At PacGate Tours, we have a staff of experienced tour guides that are available to answer any question you may have relating to your tour or a tour that you might be interested in. Here are some answers to many of the most frequently asked questions. If the information you are seeking is not here, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Travel Documents - Travelers to China will need an original passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date. Make sure to bring at least two copies of the passport just in case the original is misplaced while you are in China. This will be your main form of identification in China. A visa is also needed, but PacGate Tours will assist in the visa application process.
Customs - Travelers to China will be required to fill out customs declaration forms upon arrival in both China and the United States. Reasonable amounts of cash, equipment and personal items are allowable. Total purchases made in China in excess of $1,400.00 will need to be re reported on the form.
Health Records - Travelers to China are not required to carry any medical records with them, but will be required to fill out a Health Declaration Form before entering China. No immunizations are required to enter China, unless travelers are coming from a high-risk area.
Insurance - Traveler's insurance is not required but is recommended in order to provide protection against unforseen incidents such as illness, accidents, loss of luggage and other trip cancellations.
Money - Cash, most major credit cards and travelers' checks can be used in China. US Dollars can be converted into the Chinese equivalent at airports, major hotels and banks. If a traveler is bringing cash, try to bring small bills. ATM's are accessible in most major cities.
Tips - Extra costs for the tour will include airport departure taxes which are $7 per person for domestic Chinese flights, and $12 per person for international flights. Local tour guides should be tipped $2 per person per day, and bus drivers $1 per person per day. On river cruises, cabin attendants should be tipped $3 per person per day, and restaurant servers $3 per person per day.
Luggage - Transpacific flights usually allow two pieces of check-in luggage per person. Domestic Chinese flights usually allow only one piece of check-in luggage per person weighing no more than 44 lbs. Two pieces of carry-on luggage are usually allowed on both types of flights. Make sure to pack light and bring casual, layered clothes and comfortable shoes. Don't forget to bring plenty of personal tioletries.
E-mail - Internet services are available at most major hotels.
Time - Local time in China is GMT plus 8 hours.
Drinking Water - Travelers should not drink the tap water in China, but should drink bottled water which can be readily and inexpensively purchased throughout the country.
When to Travel - The best times to travel in China are the months of April, May, June, September, October and November. The average temperatures in the major cities in China during those time periods are between 65 and 75 degrees fahrenheit.
Voltage - Voltage in China is 220, so travelers should pack an adaptor for any electronic devices that will be used.
Restroom Facilities - Travelers in China will find that most public places offer the local style of restroom facilities. These facilities do not have a typical raised toilet bowl and seat, but rather a ground-level toilet bowl that the user must crouch to use. Some of those facilities do not provide toilet paper, so please be prepared. Facilities in the major hotels and onboard cruise ships do offer "western style" restroom facilities.
Top
