Cost
of Travelling in China
While
world travel prices have risen in recent years, China
still offers good values in hotel accommodations, meals,
and entertainment when compared to other world-class
destinations. Air and train transportation within the
country are particularly good value. Consider this: A
couple in Beijing or Shanghai can stay in a 5-star
hotel, take a full-day tour, enjoy three great meals
including a Peking duck banquet; and attend an
evening cultural performance, for about the cost of one
deluxe room alone at a comparable hotel in Toronto, LA,
Chicago, or New York.
 Most visitors return home raving about the bargain
shopping in China - jewellery, silk, carpets, Chinese
calligraphy and paintings, jade, and other popular items
can be purchased at much lower prices than in North
America. Plan to travel light and carry an extra bag for
all the great gifts and souvenirs you will undoubtedly
want to buy.
What
to Pack?
Pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy,
comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. A business
suit and tie for men and one or two dresses or pant
suits for women will suffice for most formal occasions.
Bring a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket
(depending on the season) that can be worn in layers to
accommodate China's range of climates. All hotels offer
reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.
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Health
Requirements
No special vaccinations are required, but those who have
travelled from an infected area
 before coming to China
should have vaccination records available for a Health
Declaration form upon arrival.
Note: Don't forget to ask the hotel whether the tap
water is drinkable or not. Tourists are recommended to
drink bottled water when they travel in China.
Electricity
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can
change the shape of the plug prongs, as well as an
electrical voltage converter that will allow a normal
110-volt Canadian appliance to take 220 Volt Chinese
current. Throughout China 220 volt is used, although 4 & 5-star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt electrical
appliances. Most hotels have a hair-dryer in each
room.
Safety
China is considered one of the safest countries in the
world in which to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and
there are virtually no crimes committed against tourists
visiting China. Even during the late evening hours
travellers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese
are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite
strict.
Please be aware that all Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk.
Leave valuables at the hotel. If there is a problem
report it immediately to a security guard or the police.
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Special
Telephone Numbers
110---Police
119---Fire
120---Emergency
114---Directory inquires and information
Tipping
& Gift-Giving
Tipping is not customary in China, but visitors should
be aware that local attitudes on tipping are changing,
and vary with the occasion. Many tourists bring along
inexpensive gifts to show their appreciation to
guides, drivers or others who have been helpful. To find
out what is appropriate, it is best to ask a China tour
operator, or check protocol with your guide while in
China.
Money
& Credit Cards
China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), usually called
the Yuan. Ten Jiao make up one Yuan. At present, the
Yuan is worth about CAD $0.18, with slight daily
fluctuations. The Bank of China has exchange desks for
foreign currency and travellers cheques with convenient
hours at all hotels, airports, Friendship Stores and
others shopping areas. Visa, Master Card, American
Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit
 cards are accepted at most hotels and
state-run shops in the major cities. Some of the cards
like Visa and American Express can be used to get cash
advance in the main office of the Bank of China.
Travellers are advised to pay in Yuan when shopping in
smaller shops, at restaurants, and in smaller hotels.
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Departure
Tax
When you depart China there is a 90 Yuan (CAD$16)
departure tax. Departure tax on all other domestic
flights is 50 Yuan (CAD$9). Fees must be paid in Chinese
currency at a special airport tax desk before check in.
Official
Chinese Holidays
- January 1-3
New Years Day
- Late Jan.
and Early Feb. Chinese New Year
- May 1-3
Labor Day
- October 1-3
National Day
Foreign-Language
Publications
The English-language China Daily and Beijing Weekend are
available in all leading hotels and newsstands. Others
like Beijing Review, China
Pictorial, China Today and
Women in China are sold in most bookstores.
Dialling
Home
In large cities, you'll find an increasing number of
Internet cafés, where you can make contact with home
or friends by exchanging e-mails. You can get easy
access to all major Canadian and US long-distance carriers
by dialling a local number from any street phone.
 Useful
Telephone Numbers:
113---Long-distance operator
114---Directory inquiries and information
115---International operator
116---Long-distance directory inquires
117---Time
121---Weather
Canada's Embassy and
Consulate Generals in China
There is a Canadian
Embassy in Beijing and other Canada Consulate Generals
in Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
For more information, please check www.canada.org.cn
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