Do I need to get a Visa to travel to China?

Yes, every guest that plans to go to China must have a valid passport with a Chinese visa inside.  You will want to obtain a "L" tourist visa.  The visa can be obtained at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or you can use the third party vendor visarite.

http://www.visarite.com/fees.htm

Will someone pick me up at the airport?

Yes, one of our staff members will meet you at the airport, help you with your luggage, and accompany you to the Hotel.  Once at the hotel we will see that you are checked in properly and ready to begin your vacation.

What can I do to prevent "Jet Lag"?

Jet Lag can be a challenge because when you travel to China you passed the international date line.  You will be twelve hours or more ahead of your daily schedule.  Our best advice is not to stay active all night on your first day of arrival.  You will have a feeling of energy at 11:00PM Beijing time because your are still living 11:00AM U.S. time.  If you can get a good night sleep the first night Jet Lag shouldn't be a problem.  We have never had a guest that has difficulties dealing with the time change for more than a day or two.

How much money do I need to bring?

All of your activities, transportation and meals are paid for.  There will be a couple of times during the tour that you will eat on your own so you will need money for that.  Also, China has a fascinating night life filled with lounges, cafes, bars and nightclubs that many of our guests like to enjoy.  The prices for such events are similar to the U.S.  Also, China is an excellent place for shopping and bargain hunting.  We suggest that you bring enough money to enjoy some of the great deals on merchandise that China has to offer.

What if I run out of money?

There is a bank about every 100 meters in China.  Almost all banks accept Visa and MasterCard.  Please contact your personal bank or credit card company and ask them what the surcharge is for international cash withdrawals.  Although, don't depend on your credit or debit card for shopping or dining because less than 5% of establishments in China are connected to the system.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

All of our guests should bring clothes appropriate for Fall and Spring.  Like the United States China can still be quite warm in the day during these times so some light clothing would be suggested.  Every guest should bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in.  We will do a fair amount of walking especially at the Great Wall.  Although, we will never do too much walking to the point of strain.

You should bring a medium to large bag that has wheels and pack it 3/4 full so you will have room to put the things you buy in your bag.  You will be able to use a laundry service at one of the many hotels for a small fee. We suggest that you bring a swim suit for the swimming pools at the hotels.  China does sell suits but they are not very fashionable or flattering.

Can we drink the water?

China is becoming quite advance but not to the point that you can drink the water from the tap.  Many people have made this mistake and have a day or two of unenjoyable visits to the bathroom.  There is water coolers or boilers for tea in every hotel room.  Bottled water is for sale at every store in the city. Finding clean water to drink should never be a worry.

Do I need to know some important words in Chinese? For Example: Where is the Bathroom?

No, our staff will teach you some basic words and phrases for getting around.  We will also have all of the necessary words and phrases written down somewhere so you can easily point to them when you are not with a guide.  Don't be discouraged if the first person does not understand you.  Keep your patience and someone will assist you.

What if I get injured?

We would hope that none of our guests would get injured but if there is an accident, China has many hosiptals with qualified doctors.  Usually every dictrict has a hospital so we will never be more than 25 minutes from help.

Can I call the United States from China?

Yes, every hotel and every city has this service.  Most people choose to buy a pre-paid card to save money.  These cards are easy to buy and use.  Our staff will assist you in buying one that suits your needs.

Will there be internet available?

Yes, China is second to the United States in the amount of internet users.  If the internet is not available in the hotel an internet cafe is very easy to find.  Using the internet might be the Chinese people's number one passtime.

Can I send letters or post cards to my friends and family?

Yes, there are several "China Posts" throughout every city.  Although, you will probably return home before the letter reaches its destination if you don't pay extra postage.

Do I need to get any vaccinations?

Since the stay is so very short, Hepititus shots are not absolutely necessary, but if you feel you would like them it is not a bad idea. There are many foreigners that have lived in China for several years without health problems that have not had the vaccinations.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions please let our head guide know and we will accommodate you.

We encourage you to personally write us with any questions that you may have.  Please contact us at questions@chinasummeradventure.com and we will promptly reply.  We want to work personally with all our potential guests to make sure that each and every question that they have will be answered.  No question is too big or too small.  We want to be as informative as we possibly can.