Info Center > Know Before You Go

Good preparation can make a China Tour more enjoyable and care free. The following information will help clarify what to expect on your China travel vacations, whether it be a 7-Day Beijing or Shanghai tours, a two-week Yangtze River Cruises tours, or a Custom, private China Tour package.

Do before you go
Before leaving on your China Tour, check with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) this is a MUST READ for all air travelers. Follow instructions to reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.

Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other one along with a passport size photo with you in a separate place from your passport.

Leave a copy of your China Tour itinerary and contact information with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Flights to China
Contact the airline concerned to confirm the flight number and any possible schedule changes prior to leaving for the airport. Connecting passengers should verify, at the time of check-in, that luggage can be checked through to their China destination. For transpacific flights, you must check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Please check the detailed Air China Flight Schedule for your China Tours.

If you choose to arrange your own add-on flights to the designated gateway city, you must take the following facts into consideration before booking any flights. China Spree is not responsible for any missed connections and penalties/loss as a result. For a peace of mind, please buy trip interruption insurance. Note:

• For transpacific flight, you must check-in three (3) hours ahead of departure time.
  
• It takes at least one (1) hour to clear customs and claim your checked baggage.
  
• For domestic flight, you must check in at least two (2) hours prior to departure time.

Most airline tickets are issued using a special fare which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases the airline will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.

Passport & Visa
All foreign nationals traveling to the People's Republic of China must travel on a valid passport with at least six(6) months remaining validity after the entry date into China. A tourist visa must be obtained prior to entering the PRC. Please read complete details about Passport & Visa. for your China Travel Vacations.

Arrival Procedures
Your China Spree representative will greet you once you have cleared the Customs area at your China arrival airport. Please wear your name badge for easy identification, and look for a China Spree sign. We provide an illustrated China arrival procedure at our member area. If you have booked a China “Land Only” package tour and have arranged your own transportation to China, the airport-hotel transfers on arrival/departure days are not included. You may go by taxi to your hotel (the cab costs about $10-15 each way depending on traffic); the hotel address in both English and Chinese is available at “Contact Information” page in the final booklet which we will send to you about two weeks prior to departure of your China trip.

Baggage
Always remember, "He who would travel happily must travel light". We strongly recommend you limit your baggage to one(1) piece of checked luggage and one(1) carry-on bag per person.

Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance differs for the transpacific and the China domestic sections of your China Tour. Baggage allowance for transpacific flight is two pieces of checked baggage per person. Total dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of the two pieces must not exceed 107 inches (273cm); maximum dimensions of single piece shall not exceed 62 inches (158cm). Maximum weight per piece is 50 lbs. Each passenger may carry one piece of hand luggage, the combined dimensions of which shall not exceed 45 inches (115cm).

China domestic flights have stringent luggage restrictions allowing one piece of checked baggage that must not exceed 44 lbs per person, plus a carry-on bag not to exceed 11 lbs. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Baggage in excess of allowances will incur excess baggage charges payable on site by the passenger.

Baggage Precautions
Make sure you have luggage tags for each checked suitcase. A copy of your China Tour itinerary and contact information should also go in an outside pocket of your luggage to aid the airline personnel to locate you in case you and your luggage become separated.

Never check luggage containing prohibited items (i.e. lighters), valuables (i.e. cash, jewelry, and cameras), fragile items (i.e. undeveloped film, bottles, eyeglasses) or critical items (i.e. medicines, travel vouchers). You should read more information about TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items.

Lost/damaged Baggage
Chinaspree.com will not be responsible for loss or damage to your luggage and personal belongings. You must report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filled with the carrier before leaving the airport.

Baggage Lock
Your checked baggage must be locked during transportation while in China. This is a Chinese regulation. No specification on type of locks as long as there is one.

Due to increased security measures in U.S. airports, if you wish to lock your baggage, you MUST use a TSA recognized lock, which allows TSA screeners open and re-lock your bags for security screening. Ordinary locks are cut if physical inspection is required.

