China Travel Faqs
Q: Does your tour price include the international flight?
A: The quotation from China Memory Tour does not include fares for international arrival and departure flights.
Q: When do I need to make reservation?
A: We highly recommend you make the reservations 30 DAYS prior to your departure date. But if you want to come in May, September and October, it is better to place the reservation as early as possible. Late reservation can not be guaranteed. We recommend you to call us directly by telephone (+86-13991970315) if your reservation is close to your departure date.
Q: I want to amend my booking. How do I do this?
A: If you are not satisfied with our displayed tour itinerary, please e-mail us your request . We will amend your tour sights according to your schedule and interest. Remember this is a FREE service.
Q: I want to cancel my booking, How do I do this?
A: The lead passenger of your booking needs to notify us of the cancellation in writing, quoting the booking reference and the reasons for cancelling via email, fax, if possible. Sorry, we do not accept any oral cancellation. You will then be invoiced for any outstanding payment or cancelation charge.
Q: What type of customer service is offered by China Memory Tour?
A: You will receive a reply after submitting your reservation request within 8 hours. Our qualified and friendly travel consultants are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including holidays) to answer your questions both online and offline. All you have to do is ask.
Q: Once I have made my reservation, will I receive any written confirmation?
A: Yes. But after you decided to book the tour with us, we will first send you a Reservation Form to secure the places. Then we will discuss the details of the tour itinerary and price. After it is settled, we will then send you the Confirmation Letter. You may use this Confirmation Letter for reference or just by our e-mails.
Q: From what location does the service start?
A: Depends on your specific requirement, it could start from your arrival China airport, your hotel, or even your home in China. You will get specific detailed instruction upon receiving our Confirmation Letter.
Q: I have not received reply to my inquiry emails, why?
A: Some email internet providers can mark general emails such as those sent from us as "spam." Please check your spam folder for previous email replies. If you have your spam filter set on the highest ranking, only emails from senders in your address box will go into your inbox. Any other emails (such as replies from internet sites you have booked on) will go into a "spam" folder. These emails can sit in this folder for up to 7 days, and then your email system will automatically delete them.
Q: How far in advance can I book the tour with you?
A: Most services can be reserved with us for up to one year in advance. When we make the reservation, some products are available on a first-come first-serve basis on the scheduled date. But domestic air tickets will be applied by policy from the airlines.
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Q: How will I receive my e-air tickets?
A: 30 days prior to your tour (or within 72 hours prior to your tour), you will receive an e-air ticket sent by email) confirming all details. If your tour or activity is in less than 72 hours, we will provide your e-ticket as quickly as possible. Simply print your E-Ticket, and present it when you check-in. Your confirmation/E-Ticket will include a contact number for the operations staff; please call that number at least 24 hours prior to the tour to confirm any details. We do not mail tickets. We can fax tickets to hotels, if necessary.
Q: How can I get a refund for my booking?
A: All credit requests or refund requests must be in writing. Please fax requests to +86 29 888 55 683 or contact us directly.
Be sure to include the following:
1: The full name under which the reservation was made;
2: Reservation ID Number;
3: Email address；
4: Date of your tour/hotel/activity;
5: Code of the tour/hotel/activity that was booked;
6: Date of the credit card transaction (the date you placed your tour/hotel/activity order with us);
7: Amount of the transaction;
8: A telephone number where you can be reached if necessary;
9: and a brief explanation of the reason for the credit/cancellation request. (We need to know exactly why you are requesting a credit, so please provide all the details necessary for us to make an evaluation of the request.) The Cancellation Policy and Terms apply to any refund requests.
Refunding to credit card
We can refund to your credit card. Please send us the following information:
1. Credit card type;
2. Credit card number;
3. Issuing Bank of the Credit card;
4. The address of the above bank;
5. Credit card holder's full name, nationality, birth date;
6. The Billing address.
Please note: Refund to credit card takes at least 30 days for both of our banks. We do not refund any cash or check to sustitude your credit card payment.
Q: How to use Paypal?
A: Make sure you can use PayPal to make the Payment.
Paypal has built a secure payment network of more than 190 countries and regions. Please check out their service at your country. In case your country is not included in the network, you can choose to pay by T/T.
