How can I check that you are a legitimate
tour company?
You can
visit the website of
China National Tourist Administration
(CNTA).Select
Anhui province, click and then you will find China
Anhui Overseas Tourist Corporation in the first row
on the list.
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What do I need for international travel?
You
will need a valid passport,
which has at least 7 months validity from departure
date, and a visa to China. We will provide you with
instruction on how to obtain a visa to China once
you make the reservation.
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How
do I get China visa?
Visa is
required for Americans and most other nationalities.
China Anhui Overseas Tourist Corporation
will help you procure your visa after you have
confirmed the booking with us. Detailed instruction
and visa application form will be sent to you upon
receipt of your tour deposit. You can also apply it
directly at the Chinese Embassy in your country.
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Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong?
For US
passport Holders, visa is not required within 90
days there as a tourist. For other passport holders,
please inquire with your nearest PRC embassies or
Consulates.
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What to expect from the tour?
This
tour is for people who want to learn about China and
explore that far off land. The spirit of adventures
and good will are traveler's best friend. Politeness
and courtesy always enhance the experience of a
trip. The Chinese are very friendly, and the
services of hotels are all up to international
standard for quality. A few people might experience
anxiety when traveling far from. Don't be; just be
yourself, follow directions and your trip will be
smooth and most enjoyable. Your tour is fully
escorted in China and the tour guides are all
experienced and friendly.
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When is the best time to visit China?
Deciding
when to visit China depends on which places you wish
to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how
much a bargain you want. Remember that China is a
huge country with many different climates and types
of terrain. Think of it in terms of United States,
which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling
along the Golden Route (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai,
Guilin) is like visiting Philadelphia, Knoxville,
and Southern Florida all in one trip. May,
September, and October are the peak tourist months
at China's most popular destinations, when the
weather is most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in
the shoulder season, which runs from late March
through April and from June through August. The
off-season arrives in late November, and continues
through the winter when crowds are few and prices
unbelievably low.
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What months in China are considered peak
season, shoulder season, and low season?
Generally speaking,
the Peak Season refers to May, September and
October; the Shoulder Season refers to March, April,
June, July and August; the Low Season refers to
January, February, November and December.
In addition, different cities, hotels and cruises
have exact concept of the Peak Season, the Shoulder
Season and the Low Season respectively according to
their own practices.
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What to pack?
Pack
lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy,
comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute. A
sports coat and tie for man, and one or two dresses
or pantsuits for women, will suit the most formal
occasions to be encountered in China. Travelers
should bring shirts, sweaters, and jackets that can
be worn in layers to suit a range of climates.
Remember: dress for Comfort, not for Style.
Checklist:
1.
Electrical converter and adapter plugs. China's
electrical system operates at 220 volts.
2. Hair
dryer, razor, alarm clock.
3.
Common toiletries, cold and digestive medications,
lip balm, sanitary napkins and any over-the-counter medicines you generally
use.
4.
Chewing gum, mints, or throat lozenges to keep your
mouth moist.
5.
Reading materials, including a guidebook on the
places you will see.
6.
Suntan lotion and sun glasses. Raincoat if you go in
July and August.
7.
Camera and film. Be aware that while print film is
available in most places, negative film may be
difficult to find. And be sure
to pack extra
batteries.
8. A
note book to keep track of all the exciting things
happening on the trip.
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Is safety a problem in China?
China
is a very safe place to visit. Even
minor crimes are punished severely, especially if
related to foreigners. Vendors at some sightseeing
locations may be persistent but are usually polite.
We
recommend the following 19 tips for ensuring safety:
1.
Plan ahead
2. Take sufficient money with you, and prepare for
all kinds of emergency
3. Take a valid passport and secure a valid visa
4. Insure your life and precious items
5. Check your air tickets and other travel
documents
6. Ensure treatment for chronic diseases during
the trip
7. Prepare a back-up pair of eye glasses or
contact lenses if you wear them
8. Do not take any knife or other sharp tools
because they may be confiscated
9. Do not put your home address in the luggage
labels lest thieves break in while you are out
10. Tie your luggage tightly to prevent spills
11. Keep vigilant about your surroundings
12. Keep important phone numbers handy
13. Always lock your room and close windows
14. Do not wear flashy clothes or expensive
jewelry
15. Do not lose your keys in public places
16. Bring a map with you when taking a taxi
17. Do not change money with individuals
18. Learn some local expressions, such as
greetings
19. Walk in street lamp-lit areas at night
Above
all, of course, it is very important to choose a
travel agency and tour guides with a good
reputation.
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Do I need immunizations to enter China?
No
immunizations are required for entry into China,
unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever
infected area. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta recommends the all
travelers have current polio and tetanus
immunizations. For travelling into countryside,
immune globulin is also recommended to combat
hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is very
important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum
Antibiotics, an anti-diarrheal agent, and any other
prescription drugs required. For most update
information, please contact CDC in Atlanta or visit
their web site at
http://www.cdc.gov.
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What about the Chinese tour guides?
The
travel industry in China is heavily regulated for
consumer protection. There
are three classes of travel companies which will be
handling the land portion of the tour, is a Class I
travel agency. Tour
guides working for Class I travel companies are
well-trained, licensed professionals who are
proficient in the English language.
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What
is the airport tax in China?
