BEFORE DEPARTURE

AIR FLIGHTS 
Confirmation of flight number as well as any potential schedule changes should be done prior to leaving for the airport by contacting respective airlines. In transpacific flights, check-in must be done at least three hours in advance prior to scheduled departure time. For all connecting passengers, please verify at the time of check-in that luggage can be checked through to their China destination. It is your responsibility to present you frequent flyer mileage account numbers at the check-in counter or call the airline for special procedures.

As the majority of the airline tickets are issued in bulk fare, any changes are cancelling may incur additional costs. In the scenario of lost or misplaced tickets whilst travelling, please immediately notify the airlines where you may have to complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form. A possible fee may result in ticket replacements.

Please take note that China Travel ca inc. is not responsible for any missed connections and penalties resulting from your choice of arranging your own add-on flights to the designated gateway city.

For specific seat assignments due to special medical conditions, please contact the airline directly at least 5 days prior to departure date:

BAGGAGE 
As baggage allowance differs for transpacific and Chinese domestic flights during your trip; we recommend a limit of one (1) piece of checked in luggage and one (1) piece of carry-on luggage per person. Maximum baggage dimensions as well as weight for transpacific flights are two pieces of checked baggage per person with total dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of the two pieces may not exceed 107 inches (273cm). For each single pieces, maximum dimensions may not exceed 62 inches (158cm) and may also not weigh over 50lbs (22kilograms). Each passenger may also carry one hand baggage with total dimensions not exceeding 45 inches (115cm)

Please note for any excess of baggage allowance, additional costs may be incurred and payable on site by the passenger.

Baggage Precautions
Please make sure to attach a CTSI luggage tag to each checked-in suitcase as well as a copy of your itinerary and contact information to aid airline personnel to locate you in case you become separated with your luggage. Refrain from checking luggage containing prohibited items (i.e. lighters) , valuables (i.e. money, jewellery, cameras) , fragile items (i.e. undeveloped film, bottles, eyeglasses) or any critical items (i.e. medicine, travel vouchers). Read more about TSA Permitted and Prohibited items for further information.

Lost or Damaged Baggage
china travel ca inc will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to your luggage and any personal belongings. Please report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from local authorities for submission to your insurance provider. In the case that the baggage was lost or damaged during the care of the airlines, a baggage claim form may be filled with the airline before leaving the airport.

Baggage Locks
Due to Chinese regulations, your checked baggage must be locked during transportation within China. With increased security measures in U.S. airports, locked baggage MUST be locked with a TSA recognized lock. This allows TSA screeners to open and relock baggage during security checks whilst unrecognized locks may be cut for physical inspection if required.

CLIMATE 
Since China is a large country, different parts of China will have varied climates. Generally, the north is cold and dry during winter months while the south is hot and humid during summer seasons. July and August are considered the rainy seasons in China. Furthermore, climate in Hong Kong is sub-tropical which is quite similar to Honolulu.

FILM 
If you are planning to fly by domestic and transpacific flights, make sure you have your undeveloped films with your carry-on baggage. Repeated screenings from baggage checks may damage your undeveloped film if placed in checked-in baggage. Furthermore, most X-ray machines in the China airports and railway stations are marked with a "film safe" sign. Thus, films with a higher ASA rating may be fogged by repeated exposures from these X-rays. Additionally, carrying your films by hand will be advisable.

MEDICATION
If you take prescription medication, it is advisable to bring enough to last the entire trip. It would be easier to remember if you put your medicines in the original prescription container when you are travelling. Keep your medicines with you at all times and do not pack them in with your checked baggage.

You should also take precaution when you are traveling in long terms. Travelling overseas may cause result in stomach upsets for tourists. A change in water, food, sleeping habits and/or climate may all cause discomfort for the tourist. If you think you may have diarrhea problems make sure you bring anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Lomotil.

PASSPORT & VISA 
A valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining after the entry date into china for all foreign nationals. For countries requiring a tourist visa, the visa must be obtained prior to entering the PRC. Please read the complete details about Chinese Visa or call our office near you.

