If You Go to China

Here are some tips to know before you go.

• Visas--you must have a valid passport (expiry date no later than 6 months prior to departure) and a visa. To obtain the latter, contact the nearest People's Republic of China consulate or their embassy (for Canada, click here). You will need two passport-like photos, information on where you are staying and if applicable, your host, $50.00 CAD, and if travelling on business, your letter of invitation.
• Vaccinations--none are required unless you are travelling to China via a country that has Yellow Fever. Consult your physician on whether or not you need an inoculation (rural areas might have typhoid or Japanese encephalitis). Hepatitis is a problem in China so you may wish to have the Hepatitis A or B vaccines (these require several inoculations so plan ahead). Glen and I had our Hep A&B shots when we visited Ecuador so didn't get any other inoculations to go to China.
• Money--take cash or traveller's cheques as few places accept credit cards. ATMs require 6 digit PINs which means adding zeros before your number but this may not work on all machines. Canadian banks only issue Yuans in denominations of 100 RMB which was worth $14.50 CAD when we visited.
• Baggage Tags--keep them handy as they will be checked as you exit the airport.
• Electricity--China's system is 220V so it is wise to carry a plug adapter. Our hotel and the university had no problem with North American plugs but it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you can't charge your camera batteries (remember to do so every night), then part of your holiday memories are lost.
• Tissues--carry several small packets of tissues to use as toilet paper or napkins. Often restaurants will provide sani-wipes but it doesn't hurt to carry a few in your purse or pocket.
• Water--do not drink tap water in China as it is unsafe. Most hotels offer bottled water or a kettle which you can use to boil it. I drank water from a fountain in the Beijing airport and didn't get ill but Glen figured it was probably treated. Bottled water is cheap but make sure the bottle is sealed and of clear plastic as street sellers often refill old bottles. Beer (always served at room temperature) and soft drinks are also inexpensive but even if the label says it is Pepsi, it's called Coke.
• Practice with chopsticks while in the privacy of your own home and if possible, use the plastic variety as they are challenging (and the better Chinese restaurants use them). Don't gesture with your chopsticks and never leave them stuck in a rice bowl. Basically, use them as you would a knife and fork. Glen saw a man eat a fried egg with chopsticks so it is possible but he wouldn't do so.
• If you have trouble breathing, consider wearing a face mask. You won't be the only one doing so. The air quality in China is bad and with all the construction, dust mixes with whatever else is in the air. Please, don't forget any medication that might make breathing easier.

If you have anything you'd like to add to this list, please comment below and I'll modify this post.