenience and budget. As you can see, some options are very inexpensive but may require more work, such as creating a Skype account and having a good Wi-Fi connection. Other options may be more convenient allowing you to call from any location at anytime of day with good cell phone reception, but will be more expensive. However, it is important to note that good Wi-Fi is easily accessible in Asia unless you are in a very remote area and all hotels in or near cities usually have excellent connections.

1. Skype
The most affordable way to make a call when traveling in China and Asia is to use Skype. First, you will need to create an account at http://www.skype.com/en/ and download the Skype app on your smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop. With Skype you can make free calls from anywhere in the world to someone else on Skype, but it requires a stable Wi-Fi connection or mobile data plan. You can easily call someone’s mobile or landline via Skype at low per minute rates. The price depends on the country in which you are calling to, not the country you are calling from. There are two ways to put money in your Skype account, with credit (i.e. $10 at a time) or a monthly subscription. Unless you are need to call overseas phone numbers on a regular basis, then Skype credit is the best option. You can set up your payment to automatically refill your account when it is getting low (i.e. another $10) and therefore, you will not get cut off from someone you are speaking to. However, a one-month calling plan may be more cost effecting if you need to make lots of calls while overseas.

2. International Calling Plan
If you are at all concerned about Wi-Fi connections or feel the need be able to make international calls anytime of the day, then you may want to consider purchasing an International Travel Package from your mobile phone carrier. However, it is important to note that this options is much more expensive than using Skype.

3. Local SIM Card
You can also buy a temporary local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or at a convenience store. If you are using a smartphone then it is important to make sure that your mobile phone is unlocked before you depart the country.

4. Hotel Room Phone
There will always be a phone in your hotel room and the vast majority of hotels in Asia allow for international calls. Please check with the front desk for instructions upon check-in. Rates will vary from one hotel to the next, but expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00 per minute. International calls will be added to your bill, payable upon checkout. However, local calls are typically free of charge, so feel free to call you tour guide if you require assistance.

Click here for detailed information.

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Are there baggage limits on the flight to China?

For domestic flights within China, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage. The limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total. A fee may be imposed for extra pieces or excessive weight, up to 10 yuan ($1.50US) per kilogram (2.2 pounds). You can also take one carry-on plus a backpack or tote bag, all of which should fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat.

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Can I drink the tap water in China?

Although many locals in China do drink the tap water, we recommend that you drink only bottled water or boiled water. Bottled water is available everywhere. People typically use the tap water to brush their teeth as it is not swallowed.

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What is the tipping practice for visitors to China?

It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. A hotel bellboy expects your tips as well. It is not customary to leave tips at hotels or local restaurants as the bill usually includes a 10-15% service charge. More detailed information about tipping practices in China is included in your Welcome Packet from Access China Tours.

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If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please give us a call at 1 (800) 788-1399, email us at info@accesschinatours.com or use our contact form.

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