TIME DIFFERENCE 
Peopleâ™s Republic of China covers five time zones; however, only Beijing Standard Time is used for the entire country with 8 hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (15 hours ahead of PST in daylight saving time). In contrast, people from far western regions in China such as Tibet follow a later work schedule in order to keep pace with the official centralized Beijing Time. For more information, please check World Clock for current regional time.  
For example, when it is 9am in China, the time in other U.S. cities is:

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Make sure you check TSAâ™s (Transportation Security Administration) before you travel and follow all the instructions in order to reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Also, by making two copies of your passport identification page it will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home and carry the other one along with a passport size photo with you in a separate place from your passport.

Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency

CHINA TRAVEL INSURANCE

Gold Plan

Trip Cancellation/interruption 
Pays up to insured Trip Cost (Max. $25,000.00) for non-refundable payments/deposits if the Trip is canceled prior to departure; or up to 125%of insured Trip Cost for any unused land or sea arrangements and o to a one-way economy airfare to return home or rejoin the Trip if the Trip is interrupted or canceled after departure.

Cancellation/Interruption must be due to a covered reason such as: Injury, sickness, death; Financial Default of an airline, cruise line or tour operator occurring 14 days or more after policy purchase, provided the premium is paid 15 days of initial trip deposit; weather or strike causing cancellation of travel; a personal residence being made uninhabitable; a call to jury duty; subpoena; hijacking; quarantine; a call to military service for a natural disaster; Terrorist Incident in an itinerary city; an automobile accident en route to a departure; theft of passports or visas; a 250 mile of greater transfer of employment; and layoff or termination from the same employer of 2 or more years.

Increase the Gold Plan premium by 50% to cover cancellation of the trip for any reason not otherwise covered by the policy, and receive up to 75% of the non-refundable trip loss. This benefit only applies if: 1) purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment; 2) purchased for the full cost of all prepaid arrangements subject to cancellation penalties; and 3) cancellation occurs 2 or more days prior to scheduled departure. (Note: This benefit is not available to NY residents)

Covers additional accommodation and traveling expenses up to $200 per day (maximum $1000) when your Trip is delayed 12 hours or more due to a covered reason such as: Common carrier delay, lost or stolen documents, quarantine, inclement weather which prohibits Common Carrier departure, natural disaster, sickness or injury.

Covers up to $1,000 loss or damage to baggae, personal effects and travel documents during your Trip. A $100 benefits is included for the purchase of additional clothing and personal articles when baggage is delayed mroe than 24 hours.

Pays in the event of death or loss of limb or eyesight within 365 days of an accident.

Covers: Medical expenses incurred within one year of an injury or sickness that first occurs during your Trip; emergency dental treatment by a dentist during your Trip; evacuation and transportation as directed by a physician to the nearest adequate medical facility, and/or to your home; expenses for a Physician recommended escort; on in the event of death, transportation of your remains home.

24 Hours Service Phone Number: 1-866-221-0578
International 1-715-342-3541
Plan Number: TIS402 P2-P5

VACCINATIONS
When travelling to the Peopleâ™s Republic of China, vaccinations are not mandatory. However, prior to travelling in China, it is highly recommended for you to check with your personal physician for certain precautions to be made or become aware of. For the latest overseas travel health information, please contact the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting www.cdc.gov/travel or by calling toll-free 1-888-232-3228.

WHAT TO PACK 
The number one question people ask when they are packing is "Do people where I am headed live without this item?" Things that are readily available in the hotels will not be required to pack. Also be sure not to pack your suitcase with unnecessary items in case you do not have enough room to place all the items you collect during your trip. Moreover, remember that you will have access to:

-Laundry services are readily available in all your hotels with reasonable prices. Clothes sent in the morning are generally returned back in the evening. If you are staying for 2 or more nights in any destination city you are allowed to do laundry.

