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Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How do I book a tour?
• 2. How do I pay for the tour?
• 3. What size is for a regular group?
• 4. What kind of Motor Vehicle will be for the tour?
• 5. Do I pay extra money for the tour?
• 6. Where do I start the tour, meet the tour guide and group?
• 7. Do we have a Tour Leader and Local Guide?
• 8. What does 'Full Package' or 'Land-cost' mean?
• 9. Can you help us obtain Chinese visa?
• 10. Do you recommend any inoculation shots?
• 11. Do I need Chinese currency before arrival?
• 12. Can I cash RMB from an ATM with my credit card in China?
• 13. Do I get a chance for shopping?
• 14. What are the Weather & Temperature like in China?
• 15. What electricity system applies in China?
• 16. What is the baggage allowance on intra-China flights?
• 17. What should I wear and pack?
• 18. What time zone is China in?
• 19. Do we eat Chinese food throughout the tour?
• 20. Is Internet access available at all the hotels?
• 21. Is it expensive to call home from China?
• 22. Do I get non-smoking rooms throughout the tour?
• 23. Is laundry service available during the tour?
• 24. Is there a refrigerator in the hotel room?
• 25. Do I need to bring my own hair dryer?
• 26. Is cigarette smoking a big problem in China?
• 27. Is quality medical treatment available when I need it?
• 28. Are public toilets outside hotels generally clean?
• 29. What would you send us when departure date is near?
• 30. How should we handle tipping?

1. Q: How do I book a tour?
A: 1. Call or e-mail us to check the availability and departure of the tour you are interested in; 2. Download, print off, fill out and sign the Reservation Form, and mail or deliver the form to our office (click Contact Us for direction) together with your passport copy and deposit checks ($200-400/pp accordingly) to book the tour. (Reminder: Please do not forget to read our Terms & Conditions before sign the Reservation Form). Top 

2. Q: How do I pay for the tour?
A: Personal checks, money order or credit card (pay through PayPal, 3% service charge applies) are acceptable. Please refer to Terms & Conditions for details. Top

3. Q: What size is for a regular group?
A: 16 participants are the maximum group size. A tour leader will be assigned for a group 10 minimum; most of our Tour Packages are available for 2 adults to start a tour. Top 

4. Q: What kind of Motor Vehicle will be for the tour?
A: Comfortable, air-conditioned motor coaches or minivans are used depending on group size. The vehicles are professionally operated and well maintained. There will be enough empty seats to ensure everyone's comfort. We do not share vehicles with strangers or other groups, except during Yangtze cruise when shore excursions are arranged by the cruise operators. Top

5. Q: Do I pay extra money for the tour?
A: As indicated under Terms & Conditions, our tour price does not include China visa fee plus handling charge, airfare taxes, and gratuities to guides, drivers and the tour leader; Meals not specified in the itinerary; Personal expenses like laundry, phone call, mini-bar, Pay TV and others. Top

6. Q: Where do I start the tour, meet the tour guide and the group?
A: Usually you start your tour on your own from Toronto and meet your tour guide at the airport at the first stop in China and join in your group in the hotel. Top

7. Q: Do we have a Tour Leader and Local Guide?
A: An experienced bilingual tour leader is provided when there is a minimum of 10 participants in a group for Luxury Tours only. He/she meets the group at the Chinese port of entry and stays with the group throughout the tour except Hong Kong wherever applicable.
A local guide is provided in each city for any kinds of tours. In cases where a tour leader is not provided, the local guides will step up their efforts to fill the void. Top

8. Q: What does 'Full Package' or ‘Land-cost' mean?
A: 'Land-cost' means the all the tour cost occurring within China from your arrival at the first stop of the tour in China till exit from China, while 'Full package' includes the Land-cost plus the international round trip airfares from and back Toronto. Top

9. Q: Can you help us obtain Chinese visa?
A: Yes. Clients should wait till about 6 weeks before departure to apply for visa. Applications submitted more than 3 months prior to intended date of entry are normally rejected. Mail-in applications may not be accepted. Clients wishing to apply through us should send us the following items: 

• Original and valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond intended date of exit from China;
• Before you apply for China visa, please check your passport to ensure it contains at least one blank page for the visa to be printed on;
• Visa fee of CAD50 plus handling fee CAD10 including courier cost to return your passport if applicable;
• Completed application form (blank form for Canadians). Each applicant must complete his/her own form;
• One color passport-type photograph - failure to comply with this requirement may cause unnecessary delay;
• If your trip includes Tibet (Lhasa, Shigatze etc), your Tibet entry permit will be handled by us, there is nothing for the customer to do about it;
• Failure to comply with this requirement will result in rejection of your application.

If you plan to obtain China visa on your own, please check with the local Chinese embassy or consulate for their latest requirement. Travel visa is mandatory. Clients should contact us or visit the following web links for updated information.

