Home » Section 2 » China Travel Tips

• Money exchange


• Water and electricity


• Meals


• Shopping in China


• Hotel Accommodations


• Tipping


• Luggage  


• International and Domestic Airport Taxes


• Departure Information


• Ticket Reconfirm & Seat Assignment


• Complaints and Claims


• Taxi


• Climate and Clothing  

Money exchange
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RBM) or "People's Money." The basic currency unit is Yuan, while the sub-unit is Jiao and Fen: 10 Jiao equals one Yuan and 10 Fen equals one Jiao. Click for all the RMB denominations and information.
You can bring Travelers Checks and some cash with you. You do not have to change RMB before you enter China. Currency can be changed at most airports, hotels and banks maintained by Bank of China exchange desks. However, you must show your passport during each transaction. Retain all currency conversion receipts if you wish to convert Yuan back into Dollars or another foreign currency when leaving China.
Most hotels, friendship stores and other commercial stores accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card or American Express. But remember, you may get a higher exchange rate for your purchase by using a credit card.
Please do not exchange money from strangers as it is against the currency exchange regulations of China. 
Please check the updated exchange rate at: Bank of Canada Top

Water and electricity
China's electric system operates on 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Adapters are not easily available, we suggest you bring your own two and three prong adapter/converter for your personal electrical appliances as some hotels have round prongs and some have flat prongs. Not all the tap water in China is potable, but bottled mineral water is easy to buy. However, in each hotel room, boiled water is served in a thermos bottle and is safe to drink and some hotel rooms have an electric heater for you to boil water on your own. Additionally, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout China. Top

Meals
Meals provided within the tour cost are indicated on each day as: (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch and (D) for dinner or (SD) for Special Dinner, e.g. Beijing Roast Duck or Xi'an Dumpling Banquet. Vegetarian food must be noted at the time the reservation is made. Breakfasts are American/Continental or mixed style in the hotels; Lunches and dinners are Chinese style in local restaurant. Top

Shopping in China
China is a bargain-shoppers paradise, offering a marvelous selection of high quality, crafted gifts such as jade, porcelain, ceramics, cloisonné, jewelry, carpets, silks, embroideries, furniture and more. In most shops, prices are clearly marked and clerks speak English. During each tour, you will have many opportunities to enjoy shopping at stores, factory gift shops, hotel shopping arcades, "free markets", and China's many new joint venture shops. Insured shipping on heavy items is readily available. Please be very careful when you shop in China. Make sure you have the address and contact number in case you have any discrepancy afterward especially for shipping products. China Visit Tour is not responsible for any purchases you might have in China. Always compare the prices and bargain if necessary. Top

Hotel Accommodations
Accommodation is provided in deluxe and first class hotels (5 & 4 stars) or best available in town and in twin bedded rooms with private facilities. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, hotels substituted will be of equivalent standard to those shown. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 12:00. Top

Tipping
Tips are not included in your tour fare. Please note that they are customary and not mandatory. Our guides and drivers are extremely conscientious and work to provide our travelers with excellent service, making their experience in China one that they will always remember fondly. Please remember to show your appreciation to our national and local guides and drivers for their dedication. As we are aware that tipping is a very personal matter, we would only provide a suggestion for your consideration. Tipping US$7 per day is therefore the standard recommendation for each traveler, which includes the tipping to guides, drivers and sometimes porters. Top

Luggage
Check-in luggage:
For Air Canada Economy Service, Maximum number of bags (per person): 2 bags; Maximum weight per bag: 23kg (50lb), Maximum linear dimensions per bag (length + width + height): 158cm (62in). Please click Checked Baggage for more info;

In accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free allowance within China is one baggage at 20kg for the economy class, 30kg for the business class, and 40kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft. So we urge our passengers to carry only one check-in baggage. Lock your luggage during transit. Identify your luggage with a nametag, or stick a large piece of duct tape imprinted with your last name across your bag for easy identification.

What to Pack up:
Please refer to the average temperature on the same page. And check the weather reports for China during the week prior to your trip in order to be best prepared upon your arrival. China has humid summers and cold, dry winters. July and August are hot and rainy. December to February are cold. Pack lightly and bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. No formal dress is required for any occasion.

Carry-on luggage:
For Air Canada, each passenger is allowed to carry on one standard article and one personal article:
1 standard article: Maximum size: 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (9" x 15.5" x 21.5"), Maximum weight: 10kg (22lbs); 1 personal article: Maximum size: 16cm x 33cm x 43cm (6" x 13" x 17"), Maximum weight: 10kg (22lbs). Please click Carry-On Baggage for more info. Valuables, passports, Insurance Policy, air tickets and medication should be carried with you at all times.   Top

International Departure Tax and Domestic Airport Taxes
International Departure Tax in China is RMB90 (13 us dollars) per person. Airport taxes for domestic flights vary from city to city (starting from RMB50 -- 5-7 US dollars). The local guide will advise you and collect the exact amount at the airport before departure. All airport departure taxes can only be paid in the denomination of the country at the airport. Other currency will not be accepted.

Departure Information
Please be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to international departure. Please also check your tickets carefully and make sure you have all round trip tickets as booked. Top

Ticket Reconfirm & Seat Assignment
It is your own responsibility to confirm your international flight round trip seats. On the return flight from China to Canada, the guide can help you do it. Please call your airline directly. The number is listed at the ticket jacket. Top

Complaints and Claims
Shall you feel unsatisfied with any service during the trip, please notify your local tour guide to avoid the potential for similar problems happening again during your trip. Top

Taxi
China enjoys adequate taxi service. In most cities, the taxi tends to be a small local-made car painted in either red or yellow. In large cities, there are luxurious sedans at a higher rate. Taxi fares vary from city to city but they are always clearly marked on the taxi window.

Most taxi drivers do not understand much English, although those in tourist cities are encouraged to learn and speak some simple English. Non-Chinese speaking visitors are advised to have their destinations written down in Chinese and show the address to the cab driver. Top

Climate and Clothing
China lies mainly in the temperate and subtropical zones. Generally, its southern part (East China, South China and Southwest china) is warm, humid, and rainy; its northern part (North China, Northeast China, and northwest China) is dry and windy.

In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) you will need a lined jacket or woolen sweater over light clothes. In summer (June to August) cool cotton garments are recommended. In winter (December to February) a light cotton-patted coat will keep you warm enough in the south; but in the north a heavy woolen coat or down parka is a must.

Late spring and late summer are often rainy especially in the southern part of China, so you would be wise to bring some rainwear with you. And of course good walking shoes are essential at any time of year. Top