Visa and documentation
1. What type of visa should I get before I come to China?
This question depends mostly on the purpose of your visit. There are many types of visas, but the one that most visitors will want to get is the tourist (L) visa. This visa is issued to foreigners who come to China for the purpose of travel or leisure. To find out more about visas, you can visit this link for Chinese embassies near you: www.china-embassy.org. Here you can find specific details about how to apply for a tourist visa.
2. Besides a tourist visa, what other forms of documentation do I need when I travel to China?
Visitors to China should have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your visit to China. If visitors plan to go to Tibet, they should get an official letter of invitation from a 3rd party inside Tibet at least 15 days before their visit. If visitors only plan on going to Hong Kong, they do not need a special visa for their visit.
3. What do I need for a tourist (L) visa?
To apply for a tourist (L) visa you need a valid passport, application form, and a passport-sized photo. It should normally take about 7 business days to process the application form for a tourist visa. For Tibet, the Chinese embassy must get approval from the Tibet Tourist Administration before issuing a visa.
4. Do I need a multiple-entry visa for my visit?
Most visitors will only need to apply for a single entry visa for their stay in China, unless they want to leave the country during their visit and then return. Should visitors wish to go to Hong Kong during their visit and then return to China, they must apply for a double or multiple entry visa.
Health and Safety in China
1. Do I need vaccinations before coming to China, and if so, which vaccinations should I have?
While eating and traveling in the cities of China may be similar to what you can get in your own country, it is important to remember that in more rural areas the medical conditions are poorer. Therefore, visitors should take some precautions before their visit to China. Below we have listed some types of vaccinations that visitors should prepare 4-6 weeks before their visit, especially if they are going to be traveling to areas where the medical conditions may not be as up to date:
* Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
* Hepatitis B
* Typhoid (if you are visiting more developing areas/countries)
* Rabies (it’s possible, but not probably to be in contact with wild animals during your visit)
2. What can I do if I lose my important documents?
If you happen upon the unfortunate circumstance of losing your wallet or any important documents, you should take the following measures:
- Immediately call the police. (our staff can assist you with this)
- If you lose your passport, besides calling the police, you also need to inform your embassy so that they can provide you with exit documentation certified by the police.
- If you lose your credit or ATM card call your bank(s) immediately to have it cancelled.
3. What are 5 things I can do to make my visit to China as safe and comfortable as possible?
- Make copies of your important documents (i.e. passport, visa, driver’s license, traveler’s checks, etc) and tickets. Keep these copies in separate locations.
- Never drink the tap water without boiling it first.
- Always exchange your money at the Bank of China or at the hotel (if you are staying at one). Do not exchange your money on the black market, as you can easily be ripped-off.
- Although seemingly friendly, don’t casually go places with strangers. You will find that you are suddenly very popular when you get to China and everyone wants to talk with you. Talking is fine, but use your common sense and don’t put yourself into situations where you have no idea of where you are going with someone you have never met before.
- Bring along a pocket notebook wherever you go so that you can right down useful phrases when you need to speak with someone, such as “I’m lost,” “Where are the restrooms,” and, “Do you speak English?” etc.
Traveling in China
1. What medical precautions should I take before traveling to China?
China Reflection recommends that visitors purchase medical insurance before coming to China. If you feel somewhat uncertain about what kinds of medical precautions to take before coming to China, you may want to consult your doctor. China’s pharmacies are equipped with most Western medicine.
2. How is China with regards to public safety, etc?
Security is a priority in China, and you will almost never feel in danger. Foreign tourists are usually greeted as friends from afar. With this in mind, please remember to watch your belongings as there are pickpockets, especially in crowded places like train stations, bus stations, and on public transport. Should you be coming to China to make political statements, you may find yourself in an uneasy situation as public protests are not tolerated. If you want to check into a hotel, you will need to present them with your passport, so be sure to keep your passport in a secure location.
3. What’s the public transportation like in China?
Be prepared for the largest crowds you will face anywhere in the world. Most public transportation is, while convenient and cheap, very crowded. Still, you can save a lot of money using the public transportation. Long distance buses and trains are usually safe, but may not be up to Western standards and can often be overcrowded. If you want to travel to another location, it is important that you buy your tickets about a week in advance, as it may not be possible to by tickets on the day of or day before you want to travel. Trains are equipped with dining cars, sleeping cars, and toilets. Remember to follow the rules that you see posted in English, regardless of what others do. Offer your seats to the elderly and those in need of assistance as well.
4. Do the hotels in China have the same facilities as Western hotels?
Hotels in China range from below one star to 5 star hotels. The prices are considerably lower than what you will pay in the West. If you should receive a call from the hotel beauty salon, do not answer it, as they often offer “other” services in addition to their massages.
5. Can I rent a car in China?
Yes, foreigners who have driving license issued by their home countries can apply for a temporary drivinglicense and drive in China without having to take related tests. However, they need to attend lessons to study Chinese road safety regulations, and they can only drive small cars or automatic-gear cars.
Regarding Homestays
1. Are your homestays safe?
Yes. Our families have been interviewed by our staff with a security check done before approval. They are all willing to accommodate and make exceptions for foreign guests. They come from financially secure backgrounds, most of them being currently employed.
2. Will I have my own room?
Yes, each family has one spare room to provide for a homestay.
3. What can I expect to find in my room?
Each room has the usual amenities (bed, desk, wardrobe, air conditioner).
4. Can I use the host family’s cooking facilities?
Yes. This is one of the best parts about staying with a host family, and we encourage you to introduce them to your cooking, as well as cooking with them. Remember not to casually use the cooking materials that they buy, and ask first before you use anything.
5. How do I communicate with my host family?
We understand that many of our guests cannot speak any Chinese. The host families will be able to speak basic English; however, we encourage you to practice your Mandarin with them, even if it is only one or two sentences at first. You will be surprised at how quickly you can learn. If you encounter some unsolvable communication problem, you can contact our staff by mobile phone.
6. Can I have guests come and visit me while staying with the host family?
Yes, but please inform the host family prior to your guest coming. Additionally, guests can only stay with you overnight if you have the host family’s permission. Obviously, guests should not stay for more than one or two days, as this puts a financial strain on the host family.
7. Will I be able to use my host family’s phone?
Yes. You can make local calls from your host family’s phone directly. Please try to limit your time on the phone. Additionally, it is easy to buy international phone cards (100RMB for 600 minutes to America).
8. What should I bring with me to China from my own country that I cannot find in China?
China has many of the amenities and products that you can find in your own country. There may be some special circumstances where you will not be able find a product in China.
9. Should I bring gifts to my host family?
Gifts are always welcome, but you don’t need to go overboard. Pictures, stamps, small books, or local delicacies from your hometown are good choices.