China Tour Guides
For a guaranteed departure with no less than 10 passengers, a professional China Tour Director will be assigned to escort the group throughout Mainland China (except for 7-Day Beijing Free-style Travel and 10-Day China’s Golden Triangle tour. Both China tours are locally hosted tours with a local guide in each destination city). Local guides are assigned along the program to offer in-depth narrative about local attractions.

China Tour Group Size
China Spree is committed to small group travel. Only small groups can give you full individual attention and maximize your exposure to the local culture. The average group size of a China Spree Tour is 10-16 travelers; the maximum group size varies from 16 to 24 or more, depending on the tour category.

• For China “Affordable Luxury” Tours, the maximum group size is 16. We guarantee the departure for as few as 2 people.
  
  
• For China tours under category of "First Class Travel", the maximum group size is 24. We need 6 people for a guaranteed departure.
  
  
• For China tours under category of “Super Value”, we do not limit the group size. 10 people are required for a guaranteed departure.
  
  
• For private or custom China tours, there is no limitation of group size as long as you are comfortable with it.
  
  

If we cancel a departure due to low participation, you may either reschedule your trip or receive a complete refund of all monies paid to China Spree.

Money Matters
It is wise to carry your currency in different forms of cash, traveler's check, and credit cards. Use a credit card whenever you shop in tourist stores especially when making big purchases. Use local currency wherever credit cards are not accepted. Tip with U.S. dollars. Pay in single dollar bills for bargains from street vendors.

• Chinese Currency
  The Chinese currency is known as Renminbi (RMB), literally "People's Money". The basic unit of RMB is Yuan (dollar), which is divided into 10 Jiao (dime), which is divided again into 10 Fen (cent). Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Yuan and 1, 2, 5 Jiao. Bronze and nickel coin equivalents exist for the smaller units.

  As of January 2010, USD$1=RMB 6.8 Exchange rate fluctuates daily. Check here for current rate.

  Chinese RMB is not internationally convertible; you must wait until you arrive in China to change your money and spend it all or exchange back to U.S. dollars before you leave the country. Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong Dollar. It is internationally convertible and worth about the same as RMB.

• Exchanging money
  You can change money at hotels, China arrival and departure airports, and at Bank of China branches. The official exchange rate is used in most places so it’s unnecessary to shop around for a better deal. For the sake of convenience and safety we suggest that you change money in your hotel. Almost all hotels in your China trip offer foreign currency exchange service supervised by Bank of China. Retain the exchange receipts because you will need the receipt to convert RMB to your home currency at the end of the trip. Those traveling to Hong Kong can change RMB to Hong Kong Dollar there, but make sure convert all Hong Kong dollars to RMB or U.S. dollars before departing Hong Kong. You must empty all Chinese RMB before the last day of your tour because you won’t have time to convert it back to U.S. dollars at the airport.
  
  
• Traveler's Checks
  The advantage of Travelers Checks is obvious: you can always void them if they are lost. However some Chinese hotels don’t cash travelers checks. Keep your exchange slip; you will need it when buying back your home currency. While Traveler’s Checks from most of the world's leading banks and issuing agencies are now acceptable throughout China, we recommend you secure major company checks such as American Express and Visa. Throughout China, U.S. cash is easier to use than travelers checks.
  
  
• U.S. Currency
  Cash advance service is not commonly available in China; you need to bring some cash
  with you. Bring a supply of single dollar bills. You will find it very convenient to use
  particularly when shopping with street vendors. Please note: foreign coins are not acceptable in China. All paper bills should be complete, not badly worn and free from graffiti. Partial, badly worn or defaced bills will not be accepted
  
  
• Credit Cards
  Major credit cards are only acceptable at hotels, tourist stores and upscale shops. We recommend you use credit card for any big purchases at tourist stores and to purchase insurance for the shipped items. Please call your credit card company to let them know you are traveling in China so they won’t decline your transactions made during your trip.
  
