China Travel Tips #2 : China  

China Travel Tips #2 - Travel guide

China

Travel Tips #2

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.

Safety

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world 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 travelers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict.

Seasoned travelers recommend taking a few simple precautions to avoid potential problems. All Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk. Leave valuables at the hotel. Pickpockets and petty theft are usually the only problems to be on guard against. When in particularly crowded areas and while traveling through airports, train or bus stations, keep an eye on your baggage. If there is a problem report it immediately to a security guard or the police.

Useful Telephone Numbers: Dial 110 for Police, 119 for Fire, 120 for Emergency

Other Numbers: 113 for Long Distance Operator, 114 for Directory Inquiries and information,
115 for International Operator, 116 for Long Distance Inquiries, 117 for Time, 121 for Weather

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 American 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.

Communications

Telephone communication within China is good and getting better as the national system upgrades to fiber optic cable. Travelers can communicate easily with home or office via telephone, fax, telex, and Internet (where available). Hotels usually offer free local calls, although travelers should check as some do have a small charge, even if there is no answer. Public phones are available in many shops, restaurants, and on the street. International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone service is available from almost any telephone in the major cities, or from hotels and phone centers in secondary cities. (Be sure to give incoming callers your room number, since it is sometimes hard for receptionists to remember foreign name spellings).

The postal service is one of the most efficient systems in China. Local rates are inexpensive and international rates are reasonable. Tourist hotels usually have their own post offices and shipping services, but hotel front desks provide the most convenient places for travelers to drop mail. All major international courier services have offices in major Chinese cities, and travelers can arrange with their hotel for pickup. Internet connections are currently available in some hotels, and many more are installing them to accommodate business travelers.

Departure Tax

When you depart China there is a 90 Yuan (around US$11) departure tax. Departure tax on all other domestic flights is 50 Yuan (around US$6). Fees must be paid in Chinese currency at a special airport tax desk before check in.

Local Office Hours

In China, businesses usually open from 8:00 am and close about 5:00 pm (Some cities may vary). Offices are closed for lunch break of one hour, generally between 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Supper is taken around 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm.

Unlike western world, most Chinese supermarkets and department stores remain open on public holidays, and some of them even extend their working hours into late night.