- Hair dryer and iron by contacting Housekeeping.

-Free bath accessories in your private bathroom, which includes disposable tooth brush and toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, body lotion, sewing kit, sanitary bag, shower cap, etc.

-You can easily purchase a shoulder bag or small pieces of luggage to carry your purchase back home.

-Virtually anything you require can be secured along the way. It is part of the adventure.

Travel in China involves a lot of walking and therefore comfortable walking shoes are essential. Pack your clothes accordingly to the season while you are on your trip.

UPON ARRIVAL

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES 
Clearing Chinese customs and claiming your checked luggage takes approximately one (1) hour. Your china travel ca inc representative will greet you once you have cleared the Custom at the China arrival airport. By wearing your CTSI name badge, easier identification will allow CTSI agents to differ you from other passengers. Upon arrival, you will also be greeted by CTSI tour guides with signs to avoid confusion. During the peak seasons, you may find up to 20 CTSI tour guides at the airport so please make sure you follow your group. In case you can not find any CTSI tour guide, please call the 24 hours service line on your Final Itinerary at any public pay phone.

JET LAG PRECAUTIONS 
Jet lag occurs when your bodyâ™s inner clock is out of sync with the daily routines of rest and meals due to the different time zones when reaching your destination. It is impossible to avoid jet lag but there are methods to minimize its effects. Some common symptoms of jet lag is fatigue irritability and vague disorientation. Some suggestions to minimize jet lag are:  

- Several good nights sleep before your trip departure.  
- Attempt to sleep on the plane.  
- Walk around in the plane occasionally while doing isometric exercises in your seat.  
- Drink plenty of water and juice during your flight.  
- Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during and after the flight.  
- Upon arrival, attempt to adapt to your new schedule immediately and refrain from naps at unsuitable times.  

TOUR GUIDES & GROUP SIZE 
For a guaranteed departure with no less than 10 passengers, a professional Tour Director will be assigned to escort the group throughout Mainland of China. In-depth narration of each local attraction is offered along the tour by local guides assigned to the program. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 32 passengers with a minimum of 10 travellers for guaranteed group departure. In the scenario where a departure is cancelled due to low participation, clients will have the option to reschedule their trip or receive a complete refund of all payments made to china travel ca inc.

Small group travels can be arranged with equal or greater quality than group travel. Essentially it depends on the customerâ™s time reservation even if there are only 2 participants.

ON THE TOUR

DRESS 
For your trip to China, essentially dressing for comfort will be recommended. Shorts and jeans are widely accepted in China and therefore coordinating your outfits for various venues and activities would be optimum. Have multiple layers to suit various weather and temperature changes that may occur. Formal dress and attire is not required. For Yangtze cruise "casual smart" should be enough for various occasions such as the Captain's Welcome Party.

ELECTRICITY 
Electrical plugs and wall outlets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Electrical current is rated at 220V, 50 cycles AC in China. You are advised to bring along adapters and converters for any North American purchased appliances. Clients will usually be able to borrow adapters and converters from Housekeeping at most hotels. Hair dryers and irons are readily available upon contact of hotel housekeeping services.

GRATUITIES
Your tour director, local guides, drivers and porters are professional, conscientious, and are most thankful for your acknowledgment. We realize that tipping can be confusing on a group tour; the following gratuity guideline is introduced solely for the convenience of our group travelers: for group more than 10 or more people, $6 per person per day. For group less than 10 people, $8 per person per day. For airport transfer, suggested $3 per person per trip.

Detailed gratuities suggestions are also listed for specific programs and will be sent to you with you final travel documents. Since your Tour Director will accompany you throughout the trip, and is responsible directly to you, you may choose to give all gratuities to your Tour Director entrusting him/her dispense them along the way on your behalf. With gratuities given this way you will enjoy the journey in a more relaxing way. Under any circumstances, gratuities are customary and totally depend on the satisfaction of the services.

LAUNDRY 
Reasonably priced same day laundry services are available at all hotels during your China trip.

