Travel FAQ

FAQ Table of Contents:

1. Planning Your Trip

2. Payment

3. Insurance

4. Health Requirements

5. When Traveling

6. Weather

7. Air Travel

8. In-Country Travel and Safety

9. Average Temperatures

Things you should know before you go:

1. Planning your trip

 This is my first trip to China, which tour do you think I should take?

There are things to consider when deciding what tour to take. One is how much time you have, the second is your budget and the third and most important is your interest. If you are traveling for the first time to China and have enough time, the tour Panorama of China & Yangtze cruise tour is the best choice for you, because the itinerary is an enlightening introduction with a wide variety of China and is the most picturesque, with historical relics and also the fabulous Yangtze river cruise which gives you as complete an introduction to China as possible. The first top 5 of our unique tours combines special interests like Mongolian Horse Riding, Chinese cuisine class or Chinese Medicine and Shopping… with China's most interesting and spectacular sightseeing which will enrich your discovery of China. These packages are excellent value for money.

I've not traveled much. Can you give me any advice on my trip, the destination, and traveling abroad?

Of course! As seasoned travelers ourselves, we're happy to share whatever knowledge we can to make your trip wonderful. As a start, you should review this page, where you'll find a variety of facts, advice and links for travelers. If you don't find the answers you need here, feel free to contact us with your questions

What does good service mean to me, the traveler?

We guarantee each member receives complete personalized attention. Our insistence on excellent service and attention to detail distinguishes every facet of our programs, from the initial planning stages to the traveler's return home. That type of service cannot be measured in dollars, because it is actually priceless. That makes our tours even better value for money, because you can count on us to plan and deliver a very good travel experience. And if things go wrong, working together with our wide network of representatives and the native travel professionals, we will be there to help make them right again. We will be glad to answer your questions, provide information you need, and assist you in any way possible to assure a wonderful experience.

How can I reserve a Unique Asian Tour?

Complete the online reservation application form or call our office, toll-free, at 1-800-207 9316. After reserving your tour on line or on the telephone, you'll have 7 days (10 days out side U.S or Canada) to send us your tour deposit of $200 per person. You can pay by personal check, money order or through the bank wire transfer. Final payments for all tours are due by no later than 20 days prior to departure. (see terms & conditions)

How many people will I be traveling with on my tour?

Depending upon the date and destination, each departure varies between as few as 5 passengers to as many as 20. Generally limited to 10 participants.  We can also arrange private tours for as few as 2 people.  A fun way to plan your trip is go with a group of your own friends.

What is the best time to go?

It depends on the places to visit, the type of weather you like and your budget.  China's most popular tourist cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangtze River cruise-- have the best weather in May, early June, September and October. These are actually the traditional peak Seasons in China travel industry.

The best season for Tibet and Mongolia grassland horse riding tour is from April to October. We recommend March as the best month to go to Tibet while the days are warm the nomads are on pilgrimages and fewer tourists are around.

Best time to visit Hainan Island: any time but especially in November and December.

Best time for the special interest tour: Chinese cuisine or Traditional Medicine tour: all year round.

Good time for the shopping tour: Every end of the season: April, September, December which will give you the best bargains, meaning you can get the most valuable things in an incredible bargain price.

Off-season travel enjoys not only lower prices, but also a leisurely pace and you will get more personal attentions due to less travelers on the tour sites.

Do you sell air tickets or air and hotel packages only?

No, we do not. We only offer fixed packages that are all-inclusive.

Why don't you include Hong Kong in your tours?

Most people have two to three weeks to spend in China. Given the vastness of the nation and the diversity of its culture, we recommend travelers not to spend their time in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's history is relatively short; its local culture is correspondingly limited. There used to be two reasons to go to Hong Kong - firstly for its shopping and secondly to feel its vibrant atmosphere and view its spectacular architecture. With Shanghai constructing a skyline as daring and modern as Hong Kong's, the first reason is becoming less relevant day by day. Similarly, the fantastic shopping opportunities available in Mainland China and Singapore reduce the imperative of going to Hong Kong for shopping. Lastly, the hustle and bustle that characterizes Hong Kong's culture is on evidence in most southern Chinese cities. Perhaps the notable characteristic now distinguishing Hong Kong - a product of its turbulent history - are its wonderfully historic colonial hotels, the Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula.

Can you provide an extension to Hong Kong?

Yes, please request it when you make your inquiry or reservation.