If you already have a PayPal account
We will send you a payment request email in which you will see the button "Pay Now". Simply click the button and login directly the payment page of PayPal. Follow the instructions, it is fast and easy for you to make payment online. PayPal will inform us after your payment is done successfully.
If you do not have a PayPal account
You can have one free account easily on www.paypal.com or when you receive the payment request email, click the button "Pay Now", input your credit card information and other personal information required by PayPal to make the payment. PayPal will inform us after your payment is done successfully.
Note: If you choose to pay by credit card online via PayPal, please be kindly advised that a 3.9% out of your total tour cost will have to be added as bank charges. However there is no additional charge from us if your payment is made by T/T(Telegraphic Transfer).
Q: What payment methods do you use?
A: A nonrefundable deposit of 20% total cost is required at the of booking.
Payment Methods
* Pay us via credit card/Paypal at least 2 week before tour date.
* Pay us in cash on arrival (USD and Chinese currency are both acceptable).
* Pay us via Western Union at least 2 week before tour date.
* Wire transfer payment to bank account of our company at least 3 weeks before tour date.
For credit card only
We will draw Chinese currency (RMB) from your credit card.
We convert Chinese RMB to US Dollars at a rate of RMB 6.6 = US$1 for our quotations but must charge your credit card in Chinese currency (RMB). Banks and Credit Card companies may use rate that are less favorable to you than our rate. Here is an esxample:
We quote RMB660 for travel and this equates to US$100 at exchange rate RMB6.6 = US$1 in our quotation. Banks and credit card companies will usually use a rate that enables them to make a profit on the exchange transaction. This will mean that RMB660 equates to US$100 and they will charge $103 to your credit card. The difference of $3 is the profit that has been made by the bank or credit card. We have no way to alter this situation and we get no benefit from the difference appearing on your credit card.
We currently quote tour prices in US Dollars on our web site to give you an idea of the tour cost and quote in RMB to you at the time when you are making bookings.
Q: Is breakfast included in the hotel price?
A: If you book the hotel with us, breakfast is included. Many hotels offer free breakfast. If you book the hotel on your own, we consider that breakfast are booked by you also.
Q: What is Single Supplement?
A. Single Supplement is the surcharge payable when there is only one person staying in a room. They are quoted per person per night.
Q: Chinese Hotels ask for a large deposit when check in, is this normal?
A: All Chinese hotels will ask for a deposit upon check in for incidentals. The amount required varies depending on the hotel. The deposit should range from RMB 100 to RMB 800 per night. Hotels in Beijing demand the highest deposits. The deposit can be paid in cash or by credit card. The hotel will process the credit card transaction and then process a cancellation when check out. A receipt is issued for cash deposits and it is necessary to present the receipt to obtain the refund of the deposit.
Q: What is check-in and check-out time of China hotels?
A: For all hotels in china, check-in time is 2pm, no room is guaranteed before this time. So, better plan to arrive at hotel after 2pm. If you check in earlier, sometimes you have to wait for a long time in the lobby for room to be ready.
As for check out, you have to check out before 12:00 to avoid being charged extra. If you check out between 12:00 and 6pm there is a charge of 50% of the room rate - after 6pm you have to pay for another full night.
Q: What shall I do for the laundry in the hotel?
A: Laundering service is available in your hotel and cruise ship. You will fill in a laundry form and then put this form and your cloth for laundry in the laundry bag in your room. Then you call the laundry service of the hotel, a laundry attendant will go up and collect your cloth. They will be delivered back to your room after finished. Normally if you have the laundry done in the morning, they will be finished in the evening. But you can ask for the express service if you need your cloth back quicker. You can pay the fare for the laundry when you check out.
China does not have self-laundry either in the hotel or out in the street.
Q: Do hotels offer internet access service in China?
A: Most 4-star and 5-star hotels provide internet access service in your room. You can also go to the business center of the hotel to access the internet. However, you have to pay for the internet service. Only few business hotel offers free Internet service.
Q: Is the tap water in Chinese hotels protable?
A: No, usually all rooms in the hotels are equipped with water heaters or thermos bottles. Boiled water will be offered by the hotel free of charge. Some hotels provide bottled water daily free of charge. Bottled water is also widely available in stores, restaurants and street kiosks.
Q: What is there will be more than two adults in one room?
