Visas are required for Americans, and can be obtained at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago or New York. One visa application form, one passport-sized photograph, and the appropriate fee (which varies according to citizenship and any rush charges that may apply) must be submitted along with a passport valid for six months. Processing time is typically one week and the cost is $30. Visas can be obtained in two or three days for an additional charge. Visas are then valid for three months from date of issue, and for one month from date of entry into China. You can extend your stay while you are in China. Double and multiple entry visas are available for an extra charge. 

CUSTOMS  

Prior to arrival in China, travelers will be given a customs declaration form. This form will be given to a customs officer upon arrival and the carbon copy should be kept by the traveler and be used upon exiting China. 

IMMUNIZATIONS 

No immunizations are required for entry into China, unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area (South America and Africa). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta recommends that all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations. For traveling into the countryside, immune (gamma) globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization.

BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS 

You are allowed to check in two pieces of luggage weighing up to 72 pounds each on international flights to and from China. You will be allowed to check in only one piece of luggage for domestic flights in China of up to 44 pounds and one carry-on piece of baggage not larger than 45 inches and weighing less than 11 pounds. However you can bring more luggage if you are willing to pay the extra charges.

CURRENCY  

The Chinese currency is called "yuan". The current exchange rate is one US dollar to 8.3 yuan. US dollars can be exchanged to yuan at banks and hotel lobbies. Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels in major cities. Traveler’s cheques can be cashed at Bank of China with a service charge. Personal checks are not acceptable. Upon exiting China, you may exchange yuan back to US dollars with the exchange receipts.

ACCOMMODATIONS  

The accommodation is double occupancy (two twin beds) with a private bathroom. They are comfortable but basic. 

WATER AND FOOD  

Tap water is not drinkable unless it is boiled. Bottled spring water is recommended and it is very inexpensive and available everywhere. You will have the opportunity to sample the tremendous variety of Chinese food, but don’t eat uncooked vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

MEDICAL FACILITIES  

Medical facilities for foreigners are available in major cities. We recommend you bring an ample supply of any medication that you are currently taking since it might not be available or not easy to get in China. 

VOLTAGE  

220 volts.

AIRPORT TAXES  

Departure tax when exiting China is 60 yuan ( about $8). A new airport tax of 50 yuan ( about $6) per flight has been levied on all domestic flight in China. These fees must be paid in cash on the spot.

TIPS AND GIFTS  

Officially tipping is not allowed in China, though it is very popular to tip tour guides, drivers and bellmen. Generally there are no tips for taxi drivers, waiters and waitresses. Most of the restaurants will include 15% service charge in your bill. Gifts, such as pens, music tapes, inexpensive pins, and such may be given instead of money as an appreciation. For hosts or business associates, more valuable gifts such as liquor, electronics, hardback books may be appropriate gifts.

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