Can you organize a private tour for me?

We can customize tours for any number of people. Please send your request by e-mail  or fill out our on-line inquiry, remembering to give as much information as possible. Mention the proposed length of your journey, the places to be visited, the number of people traveling (children / adults), any special visits / arrangements you would like made, etc.

 Can I depart earlier than the rest of my group or extend my stay in China after the tour?
Yes, you may do either one or both. For information regarding the deviation costs and individual visa requirements, please contact our office.

What should I pack before you go?

Anything that is casual and comfortable to you along with a good pair of walking shoes. There are no dressy occasions during any given tour, so use your best judgment to pack the proper attire because there is also no dress code for any of the evening shows. To better prepare yourself, it’s best to check on current weather reports a few days prior to departure since weather conditions tend to fluctuate. You may also check our weather link at the bottom of each web page. There is also many opportunities to purchase clothing during the tour.

What Travel document should I bring?

 Passport

Visa

 Health Documentation

Transportation Tickets

Emergency Information

Hotel Reservations

Travelers Cheques

Small amount of Chinese Currency

Credit Cards

Guides & Maps

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Medical Insurance

Personal Identification

Document Photocopies

2. Payment

Why are deposits non-refundable

In order to offer you such excellent prices and conditions, we make financial commitments to suppliers far in advance of each departure date. If you decide to join us, we strongly recommend that you purchase the very affordable travel insurance (only $99 per person for full coverage) so that should you need to cancel, you can recover your deposit in full.

What guarantee do we have if we send our money to your bank account by wire transfer?

Please keep the receipt your bank gives you when you make the wire transfer just in case we don't get the money. Once we receive your payment, we will send you a formal confirmation through e-mail and snail mail with a receipt of the total payment. You will also have the following guarantee: All monies paid by the Client under this contract, except insurance premiums, are immediately deposited into a Clients' Trust Account. These monies are not released to the Company until your tour has been completed or the services comprising your tour have been paid for in full by the Company. This fully complies with US law, as defined in The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992, and is for the protection of you, the consumer.

3. Insurance

Should I get travel insurance, and how much does it cost?

We strongly recommend that you purchase inexpensive, comprehensive travel insurance. The total cost of the coverage is usually $99 per person, and it covers trip cancellation, interruption or delay, lost, damaged or delayed baggage, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, worldwide travelers assistance and accidental death coverage. If you would like to purchase travel insurance with Travelex, you must contact the Travelex Insurance department directly. You can enroll via:

Internet: Travelex Insurance Skip directly to Enrollment Form

Telephone: 1-800-228-9792 (M-F, 8am-8pm CST)

Fax: 1-800-867-9531 (pages 13-14 of form)

4. Health requirements

Are there any health requirements? Do I need immunizations to enter China?

Travelers are advised to check with their doctors before visiting China. A Health Declaration form must completed upon arrival in China. No immunizations are required for short-term travelers, unless you are coming from or through a yellow fever infected area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, recommends those who have traveled from an infected area should have vaccination records available. Anyone not having the above mentioned certificate will be detained for observation for as long as six days. You should also bring any special health remedies or medications you require, as well as over-the-counter items. For traveling into the countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not recommended for those with pulmonary or heart problems.

The health quarantine service has the right to prevent any foreigner suffering from AIDS, venereal disease, leprosy, mental illness, or active tuberculosis from entering China.

Do I need to bring my medical record?
Your medical record should include your blood type, immunization record, allergies, medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

5. When traveling

Accommodations

Is the tap water drinkable?

Tap water is not drinkable except in some of the hotels. All hotel rooms are supplied with a thermos of boiled water, to make tea or drink as you wish. Bottled water is recommended. It can be purchased for about $0.25 to $0.75 per bottle everywhere.

Do we eat Chinese food throughout the trip? 

 Buffet breakfast is served in hotels throughout the trip. It combines Western items such as bacon and sausage with Chinese dishes. 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 free beer. A standard lunch or dinner consists of pork or fish or chicken plus vegetable dishes, soup and rice or noodle.

Vegetarians and clients allergic to certain food items such as nuts, MSG or sesame oil should disclose their dietary needs 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; however, we cannot guarantee the dishes served contain absolutely no such items.

What are the hotels like?

We use internationally recognized 5 and 4-star hotels wherever possible 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, Guizhou and Yunnan accommodations may be basic.  Visit our hotels page for more information.

Should I bring a converter?

