Travel, Teach, Live in China
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