  
• Personal Checks
  Personal checks are generally not acceptable outside North America.
  
  
• ATMs (Automated Teller Machine)
  Do not count on ATMs in mainland China, although they are commonly used in Hong Kong. ATMs can be found in a growing, but still limited number of large banks in mainland China. You can use Visa, Master card, American Express, Cirrus and Plus to withdraw cash. The network is only available in sizeable cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Most ATMs in China can only be used for withdrawing RMB. The exchange rate on ATM withdrawals is similar to credit cards but there is a maximum daily withdrawal amount. For credit-card cash advance, service fees apply.
  
  
• Carrying Money
  You may feel more comfortable using a money belt for a large sums of cash and credit cards. Care and good judgment is a must in all travel.

Time Difference
Although P. R. China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. It is 8 hours ahead of GMT, 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (15 hours ahead of PST in daylight saving time). People in China's far western regions like Tibet follow a later work schedule to keep pace with the official centralized Beijing Time. Please check World Clock for current regional time.

When it's 9am in Beijing, the time in other U.S. cities is:

Electricity
China's electrical current is 220V, 50 cycles AC. Plugs and Outlets come in a variety of shapes. You are advised to bring along adapters and converters for any North American appliances. Clients can borrow adapters and converters from Housekeeping at most hotels. Hair dryers and irons are readily available also. Simply contact hotel housekeeping when you need them.

Water
Tap water is not considered safe to drink in China except Hong Kong despite the fact that water in China is commonly chlorinated and processed. Drink only bottled water or boiled water. Bottled purified water and soft drinks can be easily obtained at reasonable prices. All your hotels you stay offer boiled water to your room daily, with which you can safely make tea.

Meals
Most meals are included as specified in your China Tour itinerary depending on the tour. Breakfasts included on your China Tour are familiar American style to give you a good start for the day. Lunches and dinners are usually served in set menu family style and feature a variety of China’s regional specialties.

A routine lunch/dinner is composed of 6-12 dishes shared by 6-10 people sitting at a round table (which symbolizes union and perfection-harmony). One beverage of your choice (beer, mineral water and soda) is included per person per meal at no additional charge; Chinese tea is usually complimentary.

Special meals such as an authentic Peking Duck dinner in Beijing, Dumping Banquet in Xian and a Mongolian BBQ buffet lunch in Shanghai are included for your China tours to enhance your culinary experiences.

Dress
China is a country with few dress taboos. Dress for comfort. Sandals, shorts, and jeans are widely accepted. Coordinate your outfits for multi-tasking. Dress in layers to suit various weather/temperature changes. No formal dress is required. For a Yangtze cruise, "casual smart" should be enough for various occasions such as the Captain's Welcome Party.

Climate
China is a huge country with varied climates. In general, the north is cold and dry in winter. In the south, summer is hot and humid. The rainy season is in July and August. Climate in Hong Kong is sub-tropical, similar to that of Hawaii. Read more on average temperature in China's major tourist cities and their current weather conditions.

Telephone
Both international and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. Domestic long-distance rates in the PRC vary according to distance and are usually inexpensive. Local calls are either at a very low rate or free of charge depending on the hotel. International Direct Dial (IDD) calls made from hotel room could be expensive when hotel adds surcharge on top of China's already high IDD rates. Some hotels may request that you pay a deposit before you can access international line from your hotel room. Use a phone card for international calls; it is becoming more widely available and the rate is reasonable. Simply consult your Tour Director regarding this matter, he or she will be happy to assist you.

For your convenience, you may rent a cell phone. Please visit Pandaphone.com for details and specify your tour with China Spree in order to receive discount. We would advise our customers to get an unlocked tri-band (multi-band) mobile phone from the States and buy a local SIM card as soon as they arrive in China. The cards are prepaid -- e.g. RMB100 will get you quite a bit of talk time and at lower cost than the hotel IDD service.