MAIL 
Most China hotels have postal services available for you to send postcards and letters overseas. Post usually takes 10 or more days to reach North America. Postage is charged in Chinese RMB and equivalently about 50 cents USD for a postcard and 80 cents USD for a letter weighing up to 20 grams.

MONEY  
We recommend that you carry currency in different forms like cash, travelerâ™s cheques, and credit cards. During stops at tourist location stores, use credit cards especially when making larger purchases. Take advantage of travelerâ™s cheques for favourable exchange rates to Chinese currency. Where credit cards are not accepted, use local currency. Tips are generally paid in U.S. dollars. Bargain with street vendors paying in single dollar bills.

Chinese Currency  
Chinese currency or Renminbi (RMB) translated to English as the âœPeopleâ™s Moneyâ. Basic units of RMB is a Yuan (equivalent to a dollar), which is divided into 10 Jiao (dimes) which is again divided into 10 Fen (cents). Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Yuan. Bronze and nickel coins are available in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Jiao.

As of Nov 2011, USD $1 converts to roughly to 6.31 RMB. However exchange rates fluctuate everyday and therefore please check for the current rate here.

Chinese RMB is not internationally convertible, therefore you will only be able to exchange your currency into RMB once you have reached China and also exchange back to your currency before leaving China. Hong Kongâ™s currency is in Hong Kong Dollars HKD and is internationally convertible whilst worth around the same as RMB.

Exchanging Money  
Most hotels, Chinese arrival/departure airports and at any Bank of China branches are able to exchange currency. The official exchange rate may differ in most places and therefore it is best to shop around for the best rate. However for the sake of convenience and safety, we highly suggest that you exchange money in your hotel. Retain your exchange receipts because you will need your receipt to convert RMB back to your home currency at the end of your trip. Those whom are also travelling to Hong Kong may also exchange RMB to HKD in Hong Kong.

Travelerâ™s Cheques 
Some advantages to Travelerâ™s cheques are:

(1) Traveler cheques are exchangeable at all your China hotels
(2) Exchange rates on Traveler cheques are usually higher than the currency rate (approximately 2% higher)
(3) If lost, you may cancel the traveler cheque unlike cash

Most Travelerâ™s cheques from the worldâ™s leading banks and issuing agencies are generally accepted throughout China, however we recommend buying these traveler cheques at major companies like American Express, Thomas Cook and Visa.

U.S. Currency 
Cash advance services are not commonly available in China and therefore some cash should be brought. A good supply of single dollar bills are convenient and useful when shopping at street vendors. Please note that foreign coins are generally not accepted as well as partial, defaced and worn bills may not be accepted.

Credit Cards 
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are generally accepted in hotels, tourist shops and upscale shopping centers. However smaller local stores or remote areas may not accept this type of payment.

Personal Cheques 
Personal cheques are generally not accepted in China.

Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) 
ATMs can be found conveniently at many larger banks in China. Withdrawal of cash can be done with services like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cirrus and Plus. These network is only available in sizeable cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Most ATMs in China will only output Chinese RMB. The exchange rate for an ATM withdrawal is much like the rate offered by credit cards and a daily withdrawal limit is still in place. Credit card cash advances may incur service fees.

Carrying Money 
It is recommended to carry large amounts of cash and credit cards using a money belt. Care and good judgement are needed during the entire trip.

SHOPPING 
A major part of any travel experience is shopping and China is known for itâ™s bargaining shopperâ™s paradise. China offers a marvellous selection of arts and crafts such as jade, silk, rugs, teas, cloisonné, ceramics, antiques, paintings, furniture and much more. Items purchased in areas where they are âœnoted for❠has proven to be the best valued. Your Tour Directory as well as local guides will be very happy to assist you in any detailed shopping orientation or help you might need.

