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. . destination information |
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. . money matters |
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The Chinese currency is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY on currency websites) and the basic unit is the yuan. Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports and border crossings as well as at major hotels or large branches of the Bank of China. In addition to this, it is possible to withdraw cash using your credit card in some ATMs, particularly those run by Bank of China or Agricultural Bank of China.
The following sites help you convert currencies and locate ATMs worldwide.
http://www.xe.net/ucc/ - Universal Currency Converter for just about every currency in the world, created by Xenon Laboratories, Inc.
http://www.oanda.com/ - exchange rates, currency forecasts, and easy to use currency converter from Olsen & Associates.
http://www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html - Locations of over Visa/Electron/Plus ATM's worldwide.
http://www.mastercard.com/atm/ - Locations of Mastercard/Maestro/Cirrus ATM's worldwide.
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. . travel insurance |
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We highly encourage you to purchase additional insurance.
Get good travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate. Make sure that comprehensive medical cover (including repatriation) is provided and that martial arts training is not excluded. Be particularly careful about the terms of your insurance policy. If you do not act in accordance with the terms of the policy, the insurers may not meet your claim.
Shop around for your insurance and remember that you do not have to accept the insurance offered by the travel agent. What they offer is very likely to meet your requirements, but they get very high rates of commission (c40%) for the insurance they sell and it is most likely that you can get equal or better cover elsewhere at a much lower premium. |
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. . basic information & advice |
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- Make copies of your passport, insurance policy, plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details - leave copies with family and friends.
- Make a list of important information, including:
- telephone number for your nearest embassy
- telephone number for your bank, if you need to cancel cards
- a collect call number, in case your mobile is not available
- your passport number
- your blood group
Keep this information safe and separate from your valuables.
- Make certain of the airline check-in requirements. Due to constantly changing security regulations, these can vary from airport to airport.
- Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds eg sterling or US dollars (but be aware sterling may not be accepted outside large cities). Credit cards are generally accepted in larger and more modern shops and hotels. Beware of card fraud, taking all possible precautions. Take only one card if possible. Note the number and be familiar with the method of reporting its loss or fraudulent use.
- When you withdraw cash from a machine, make certain that you are doing so in privacy and check your balance to ensure that it accords with your idea of what should be in your account. If you are suspicious, take action at once.
- If you intend taking your mobile telephone, check with your mobile provider that your telephone will work in your destination country. China has GSM and CDMA networks but GSM is significantly more popular.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you, such as e-mail, with family and friends.
- Internet cafes are common in most Chinese cities, so keeping in contact via email should not be a problem.
- Electricity voltage is 220v in China. You usually have a choice between parallel two pronged or triangular three pronged sockets.
- Bring a good phrase book, which includes "point and show" Chinese text for common phrases.
- When you arrive at your destination ask your hosts for a card with the address and telephone number written in Chinese so you can use the card if you need to ask for directions back to your accomodation.
- Practice with chopsticks! It is usually polite to bring your rice bowl to your face to eat, which helps to avoid dropping food on the table.
- Bring a well equipped medical kit for your personal use. Make sure you include diarrhoea medicine, antiseptic, usual painkillers, plasters and sterile dressings. You may wish to bring a more comprehensive kit that includes sterile syringes etc. If so, don't forget to ensure that any doctor treating you actually uses your kit.
- Don't touch animals - a wide variety of diseases are spread through contact with animals.
- Insect repellent may be needed depending on the climate at your destination.
- Public toilets are generally squat toilets - toilet paper is not provided so bring your own.
- You may wish to bring a lightweight sleeping bag if that would make you more comfortable at night.
- If there is any snack food or drink that you cannot live without then be sure to bring a supply with you.
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