Useful Links for China visa across Canada:

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10. Q: Do you recommend any inoculation shots?
A: Please read the details as below for your health concern:
Health & Hygiene
You are not required of any inoculation certificate to enter China. However, we do suggest you contact your family physician or a travel medicine clinic to determine what precaution you should take. We recommend inoculation shots for hepatitis A and B. Tap water in China is not safe to drink; bottled water is readily available. Hotels and restaurants offer boiled water at no charge. Although food is prepared fresh and cooked or cleaned thoroughly, stomach upsets are possible. Be sure to carry anti-sceptic wipes and a small roll of toilet paper all the time.
Thrombosis & Jet Lag
Prolonged periods of immobility may increase the risk of traveler's thrombosis, the formation of blood clots in the legs. To avoid it, wear loose clothing, stretch your legs and walk the aisles every 60-90 minutes during flight.
Circadian dyschronism, otherwise known as jet lag, is every traveler's nightmare. To minimize your suffering, avoid sleep on the outbound transpacific flight. Jet lag is worse when you return to North America. A good sleep on the return flight is essential and a couple of melatonin pills may help. Top

11. Q: Do I need Chinese currency before arrival?
A: No. Please read Money Information as below:
The Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB), or People's Currency, with Yuan being its basic unit. For up-to-date exchange rates, we recommend the websites of Bloomberg and Bank of Canada. What can you buy with one US dollar? Three bottles of beer or 5 bottles of water. Five dollars will buy you a pair of jeans or a decent meal at a not-too-shabby local restaurant.  
Bring a few hundred dollars worth of cash, which can be in any of the major hard currencies such as USD, CAD, AUD or GBP. The cash should be a combination of large and small bills in good conditions. Not all hotels in China are able to cash traveler's cheques but you do get a better rate with traveler's cheques. Clients should always carry a major credit card in case of emergency or major purchases. Clients expecting easy access to bank machines for cash withdrawal will be disappointed.
Cash and travelers cheque can be converted into RMB at Chinese airports, hotels and banks. The exchange rate is virtually the same across the country as it is set by the central government. You will have no need for Chinese currency until your arrival in China, where you will get a better exchange rate. Every time you exchange money you are issued a receipt. The receipt should be kept because this proof allows you to revert your unused RMB into a hard currency upon exit.
Hong Kong Currency - Hotels and banks in Hong Kong do not necessarily quote the same rates. Make sure you compare the rates first and also take the service fee into consideration. Top

12. Q: Can I cash RMB from an ATM with my credit card in China?
A: Yes, but it is not recommended. Please have your tour guide assist you in the situation. Top

13. Q: Do I get a chance for shopping?
A: Yes. We understand that for many travelers shopping is an integral part of their international travel. During the tour you will be given time to shop on your own and you can count on our tour leader and city guides for unbiased shopping advice. Organized shopping stops are banned on our tours and factory visits offering genuine educational value are limited to two per trip.
Buyer Beware
Check price carefully and avoid using large bills when buying from street vendors. Price haggling is a national sport in China but there are places where bargaining may be laughed at. When in doubt always consult your guide or tour leader. Think twice before making an offer because it is a breach of local customs if the vendor accepts your offer and you walk away from the deal. Always open the packaging on the spot to ensure the item you paid for is the same as the one you bargained over. Chinese DVDs including those being sold on the Yangtze cruise ship may not be compatible with your DVD player at home. Top

14. Q: What are the Weather & Temperature like in China?
A: China is a vast country where climate is extremely diverse ranging from tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north. Generally speaking, the best months to visit China are April, May, September and October. Please refer to the chart below for mean temperatures of major Chinese cities or click here for current weather report and forecast of any Chinese city.
Mean Temperature (Celsius) of Major Chinese Cities (Celsius x 2 + 30 ≈ Fahrenheit): 

15. Q: What electricity15. What electricity system applies in China?
A: The standard in China is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin and three-pin sockets are in use. If you don't have proper plugs for your camera or laptop computer, you can always borrow one from the hotel but it is important to bring your own power adaptor. Top

16. Q: What is the baggage allowance on intra-China flights?
A: Twenty kilograms or Forty-four pounds. Clients are advised to travel light. Luggage in excess of the limit (20kg/44lbs) may land the whole group in trouble upon checking in for local flights. Do read our Terms & Conditions and Travel Tips. Top

17. Q: What should I wear and pack?
A: Bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. T-shirts, shorts and jeans are suitable. Clothes that can be worn in layers are recommended. Overcoat or heavy jacket is not needed except during winter (December - March). A dress shirt and a tie for men and a blouse and a skirt for ladies should be perfect for captain's cocktail party and farewell dinner if your tour includes Yangtze cruise. At no time is formal attire mandatory.
Slide film is hard to find in China. Digital camera users should bring their own battery charger, spare memory cards and the original USB cable that comes with the camera. If you wear prescription glasses, bring an extra pair. Also on your list should be sufficient supply of prescription medication. Antibiotics and other medicines for minor ailments may be necessary. You may also want to add to your list an umbrella or raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, a swimsuit, earplugs, eyeshades, and an inflatable neck-rest for long flights. Make sure the following items are not packed in suitcase: passport, air ticket, prescription medication, wallet, camera, jewelry or any other valuables. Top