• Calling North America from Mainland China
  Dial 00 (international access code) + 1 (North America country code) + local number
  
  
• Calling China from North America
  Dial 011(international access code) + 86(China country code, or 852 for Hong Kong regional code) + China area code (minus initial zero) + local number
  
  
• Essential Numbers in China
  There are several telephone numbers that are the same throughout China. However, only
  International Assistance and Local Weather Forecast are likely to have English-speaking operator.
  
  
  International Assistance:

  115
  Local Directory Enquiries:

  114
  Long Distance Enquiries:

  113 or 173
  Local Weather Forecast:

  121
  Police Hotline:

  110
  Fire Hotline:

  119

  Area Code list

  CITY

  CODE

  CITY

  CODE
  Beijing

  10

  Guilin

  773
  Shanghai

  21

  Wuhan

  27
  Suzhou

  512

  Chongqing

  23
  Xian

  29

  Hangzhou

  571
  Nanjing

  25

  Wuxi

  510
  Lhasa

  891

  Canton

  20
  Chengdu

  28

  Hong Kong

  852

Internet & Fax
Fax and internet access are commonly available at your hotels. Check the Business Centers for details.

Mail
Your China Tour hotels have postal service allowing you to send postcard and letter to overseas. It usually takes more than 10 days for a postcard to reach North-America. The postage is charged in Chinese RMB equivalent to about 50 cents U.S. for a postcard, and 80 cents U.S. for a letter up to 20 grams.

Media
China publishes various newspapers and magazines in English. Among them, China Daily is a popular English newspaper, complimentary at most hotels. Imported publications like Time, Newsweek, and The Economist can be found at certain hotels. BBC, CNN or even HBO are becoming commonly available in most tourist hotels.

Laundry
All hotels on your China Tour have same day laundry service. The price is fairly reasonable.

Film
When flying U.S. domestic and transpacific flights, you should pack all undeveloped film in carry-on baggage. Repeat screening on checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. Most X-ray machines in China's airports and railway stations are marked "film safe". However, films with a higher ASA rating could be fogged by repeat exposures to X-rays. You should carry such film by hand.

Packing for a China Tour
Pack light and you'll soon find you are better off with less!
The best packing question a traveler can ask is "do people where I am headed live without this item"? Don't pack the stuff which is readily available in the hotels where you will be staying. Don't cram your suitcase with unnecessary items, and so you'll have room for the "treasures" you collect along the way. Remember that you will have access to:

• Convenient, same day laundry service in all your hotels, if you send clothes in the morning you should have them back in the evening. The price is reasonable. For any destination city where you stay two or more nights you can do laundry.
  
• A hair dryer and iron are readily available at most hotels for your use; simply contact Housekeeping.
  
• Bath accessories in your private bathroom include disposable tooth brush and toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, body lotion, sewing kit, sanitary bag, shower cap etc.
  
• You can easily purchase a shoulder bag or small piece of luggage to carry your purchases back home.
  
• Virtually anything you require can be secured along the way. It is part of the adventure.

Travel in China involves a lot of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Make sure to check current weather before you decide what clothes to pack. Consult our Essentials to Pack list.

Medication
If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last the entire trip. Always carry medications in the original prescription container when traveling. Keep these medications with you and do not pack them in checked baggage.

Long-term travel overseas might cause tourists to develop stomach upset; a change in water, food, sleep habits and/or climate may all cause discomfort. Bring anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Lomotil just in case.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not mandatory for travel to China. However, we remind you that traveling in China does require certain precautions. It is therefore highly recommended that you check with your personal physician to verify your particular needs. Most travelers get immunized for Hepatitis A&B and Tetanus. Some shots need to be taken well in advance. For the latest overseas travel health information, please contact the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting www.cdc.gov/travel or by calling toll-free 1-888-232-3228.

