China is an odd beast that needs to be respected;. Some complex situations that you think would be an organizational disaster turn out to be great and you wonder afterward what all the fuss and worry was about. Then the simplest of tasks can turn out to be a major calamity.This is when you have what I call a "China day".These days come and go and are part of the experience of everyday life in China. A little planning and knowledge will go a long way toward making your trip a good one，remember you need to have an open mind, an open heart and open eyes to get the most out of the place.
These are in no particular order, just as I thought of them!
Health Requirements,
No vaccinations are required for travel to China but it is advisable to check with your doctor for current information. Tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Please note that there is a risk of malaria in remote areas of southern China.
Drinking Water,
The tap water in China is undrinkable. Buy bottled water it is cheap and available or boil your water first.
The Food,
The food is great and the variety is overwhelming. Most of the time it's cooked fresh so there is little chance of getting sick. That said the change of diet can cause you a few problems! Inconveniences include little rocks in your rice, tons of tiny, tiny little bones in the fish, pieces of chopped up bone inside meat. But be adventurous anyway! You'll learn soon enough what not to eat.Your body will let you know.
Chopsticks,
Learn to use them before you get here. Don't give me any of those whiny western excuses about how difficult they are to use. PRACTICE. Knifes and forks are not available every where and as eating is such a communal affair here if you can't use them well your in trouble. Besides it's amazing the amount of compliments you get if your even half decent at using them. I think it was Arnold that use to practice moving small pieces of hard candy from one bowl to another. It pays to PRACTICE.
Toilets,
Be prepared; Carry some tissue.You may well come across squat-toilets on your travels and a lack of plumbing is not uncommon in public places.The flushing mechanism may consist of a tap and a bucket. A tap and a bucket may sound fairly primitive, but this is often the classier end of the spectrum. If you don't know how to use a squat toilet, try the following experiment at home.
While holding onto something for support with both hands, lower your body down into a low squat position, so that the cheeks of your bottom are almost touching your heels or the back of your calf. Now, let go with your hands. See if you stay in this position for at least 1 minute. If you fall backwards or you cannot get up, then a squat toilet could be a problem for you!
Be warned that public areas like bus and train stations are usually what I class as "tough toilets", however if gotta go you gotta go. Outside of the major cities, the toilet systems are old or have very narrow plumbing /pipes and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually beside the toilet, this is for your used toilet paper.
One of the best China travel toilet tips I can give you, is use hotel lobby toilets. These are everywhere and are always clean. Still they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.
Tipping,
Tipping or gratuities are not common practice in most sectors of Chinese life.
Safety,
China has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. There is a strict gun control. However, in bigger cities pick-pocketing and purse snatching are quite common in crowded areas such as railway stations, shopping centers, sightseeing destinations, buses and so on. General precaution measures are:
Keep an eye on your purse or bag at all times.
Put an elastic band around your wallet. It makes it harder to slide out of your pocket. ( One of Ted's tips! )
Do not show your money in public. Try to carry small amounts each time you go out.
Leave your valuables in a safe place.
You do not need to carry your passport at all times. A copy of it works too.
If you do encounter any type of public demonstration its best to leave the area and not hang around.Taking photo's would be a bad idea!
Telephone,
What is worth doing is buying a Chinese Telecom SIM card, but first make sure your mobile phone is "unlocked" or it won't work! They are about RMB100 and with this you get RMB50 in calls, the other 50 is for the price of the SIM card; this SIM card will go into all major brand phones. If all else fails buy a cheap phone here for a few hundred RMB and keep it for your next trip. They can be a life saver, if you can get the number of the agency that your lady is registered with and you need help call them.
Electricity,
The electricity supply is 220 volts, alternating current (AC), 50 cycles. Outlets come in a variety of configurations. You may have to supply your own transformers and adapters in some hotels, but better hotels now supply a range of standard adapters for electrical appliances and electronic devices. The most common sockets are the narrow round 2-pin, the slanted 2-prong, and the 3-prong type.
Currency/Foreign Exchange,
The Chinese currency is called Renminbi. 10 fen= 1 jiao and 10 jiao= 1 yuan.
Foreign currency cannot be circulated within the People's Republic of China so you have to exchange anything you have into Renminbi. This can be done at any branch of the Bank of China. Exchange rates are issued every day and if you have any unused Chinese Renminbi when you come to leave the country you can convert it back with a "foreign exchange certificate" which is valid for six months. Exchanging money with money changes on the street is illegal but you do get better rates! As a rule the higher the denomination of note your changing the better the exchange rate.
