Travel In China Information

China Visa Money Language Passports Attractions Maps

If you plan to travel in China, here's some travel information to answer some of the most common questions about China travel: Do I need a visa? A passport? (YES!) What money (currency) do they use use in China? Is the water safe to drink? What language do they speak, and what to pack.

Maybe you'd like to know what side of the road they drive on, and where to get a map of China. What's the food like? Where can I get a China travel guide book? What attractions should I plan to see on a China trip? Do they accept credit cards? Travelers checks? And to make it a little more interesting, China is like several 'countries' with different travel document requirements.

Travel to Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Hainan and the China Provinces on mainland China -- the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) -- and you need a visa. Travel to Hong Kong China, and most visitors don't need a visa. You'll use different money in each, too! Read on for information, links and tips on travel in China!

China Travel Information and Tips

• Do I need a China Visa Yes, in almost all cases, with a fee and passport photo. Go to the website for Chinese Embassy for the information for your country for arrivals in mainland China.

• Do I need a visa for Hong Kong? Tourist visas  without a fee are usually issued on arrival in most cases. Check here for Hong Kong visa info. Most visitors don't need a visa if they will be staying in Hong Kong. But, should you decide to go shopping in Shenzhen (which is in the PRC) or to the casinos in Macau, you WILL need a visa. You can arrange a visa in Hong Kong. Ask your tour operator or hotel.

• What money (currency) do they use in Mainland China (PRC)
  In the PRC , the unit is the yuan. About 1 CNY (yuan) = 13 US cents ($1 USD = $7.50 CNY)China currencies (money) ARE different - if you go from Beijing to Hong Kong, you will use different money. Rates do fluctuate, so check before you travel. Travellers checks are accepted at banks and many hotels will have an exchange desk as well. Credit cards are usually accepted at major hotels but check first. ATMs are not as widely used here as elsewhere. Do back up your travel money. See travel currency tips page.

• What money (currency) do they use in Hong Kong China
  In Hong Kong, the unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar HKD. About 1 HKD (Hong Kong dollar) = 13 US cents ($1 USD = $7.76 HKD). Rates do fluctuate, so check before you travel. Travellers checks are accepted at banks and many hotels will have an exchange desk as well. Credit cards acceptance and ATMs not as common as in westrn countries. DO back up your travel money. See travel currency tips page.

• What Languages do they speak in China? Tour guides speak a wide variety of foreign languages and most foreign visitors can be accommodated; English is commonly spoken by tourism operators and hotel desk staff. Generally, Cantonese is spoken more common in Hong Kong (get a Cantonese Phrasebook) and the south, while Mandarin is spoken more in Beijing and the provinces. (Get a Mandarin Phrasebook to carry in your bag or purse).

• Travel Health What shots do I need for China? Always check with a travel health clinic before you go. Have your regular vaccinations up to date (plio, tetanus, DPT, etc), and consider flu shots and a Hep AB combo such as Twinrix. China covers a large and varied geographical area, each with its own considerations, so it depends on where you will be going. For example, hot and humid areas may have tropical disease advisories that would not apply to travel in Beijing. or in winter. For more information see my travel tips Passports etc page, and check for your country travel advisories links on this page.

• Find Hotels in China and Hong Kong See the Hotels attractions page. I also included hotel information, when possible, on the appropriate city page.

• What to Wear in China China ia a huge country; the climate varies seasonally and geographically. If you will be in Beijing and the north from October to April, roughly, you will need a warm coat, hat and gloves. Even Hong Kong can be cool at night in winter. Rain gear is always advisable. Summer can be sweltering and rainy in much of the country. I've put a section dealing with travel tips and what to pack. You don't need to pack a lot, but choose wisely. See China Travel Clothing for list.

• Books about China, travel guide books, phrasebooks See China section on my travel books page

• Things to do in China and Hong Kong and Macau see Hotels, Attractions

• Notebooks, Journals for China travelers Keep track of the details of your trip to China in notebooks, journals.

• Calling Cards Make phone calls To and From China (cellular and land lines), see Cheap phone Cards information page for why and where to get calling cards.

• What side of the road do they drive on in China? In China traffic keeps to the right;

• What side of the road do they drive on in Macau and Hong Kong? They drive on the left.

• Maps of China Here's a handy map book to take along - the China Pocket Atlas

China Travel Section Index - Click a Picture and Go!

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