Gratuities
Tips are commonly expected from foreign tourists in China. Whether they are considered as gratuities or service fees, tips are the major motivator for the tour guides. Your China Tour national guide, local guides, drivers and porters are professional, conscientious, and most thankful for your acknowledgment. We realize that tipping can be confusing on a group tour to China; the following gratuity guideline is introduced solely for the convenience of China Spree group travelers:

$7 per traveler per day, shared between all guides, porters and drivers as below:

Included meals: gratuities are not expected
Outside dining: service charge is included (except in Hong Kong)

Detailed gratuity suggestions are also listed for specific programs and will be sent to you before you leave for your China vacation. Since your National Guide (where applicable) will accompany you throughout the trip, and is responsible directly to you, you may choose to give partial gratuities to your National guide entrusting him/her to dispense them along the way on your behalf. With gratuities given this way you will enjoy the journey in a more relaxing way. Although gratuities are customary, it totally depends on your satisfaction with the services.

Shopping
Shopping is always a part of the travel experience. China is known as bargain shoppers' paradise, offering a marvelous selection of arts and crafts such as jade, silk, rugs, cloisonné, ceramics, antique, painting, furniture and more. Purchasing an item in the area where it is "noted for" has proven to be the best value. Your China Tour Director and local guides will be glad to assist you with detailed shopping orientation.

When shopping it wise to use credit card for large purchases. Retain all receipts for customs purposes. It is strongly advised that you purchase insurance for items that are being shipped home. A supply of one dollar bills is very handy when shopping with street vendors.

Always keep in mind that a purchase is between the buyer and the seller. China Spree is not involved in and is not responsible for any purchases you make during your China Tour, whether that merchant is part of the scheduled itinerary or not.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you buy travel insurance to protect yourself and your travel investment against the unexpected. Please read more details about Travel Insurance.

Seat assignment
For seat assignment, please contact Air China about two weeks prior to departure when you receive the airline tickets from China Spree. 

Frequent Flyer Miles
Air China is code sharing with UA; however, on July 1st, 2007, United Airlines stopped crediting Air China mileage. According to Air China, they are in negotiations to join the Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world (Currently UA, US Airways, Air Canada, etc are members of the Star Alliance). Please request a Air China frequent traveler card at airport check-in and join Air China mileage program. Your Air China flight mileage can be converted to Star Alliance points when Air China formally joins the Star Alliance.

Jet Lag Precautions
Jet lag happens when your body's inner clock falls out of sync with daily cycles of light, rest and meals as you cross time zones to reach your destination. Its symptoms are fatigue, irritability and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag, but you can minimize its effects. Here are some suggestions:

1) Get several good nights of sleep before your trip departure.
2) Set your watch to your destination time when you board the plane, and adjust sleep and
meals accordingly.
3) Try to sleep on the plane.
4) Walk around the plane occasionally, do isometric exercises at your seat.
5) Drink plenty of water and fruit juice while flying.
6) Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during and after the flight.
7) On arrival, throw yourself into your new schedule, avoid naps, and try to stay awake until
your normal sleeping time at home.

U.S. Duty-free Exemption
When shopping in China, keep receipts of all purchases. Upon reentering U.S, be ready to show customs officials what you've bought. Effective November 4, 2002, the standard personal duty-free exemption is $800 if you are a returning U.S. resident and the items you acquired abroad accompany you.

Duty on items you mail home to yourself will be waived if the value is $200 or less. Antiques that are at least 100 years old, and fine art may enter duty-free, but folk art and handicrafts are generally dutiable.

Only 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars may be included in this exemption. Items purchased in "Duty Free" shops are subject to duty if the value of your total purchases exceeds $800.

Family members who live in the same household and are returning together to the United States may combine their standard personal exemptions. Children and infants are allowed the same exemption as adults, except for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

Read more information on Duty-free exemptions available on the U. S. Customs Service Web site.

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