Frequently asked questions and our answers!

Do cell phones work in China?

As far as cell phones go, you really have two choices. The one that I think is best would be to, would be to call your cell phone company and tell them that you would like to get a China roaming package because you will be traveling to China. Then after you get home, call them and cancel the service. That always seems to be the best option, although you will probably need a converter for your cell phone battery charger. Or the other option would be to buy a cell phone in China. They can be rather expensive to call a number in the US but it is another option. If you wanted it for local China, then that might be all that you would need.

What can you tell me about using cash, charge accounts, exchanging currency  etc. while in China? 

In terms of cash, I would highly recommend you carry US currency and a small amount of Chinese (Yuan) while you are out and about on your daily adventures. You can either exchange some US cash before you leave at your personal bank. The airports and hotel lobbies will also have currency exchanges available for you to use, at a small fee. I would not recommend using your personal credit card at many of the local little street vendors, and a majority of them will not even have credit card processing machines. If the larger shops that we will be taking you to, you are able to use your credit card should you choose to purchase anything. (It is also safe at these locations) Generally, most of our clients have found that it is easiest to go to one of the local bank of china ATM’s and by using their personal checking account debit cards, directly withdrawal currency that way. PLEASE NOTE: to check with your bank branch before you leave that there are no large international withdrawal fees associated with your card.  People such as your guide and driver will accept US Currency as a tip. However, please remember other than your provided guide and driver; it really is not a tipping culture. (such as cab drivers or waiters)

Do we need to have any immunization shots before leaving?

As far as immunizations are concerned we actually do not recommend or require any vaccinations, neither does the government of China. However, I always recommend that my clients check with their primary care physician just to be sure that their doctor does not recommend anything. I mean obviously your personal doctor knows you best, and it’s just over all better to get a professional opinion. Although we here at the company do not suggest or require anything, just something to keep in mind.

Is there some sort of a dress code that we should follow?

There is not an actual dress code throughout the course of the trip, the trip is set up to be very causal and comfortable. Some sort of dress shirt/button down shirt for men and a pair of slacks should be more than adequate in terms of at dinners. Even t-shirts and jeans are okay as well. As far as what clothing I would recommend for a woman, it really doesn’t matter as long as you are comfortable. There are not any formal, suit and tie or gown events.  Really is depends on the preference of the traveler. I would however not recommend wearing any strappy sandals with heels as you will be doing a lot of walking and will want comfortable shoes. Your main priority should be comfortable shoes throughout the course of the trip and then the rest of the trip will pretty much just fall into place.

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Last Minute Discount on Xian Discovery Departure April 19th, 2012. Save an additional $50 per person

The Xian Discovery is a best seller that leads you to a fantastic introduction to the splendid attractions and historic monuments in Xian, Beijing, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Explore enormous ancient city walls, the colorful Big Goose Pagoda, and the massive army of more than 7,300 life-sized Terracotta Warriors while in Xian. Climb the Great Wall of China and stroll through the beautiful Linger-In Garden of Suzhou. Feast on a Peking Duck banquet in Beijing and gaze at the Shanghai skyline from atop the massive Pearl TV Tower. The Xian Discovery is an amazing opportunity to stimulate your senses with China's finest sights, tastes, and sounds.

For more information please view the direct link here: http://www.chinadiscoverytours.com/CD/super-deal.html

Please call our travel experts toll free at 866-992-4462 for more details about this additional savings offer. This offer is able to be combined with our early booking discount.

 

Special Savings for the month of December!

A lot of people have considered traveling to China, and getting to experience all of the marvelous things the country has to offer; but they are a little lost on how they should go about getting the information that they need. Requesting information on the internet is easy! Requesting the information from the correct people, make things even easier!

We would like to invite all of you to call in to request a free color brochure that features all of the luxury prepackaged tours to China and Asia that China Discovery Tours offers. 

Our toll free telephone number is 1-866-992-4462 and our direct line is 1-310-802-7100. 

