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Tips
Chinese gardens are great to explore. Bring sturdy
footgear so you don't have to worry about your feet.
What to bring
Be sure to bring deodorant with you. Although you can find it in some grocery stores for foreigners, it is hard to come by in China.
A backpack is very useful to carry water, cameras, tissue, bandages, etc. Just be sure when you pack it after you arrive that you pack the outer pockets with stuff you won't miss, such as tissue, in case you are picked by pickpockets.
Bring clothes for all types of weather, as it can get cool in summer, or you may want to wear layers in winter, depending on where you are going in China. Northern winters (Beijing, Tianjin) can get very cold, while in the south (Guangzhou, Hong Kong), winters can be milder.
Don't bring too much of anything. Get luggage that is both light, compact and easy to move around. Make sure it is sturdy. You will be picking up, hauling, lugging, swinging, lifting, sliding, slamming and dragging that luggage around, so you will want to be sure it is light. Plus, airlines have quotas on how much luggage you can bring, how big, how heavy and how many carry-on's. If you want to bring items back from China, a good suggestion is to bring one suitcase, buy another one in China (they are very cheap) and fill your new suitcase with China items to bring back. You should make sure it is not too heavy, as it can be inconvenient to carry and you can be charged for extra weight.
Bring enough prescription drugs to last you for your trip. Make sure you have a good place to keep your tickets, passport and money. You will want to keep close track of these very important items. |
Money
In the U.S. it is very convenient and common to use a credit card or debit card, but in China, most transactions, including large ones, are done in cash. You can exchange at most banks; you will need your passport to do this. There are not many ATM machines for major credit cards, including in the major cities like Beijing. Be sure to bring plenty of travelers checks with you. It is unwise to carry huge amounts of cash with you, either dollars or RMB (Chinese currency). Keep some with you and some at a secure, separate location.
When you leave China, you may have some extra Chinese currency that you want to change back to dollars. Make sure you hang on to your exchange receipt, as most places will not change your money without it. Additionally, change your money while you are still in China, as there is a strong likelihood you will not be able to buy US dollars with your Chinese money in the US. |
Shaowu Yu leads a hike through the unique rock formations
of China. Plenty of rest, food and water are needed to
enjoy these
awesome
but rigorous tours.
Your Health
As you are traveling to China you should be aware of certain advisories, such as SARS or Avian flu. Do not drink tap water, only bottled or boiled water. After arriving in China, you will undoubtedly be very excited and want to explore everything. But, you should take it easy; you will already be tired from hours of traveling. Get plenty of rest, as jet lag will also slow you down. Rest will be very important in maintaining your health in China and keeping you even-tempered. You will probably get a cold and you may have some diarrhea. You should bring some over-the-counter medication with you to help in case you get these symptoms. |
Miscellaneous Tips
Make sure you have tissue and soap or waterless antibacterial soap with you at all times as most bathrooms have neither soap nor toilet paper and only have cold water.
Some toilets are squatters, where you have to straddle a hole to go to the bathroom, so you will have to learn how to use one (especially you, ladies).
Don't throw paper into the toilet, but in the basket next to you as it will clog everything up.
Sidewalks are uneven and you may find yourself tripping a lot, so watch your step.
Don't ever lose your passport or give it to anyone you don't know. Without it, you can not leave the country, and it is expensive and time-consuming to get it replaced. Bring extra ID with you and a keep a copy of your passport in another place separate from your actual passport.
For police dial 110, in case of fire dial 119, and call 120 for an ambulance.
In restaurants, they typically serve hot water when you first arrive - just plain hot water.
The Chinese are very curious about foreign guests. They will stare at you shamelessly, usually mouth agape. You are probably the most exotic human being they have ever seen. If you find someone staring, don't be offended. They are even more curious about you than you are about them. |
Chinese Time and Weather
Chinese Currency Conversion
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