Departure tax when leaving China is 90 Yuan (about
US$11). Also,
airport construction fee of 50 Yuan (about US$6) per
flight has been levied on all domestic flights. These
fees must be paid in cash at the time.
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What
about
airport tax in Hong Kong?
Currently,
it is HK$50 (US$1=HK$7.73).
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What
about luggage allowance for domestic flights?
For
domestic China and Intra-Asia flights, you are
allowed to check in one piece of luggage. The
limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total.
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Do I have to tip if join an organized tour?
The Chinese
government does not encourage tipping. However, it
has become a very popular norm to tip the tour guide
and driver in recognition of their good service.
Also, hotel bellboy expects your tips as well. It is
not customary to leave tips at local restaurant.
Normally, you do not need to tip at hotel
restaurants, as the bill includes 15% service
charge.
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Do we eat Chinese food throughout the trip?
All
breakfasts are western style buffet with fruits,
cold and hot cereals, Danish, Chinese dim sum etc. Lunch
and dinner are Chinese food. The round table dining
accommodating 8-10 people provides an opportunity
for quiet camaraderie.
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What
are the hotels like?
Chinese hotels offer internationally standard
services. Tourists who have been to Beijing,
Shanghai, Chongqing, and capital cities of China's
provinces note that hotels in
these cities match any tourist hotels in New York,
London, Paris or Sydney in services and facilities.
In a recent poll, many foreign tourists rated very
highly services at Chinese hotels.
Take a
typical three-star hotel, for example. Services
offered by such a hotel will include:
1.
All employees wear uniforms which tell of the job
and position of the employee;
2. All rooms offer room service meals
around-the-clock;
3. All rooms are equipped with a bathroom with
disinfected towels, glasses, soap, bath cream, shampoo, toilet paper, tooth brushes and
razors;
4. All rooms are air-conditioned, complete with a
colour TV, telephone, refrigerator and a double curtain;
5. The bedroom consists of two single beds, a
wardrobe, and a dressing table, with ceiling
lamps, bedside lamps and a button for room service;
6. The restaurant can hold banquets and includes
entertainment facilities such as a bar, ballroom
and a karaoke nightclub;
7. Post, shops, sauna, fitness, commercial center
and beauty parlor are also available;
8. Bellboys are available;
9. There are attendants for each floor and ushers
and waitresses in the restaurant.
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Are your hotel rates per person, or for the
room?
The
hotel rates we offered are based on two persons
sharing one twin room.
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Can I get descriptions of particular hotels?
If you
are interested in any particular hotel, please
contact us for more information. We will offer
detailed information of the hotel for your
reference.
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Are all 3-star hotels air-conditioned?
Yes, Accoring to the stipulation of CNTA (China
National Tourist Administration), 3-star hotels
should be air-conditioned, which is the prerequisite
for the evaluation of 3-star hotel.
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Can I travel to Tibet independently?
According to Chinese official regulation, you can
not travel to Tibet independently. You
have to book a tour package to Tibet through a tour
company. You
need a special travel permit to enter Tibet in
addition to a valid China visa. We
have designed several flexible and affordable
packages. Please
contact us for further details.
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What should I do if I lose my passport in
China?
A foreigner who has
lost his passport in China should promptly report to
the local public security organ, explain what has
happened, apply to the Embassy or Consulate of his
own country for an exit document with a certificate
issued by the local public security organ, and go
through related formalities at an entry and exit
inspection department. Only then is he allowed to
leave China
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Whom should I contact if I need more general
information?
China
National Tourism Administration Overseas Offices.
China National Tourist Office, New York
350 5th
Ave. Suite 6413, Empire State Building New York, NY
10118
Tel:
212-760-9700 Fax: 212-760-8809
China National Tourist Office, Los Angeles
333
West Broadway, Suite 201. Glendale, CA 91204
Tel:
818-545-7505 Fax: 818-545-7506
China National Tourist Office, London
4
Glentworth St. London No.1 UK
Tel:
71-935-9787 Fax: 71-487-5842
Fredenverkehrsamt Der Volksrepublik China Ilkenhans
Strasse
6,
D-60433 Frankfurt A.M. Deutschland
Tel:
69-520135 Fax: 69-528490
Office Du Tourisme de Chine. Paris
116,
Avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris, France
Tel:
1-4421-8282 Fax: 1-4421-8100
China National Tourist Office, Madrid
Gran
Via 88, Grupo 2, Planta 16-8 28013 Madrid, Espana
Tel:
1-5480011 Fax: 1-548-0597
China National Tourist Office, Sydney
Level
19, 44 Market St. Sydney N.S.W.2000, Australia
Tel:
2-299-4057 Fax: 2-290-1958
China National Tourist Office, Singapore
1
Shenton way, # 7-05 Robina House Singapore 0160
Tel:
221-8661 Fax: 221-9267
China National Tourist Office, Tokyo
6F
Hachidai Ramamatsu Cho Building 1-27-13
Hamamatsu-Cho, Minato-Ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel:
3-433-1461 Fax: 3-433-8653
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If you have
any questions and concerns, which can not be
addressed by our FAQ, please feel free to contact us
by e-mail at
caotc@mail.hf.ah.cn
We can arrange any itinerary that meets your travel
destinations in China. For further information and
reservation, please contact us.
We thank
you for your visit to our site, and hope to have the
opportunity to take you on a journey of discovery.
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