You can also request a travel brochure on our website at:  http://www.chinadiscoverytours.com/CD/catalog-request.html

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all of you travelers that this is the best time to secure next year’s travel dates. In appreciation to our clients and customers, China Discovery Tours is offering a savings discount of up to $400 per couple. To secure these incredible savings, a deposit of $300 per person must be placed by December 19^th. This $300 secures your trip of a lifetime! 

Additional savings offers are also applicable; please call a travel specialist today!

Warm regards,

China Discovery Tours

Kristie, Gloria, and Claudia (your expert China specialists)

5 Things I wish I knew about traveling to Tibet before I went

I just wrote a new Journal entry for "Joe's Journal," a post-facto memoir about the trip I took backpacking China and Tibet. Especially working on the other side now (Sending people to China and Tibet), there are a number of wise tidbits I'd like to share with you. So without further ado:


5 Things to know about visiting Tibet

1. The Tibet "Visa," a real-life catch 22

The Tibet "visa" is actually known as the Tibet Travel Permit, or TTP. It's not a visa because you're technically not leaving the country (China) when you visit.

The interesting thing about the TTP is that in order to obtain one, you must first have a ticket (air or train) to get into the country. However, to obtain a ticket, you must first show that you have permission, or a TTP, to enter the country. Yes, this is a classic, textbook catch-22. The way around this when taking the train is generally to get a Chinese national to purchase your ticket for you, as they don't need a permit to visit. Then you use that ticket to go purchase a TTP from a local travel agency. For air, this is even more complicated. Barring people with diplomatic passports, we usually have no trouble getting the TTP via our vendors for around $25-30.

2. Altitude Sickness

It's not really a problem. The only person on our trip who had an issue was one woman who was in a state of near-panic about the altitude before we left China; of course upon arrival she had a harder time. However we regularly send even rather elderly people to Lhasa, where after a day to acclimate they are fine. If you're concerned, supplemental oxygen and medication (Diamox/Acetazolamide) can be obtained.

3. Clothing

Lhasa has very little atmosphere, so the sun heats you up and burns you quickly, and you freeze just as fast. Sunscreen and layers.

4. Censorship

Not as big a deal as you'd think. Don't bring pictures of the Dali Lama to hand out, and don't take pictures of any Chinese soldiers standing around, and you'll be fine. One of our clients was a film crew that went to film the 4 holy Buddhist mountains of China as well as Lhasa, and our agents in country were able to help them get their footage without trouble. The professional camera equipment was the only thing that made the situation a bit more delicate than normal.

5. You can see Mt. Everest while in Tibet

Do it. It's not cheap, you have to take a land cruiser trip out there (and get a bunch of extra permits), but its well worth it. By the time you've made it to Lhasa, you've come so far that it would be stupid not to go. Absolutely one of the best decisions I've ever made. For our absolute top-notch accomodations along the way, we charge about 1400 for a 5 day/4 night trip across the sights of Tibet to Everest and back.

You can read about my wanderings around China and my most recent Tibet travel post here.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT EXPIRING DECEMBER 18, 2010

We would like to remind everyone that our Early Booking Discount with a savings of $400 off per couple will be expiring on December 18, 2010. Don't miss out on this incredible offer!

Call one of our travel specialists today toll free at 1-866-992-4462.

Check Out Joe's Journal!

Would you like to be able to read about all of the experiences, one of our travel agents Joe Marcus encountered while back packing across China for two months?

Now you can go through the different entries of his journal, to read all about Joe's experiences. Check out the link below!

http://http://chinadiscoverytours.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/joes-journal-experiences-backpacking-solo-across-china-and-tibet-vol-1//

3 DAY PROMOTION

China Discovery Tours would like to inform everyone that we are having a 3 day promotion next week. Monday through Wednesday, for every deposit placed there will be an additional savings of $50.00 per person.

For more information please call our travel specialists at 1-866-992-4462 and ask for Joe, Kristie, Tselo, or William!


Have a great weekend everyone!