18. Q: What time zone is China in?
A: China spans several time zones but the whole country operates to a single standard time (GMT+8) all year round. Beijing Standard Time is 13 hours ahead of North America's Eastern Standard Time and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. The difference becomes one hour less (12 hours ahead) during our Daylight Saving Time in North America. Top

19. Q: Do we eat Chinese food throughout the tour?
A: Buffet breakfast combining Chinese and Western dishes is served in hotels throughout the trip. Tea, coffee, milk, fresh fruit and a variety of juices are also available. Again, choices may be very limited when we stay at 3-star or lower-grade hotels out of necessity.
Lunch and dinner would be local cuisine served in restaurants outside the hotels. Tea is included; beer or soft drink is limited to one glass per client. Meals during Yangtze cruise do not include beer or soda. A standard lunch or dinner consists of pork or fish or chicken plus vegetable dishes, soup and rice or noodle. Serving utensils are provided.
Vegetarians and clients allergic to certain food items such as nuts, MSG or sesame oil should disclose their allergy at the time of reservation and then remind the tour leader or local guides once on the tour. Every effort will be made to satisfy the client's needs, but for legal reason China Visit Tour does not guarantee the dishes served contain absolutely no such ingredients. Clients with special dietary needs due to medical conditions must disclose their needs at the time of reservation and be prepared to pay extra. Top

20. Q: Is Internet access available at all the hotels?
A: Yes, but please be prepared to pay a small fee for the service if applicable. Top

21. Q: Is it expensive to call home from China?
A: No, if you use a phone card, which can be purchased locally. For added convenience you may want to sign up for the mobile phone rental service provided by China Visit Tour. Please contact us for details. Top

22. Q: Do I get non-smoking rooms throughout the tour?
A: We use mostly 5 and 4-star hotels for our tours and choose them for their quality, comfort, location and service. However, it is important to keep in mind that in some remote areas such as Tibet accommodations may be basic. We assume all clients need non-smoking rooms and put in our requests with the hotels accordingly. When a hotel is unable to accommodate our request we make sure they do their best to minimize the odour of cigarette smoke. Rooms for tour groups are assigned by a run of house system. Consequently, requests for a specific floor or room type will not be accepted. Top

23. Q: Is laundry service available during the tour?
A: Hotels provide speedy laundry service. The cost is reasonable by North American standard. Laundromat style self-service facilities are not available in China. Top

24. Q: Is there a refrigerator in the hotel room?
A: Yes. The entire first class and above hotels are equipped with a refrigerator in the mini-bar. Top

25. Q: Do I need to bring my own hair dryer?
A: No. The entire first class and above hotels are equipped with hairdryers. Top

26. Q: Is cigarette smoking a big problem in China?
A: Yes. People smoke in some public areas like restaurants. But it is prohibited in some public areas like public transit in big cities; or a smoking area is parted like airport. Top

27. Q: Is quality medical treatment available when I need it?
A: Private hospitals staffed by doctors trained in the West can be found in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Be sure you have adequate medical and evacuation insurance coverage. Top

28. Q: Are public toilets outside hotels generally clean?
A: Not by Western standards. Bring your own anti-sceptic wipes and always have a small roll of toilet paper on you. Top

29. Q: What would you send us when departure date is near?
A: Three weeks before departure you will receive by e-mail the updated itinerary with hotel details and, if applicable, confirmation of electronic air ticket. If you don't use e-mail we'll mail you a hard copy. Your tickets for local flights will be issued in China and delivered to you through the local guide or tour leader. The name badge and luggage tag will be mailed to you or picked up from our office. Top

30. Q: How should we handle tipping?
A: For local guides, drivers and bellhops we recommend a combined total of USD6 or its equivalent in CAD or RMB per client per day. The tour leader will collect the lump sum for the entire trip on the second day of your arrival. Our suggested minimum amount for the tour leader is USD4 or its CAD or RMB equivalent per client per day. Please wait till the end of the tour to tip the tour leader. In calculating total tips please combine the day of arrival and day of exit as one day and exclude free days where applicable. Yangtze cruise operators may have their own recommendations on tipping their staff, but the tour leader will tip the crew on behalf of the group in reference to our guidelines. It is entirely up to you whether you should tip extra. We understand the sensitive nature of this matter and strive to make our policy on tipping as clear as possible. Should you feel our practice unacceptable, please let us know before signing up. Top