When shopping, use your credit card for large purchases when available while retaining all your receipts. If you ship your items, be sure to buy insurance. Moreover a good supply of single dollar bills are very useful when shopping with street vendors.

china travel ca inc will not be involved in or take responsible for any purchases you make during the trip whether the merchant is part of the scheduled itinerary or not.

TELEPHONE, FAX & INTERNET 
International and domestic phone calls can be made in the convenience of your own hotel room. Domestic long-distance rates do apply in China varying according to the distance and are usually inexpensive. Local calling are usually at a very low rate or free depending on each hotel. International Direct Dial (IDD) calls can also be made from your hotel room and may be quite expensive as hotels generally add a surcharge on top of the Chinaâ™s already expensive IDD rates. In some hotels, they require you to place a deposit before you may access international lines from your hotel room. For international calling, we recommend you using a calling card as they are readily available as well as a lot less expensive. Consult your Tour Director about this matter and he/she will be more than happy to assist you in this matter.

Calling North America from Mainland China  
Dial 00(international access code) + 1(North America country code) + local number

Calling China from North America  
Dial 011(international access code) + 86(China country code, or 852 for Hong Kong regional code) + China area code (minus initial zero) + local number

Essential Numbers in China  
Several telephone numbers throughout china are useful but however only International Assistance and Local Weather Forecasts are likely to have an English-speaking operator.

      Area Code list

Fax and internet access are commonly available at your hotels. Check the Business Centers for details

WATER & MEALS 
Tap water is not considered safe to drink in China in exception of Hong Kong even though water in China is commonly chlorinated and processed. While in China, drink only bottled or boiled water where bottled water and soft drinks can be easily obtained at reasonable prices. Bottled water is offered in your room daily and moreover boiled water can be made safely in your room.

All meals are included per itinerary where breakfasts included are usually American Breakfasts to give you a good start to the day. Regional specialties feature a variety of lunches and dinners served during your trip.

A common lunch or dinner composes of 6-12 dishes shared among 6-10 people sitting on a round table. A beverage of your choice (beer, mineral water or soda) is included at no additional charge as well as Chinese tea included. Special meals such as a Peking Duck dinner, Xian dumpling banquet are included for all tour programs to enhance the culinary experiences in China.

RETURN HOME

U.S. DUTY-FREE EXEMPTION
When shopping in China, be sure to keep your receipts on all purchases so they could be readily available for custom officials upon re-entering U.S. soil. Effective November 4th, 2002, the standard personal duty-free exemption is $800 for items brought abroad by a returning U.S. resident.

Duty for items mailed home valued at $200 or less is waived. Antiques that are at least 100 years old and fine art may enter duty free but folk art and handicrafts are generally dutiable.

Each U.S. resident may bring back 1 Litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars for inclusion of duty exemptions. Items which are purchased at the âœDuty Free❠stores are subject to duty if the value of the total purchases exceeds $800.

Family members in the same household returning to the United States may combine their personal duty exemptions. Children and infants receive the same amount of duty free exemptions as adults in exception of alcohol and tobacco products.

Take caution and rely on your personal judgement when making purchases in China as there are merchants that may misrepresent their goods. Moreover, the importation of imitation goods into the United States may infringe upon USA patents and trademarks and you may be in violation of US custom laws.

Canadian DUTY-FREE EXEMPTION
All receipts for purchases made in China should be kept for declaration upon returning to Canada. Under Canadian law, all animals, plants and products must be declared as well as any currency or monetary instruments (Stock/bonds, cheques, money orders etc) totally $10,000CDN or more.

For each returning resident of Canada, a duty free exemption of $750CDN is available and may include goods other than alcohol and tobacco which were acquired during your trip. Each traveller over 19 years of age may also bring 1.5L of wine or 1.14L of liquor and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars for inclusion in duty exemptions.

Take caution and rely on your personal judgement when making purchases in China as there are merchants that may misrepresent their goods. Moreover, the importation of imitation goods into Canada may infringe upon Canadian patents and trademarks and you may be in violation of Candian custom laws.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PURCHASES IN CHINA.