China (People’s Republic Of China)

Due to the recent increase in security, the process for obtaining a tourist visa to the People’s Republic of China has changed. We suggest you use a visa processing company to secure a tourist visa.

Customs: Free import of three cartons of cigarettes and 4 bottles of alcohol.

Currency: The currency is called renminbi (Ren Min Bi) and denominated in yuan (CYN). They are issued in seven denominations, 100 yuan, 50 yuan, 10 yuan, 5 yuan, 1 yuan 5 jiao and 1 jiao. Be sure to obtain a receipt when you convert US$ to CYN as you are required to produce this when changing money back to US$ before leaving the country. US$1 = approx. 8 to 8.5 yuan.

Banking: You can exchange your travelers checks at foreign exchange outlets at the airports, train stations, hotels and Friendship Stores.

Electricity: 220 - 240 volts, 50 cycles, A.C. Transformer required. Plug type varies from city to city.

Photography: Still cameras and video cameras for personal use are not restricted in China. Although 35mm film is readily available, blank videotapes may be difficult to find. Photography is generally permitted everywhere with the exception of some airports or government installations. If in doubt, please ask your guide.

Tipping: Tipping has gained widespread popularity throughout China. Customary gratuity to local guides, drivers and bellboys have been known in the past to state in no uncertain terms that tips are expected and accepted. Any such expression of appreciation should be offered on a voluntary and personal basis.

Taxi: Taxis are in ample supply in the major cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Drinking Water: It is advisable to drink only bottled mineral water, easily obtainable at stores and kiosks. We suggest that you bring a small thermos for touring days and fill it each morning with bottled water so that the water stays cool while you are on tour. Although some hotels have a purification system for their tap water, we still recommend drinking only bottled water.

Airport Tax: International Flights: 90 Yuan. Domestic Flights: 50 Yuan
As only Yuan is acceptable, please have proper amout set aside.

Note: The government has been frequently adjusting the amount of tax, amounts listed are current as of January 2003.

Time: Chinese standard time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (USA). China has only one time zone.