Many hotels accept major credit cards and can convert your money into RMB as well, but at lower exchange rates than the banks. Saying that exchanging your cash at a hotel can be quicker and more convenient. It's your call. At present, the following credit cards can be used in China: Master Card, Visa Card, American Express, JCB, Diners Card .The Bank of China can also cash travelers' checks sold by international commercial banks and travelers' check companies. Cash point machines are available at most branches of the Bank of China. Depending on what card you have you may be limited to 2000/2500rmb a day,so be prepaid for this. Also it's a good idea to tell your bank that you intend to to travel to China so they don't block your card while your here..
Staring,
You will find yourself being stared at by the locals where ever you go. Get use to it. It's not aggressive in any way it's just that there curious about you. I expect you really won't mind being stared at by the Chinese girls. Even if 10 seconds after you pass her, you turn and see she is still looking at you. Imagining that she is exuding her "that-is-what-I-have-been-waiting-for-all-my-life "look. but unfortunately you won't be able to distinguish this from the Jeez-what-a-freak! look.
Taxi's
Most taxi drivers do not understand English,along with virtually everyone you encounter here. What this means is that until you acquire some minimal language survival skills you won't be able to do anything that you took for granted back home, without first imposing on someone else with Chinese communication skills to accompany you. If you do have to take a taxi anywhere or are returning to your hotel you will need to carry on your person several scrapes of paper with the destinations written in Chinese and remember not all taxi drivers are literate. They are however cheap and plentiful. Taxis are an experience that can have you griping the seat and gasping for breath; however you soon get used to it, after the first few rides, you're an old hand. If the taxi does not have a meter then negotiate the fare before you set off. Always carry a card from the hotel where your staying at all times!
China TV,
If you want to watch TV, most of the major hotels will have cable and if you are in the smaller places, the national channel, CCTV9 is in English. It has regular news programs.
Pollution,
Sometimes the pollution is pretty bad. It might even make your eyes water some days, especially if you come from some wussy place with really clean air. Environmental protection is gaining ground here,so don't worry. Soon you'll be wallowing in toxic apathy with the rest of us!
Lost Travel Documents in China,
First before you leave home make copies of all the documents you intend to take to China This includes the Chinese visa number in your passport as well as the date and place of issue,and have some 2" passport photos taken to bring along too.
So if you lose your travel documents or get them stolen, what can you do? Well you should immediately report the loss to the local police station, who will give you a relevant lost report. Then you need to apply for a replacement passport at the embassy or consulate of your country, Bring along all necessary supporting documents such as the police loss report, copy of lost passport or other certificates that can verify your status such as your ID card, Driver License, Social Security Card, etc.
Also don't forget to bring several two inch passport photos and some cash as you will need these as well. When you get your new passport, you also need to apply for a new visa at the local Exit and Entry Bureau. Failure to obtain a replacement visa can result in a fine or at least a big hassle when you attempt to exit China.
Emergency's,
Dial 110 for the police, 119 in case of fire and 120 for an ambulance.
After being put through to the emergency services you will firstly hear a prompt in both Chinese and English:"Hello, here is 110 alarm service", then an operator will ask you some basic questions, such as your name, location, and details about the reason for your call. Follow there instructions
Some other useful numbers
113--Operator of domestic long-distance calls
114--Inner-city telephone number inquiries
115--Operator of international long-distance calls
116--Information on domestic long-distance calls
117--Time
121--Weather forecasts
Medical Facilities in China,
Hospitals in many major Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang). These wards feature up-to-date medical technology and physicians who are both knowledgeable and skilled. Most of these VIP wards also provide English speaking doctors and nurses.
SOS International, Ltd., operates clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort services in several Chinese cities. For medical emergencies anywhere in mainland China. You can call the SOS International, Ltd., 24-hour “Alarm Center” in Beijing at (86-10) 64629100 or in Shanghai at (86-21) 62950099 for advice and referrals to local facilities. They can also be contacted in Hong Kong at (852) 24289900. The Australian firm, Global Doctor, Ltd., has opened clinics staffed by English-speaking doctors within the VIP wards of government-run hospitals in Chengdu, Nanjing, Beijing, Xian and Shenzhen. Global Doctor can be reached by telephone from China at (61-8) 92263088. For less serious conditions most 4/5 star hotels have a doctor on call.
Stay calm in China, shows of anger and shouting will get you know where, in fact they are viewed as very rude. The Chinese people as a whole are warm kind individuals and I'm sure at some point during your trip you will be overwhelmed by there generosity and welcoming nature.
Most of all ...........Have Fun!
Any more tips for the list anyone?......................................................