Throughout China (including Hong Kong), 220 volt/50 cycle is used. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts will need a Converter, although some 4 & 5 star hotels are for use of 110-volt electrical appliances. Two-phase and three-phase sockets are commonly used in hotels. You may also need an adapter plug in order to use your electrical appliances. In case you forget it, try to ask the room service.

Do any of the hotels have a hair dryer in the room? Do any of the hotels offer laundry services?

Yes, most hotels (if not all) already have a hair dryer. If not, you may request one through housekeeping.

Yes, all of the hotels offer laundry/dry-cleaning services and the prices are quite reasonable. For an idea of what to expect, following is the list for you to have a piece of mind that laundry cost per item in China’s hotel:   

How do I contact my family when I travel in China?

You can always use the hotel telephone. But be aware that it could be as expensive as US$3 per minute. On the Yangtze cruise ships, it could be $20 per minute as they are using satellite telephone.

Suggestions:

#1: leave the phone numbers at home and ask them to call you;

#2: send faxes from the business centers at the hotels and ships;

#3: send emails from those business centers at the hotels and ships, most major hotels provide convenient Internet service with reasonable fees.   

6. Weather

What is the weather like in China?
Weather conditions and temperatures vary drastically throughout the year in China. Since some enjoy the cold climate while others prefer a warmer climate, it makes China a year-round destination for many travelers. The ideal time to travel to China are the months of April, May, September and October. The rainy season is mainly June through August. See the average temperature chart below

What should I bring for the Tibet plateau weather and high elevation?

Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. To protect your eyes and skin, the sunscreen, sunglasses or dark glasses and lip creams are advised.

In addition to the normal medications for traveling, just like the Aspirin and Ibuprofen etc, you may bring some high altitude medication. Better ask your doctor for suggestions.

7. Air Travel

What is the airport tax in China?

Airport tax (they call it airport construction fee) is of 50 yuan (about US$6) per airport. This fee must be paid in cash before check-in and is not included in your tour price.

International Departure Tax (even flying to Hong Kong) is 90 yuan (about US$11). In Hong Kong, it is HK$50 (around US$6.5).

The airport tax departing Vancouver B.C. is $10.00 Canadian

Tour Leader and Local Guide

Are Chinese streets safe?

The first thing to say is that most planes flown in China are not Chinese-manufactured. They are products of either the USA companies Boeing or by the European manufacturer Airbus.

For information about the relative safety of Chinese airlines, an independent evaluation is available at the Aviation Safety Network.

We customize our itineraries to use the main national airlines operating within China, namely Air China, China Eastern, China northwest and China Southern. All of these airlines are governed by strict safety standards enforced by CAAC, the government airline authority.

How are seats assigned on Air China?
Air China’s practice for arranging a seat of your choice is ONLY done upon check-in. If it is medically necessary, please contact Air China directly (no earlier than 5 days prior to your departure date) at 1-800-986-1985 for assistance.

Currency

What is the local currency?

The Chinese peoples' national currency or "Renminbi" consists of "fen", "jiao" and "yuan". There are ten fen in a jiao, and ten jiao in a yuan. The basic currency unit is the yuan, known colloquially as a kuai. The yuan is denominated in notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. One yuan or kuai is worth about 13 American cents. 100 kuai is worth about 12 American dollars.

The interbank buy and sell rates usually hover between 8.26 and 8.28 Renminbi to the US dollar. This has been the case now for many years. All licensed money change locations, whether they are high street banks or hotel desks, must change at a centrally fixed rate. Usually the consumer will buy Renminbi at the rate of 8.19 Renminbi to the dollar.

Click Here For today's exchange rates.

Traveler’s checks and all the major foreign currencies can be changed into Renminbi at hotels, banks and some department stores. These establishments are obliged by law to change at an official rate established by the People's Bank of China.

Major credit cards are usually accepted at the larger department stores and gift shops. Using international credit cards to draw cash from ATM or automatic teller machines is becoming increasingly possible but should not be taken for granted.

Pacific Standard Time: You will need to add 16 hours to the current time to get the local time in China. Pacific Daylight Time: You will need to add 15 hours to the current time to get the local time in China. Example: If it is currently January 1st, 12:00pm Pacific Standard Time, the current date and time in China is January 2nd, 4:00am.

Eastern Time: Beijing is 13 hours ahead of East side of North America .

Overview of Average Temperatures in Major Cities in China (°F)

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