A: Most hotels allow third guest to stay in the room with extra bed at a charge (usually between $15.00-$20.00 per person per night). Some hotels and most vacation rentals have a limit on how many people can stay in a room.
Q: Can I specify where I would like my room located (preferred floor, next to elevator, ect)?
A: We will try to inform the hotel do their best to accommodate special requests. However, we cannot guarantee that your requests will be granted as they are subject to availability.
Q: Do I need visa for a visit to Hong Kong?
A: Residents of most countries can enter Hong Kong without applying for a visa in advance and are allowed to stay for 90 days. A visa will be issued on arrival.
Q: Can I still apply for my China Visa in Hong Kong?
A: Passport holders of 33 countries can not apply for China Visa in Hong Kong any more. The 33 countries are (listed alphabetically) Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
People who hold passports of other countries can still apply for China visa in Hong Kong but the situation may change at any moment. We suggest you consult Chinese embassies in your home countries before go to Hong Kong or Macau to apply for China visa.
Q: What documents do I need to prepare when applying for China visa?
A: * Passport: your passport with a validity of at least 6 months. Besides, there should be a few blank pages on your passport.
* Application Form: to apply for a China Visa, you need to complete an application form. You can download the application form on the official website of China embassy in your resident county.
* Photo: a photo the same with your passport. You need to glue it on your application form.
* Round Trip Air Tickets and Hotel Reservation: the hotel reservation should include your check-in and check-out time and the roundtrip air tickets should include your arrival and departure time. If you want to live in your friend's home, you need to provide your friend's passport number or ID number. If you want to live in your family member's home you need to your family member's passport number or ID number. Besides, you need to prepare a certificate of kinship.
The four documents are necessary to apply for a China visa.
Q: Can I travel to Tibet by myself?
A: No. According to China's regulation, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You have to join a group and we can help you find one at any time. Any foreigner who want to visit Tibet will need to apply a Lhasa Permit to get in Tibet.
Q: How to get Lhasa Permit to visit Tibet?
A: Lhasa Permit is issued by the Tibet Travel Administration Bureau and can only be processed through the local agency. We will send you a form to fill so as to help you get the Lhasa Permit.
Q: The name on my passport does not match the name on my air ticket, will this be a problem?
A: For many reasons, which include security issues, you may be denied boarding if your travel documents and tickets have different names.
Cruises
Q: How shall I dress on the ship and how many formal nights are there during my sailing?
A: No special formal dress is required on the ship. Be sure to take clothes that are suitable for the shore excursions or to enjoy scenery from the ship deck. Clothes to protect you from the hot sun in summer and strong wind in winter are essential.
Usually most ships will have two formal nights, the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain's Farewell Dinner. The ship suggest that appropriate dress is:men coat and tie, and ladies a dress or pantsuit, but the decision is yours to make based on your baggage restrictions.
Q: Are there any differences between upstream and downstream Yangtze River Cruises?
A: Downstream cruise takes one day less than upstream cruises. Shipfare for most of the cruise company remains the same. Shore excursions for the most cruised Yichang-Chongqing sections are the same.
Q: Do any of the cabins have balconies over-viewing the river?
A: Most cabins do not have balconies. Staterooms on some ships have balconies. Ships with private balconies are: Victoria( 5 star) President 1 ( 5 star), Yangtze Angel( 5 star), Emperor( 5 star), Century Star 1 ( 5 star), Yangtze Paradise( 4 star).
Q: Can we get the cabin assignment before broading the boat?
A: The ships do not assign cabins in advance. You may request a specific cabin on check-in in a similar way to airline check in. However cabin allocation is at the discretion of the ship operators, some higher level cabins may require addtional charge.
Q: Are there medical services onboard?
A: Professional medical services are available on almost all cruise ships and every ship has a doctor on call and two registered nurses in attendance.
Q: Do I have to participate the activities on the cruise?
A: The organized activities include shore excursions and activities on board. On a cruise, the choice is yours. You may do what you want. You can do it all or just relax on the deck.
Q: How big are the cabins?
A: The standard cabins are from 8 to 16 sq.meter not including bathroom. Most cabins measure 10- 12 sq. meter. Some rooms have 2 sq. meter private balconies. Splendid China has the largest cabin size: 22 sq. meter. Then East king and East Queen take the second place by 14 sq. meter. Extra beds are not allowed in smaller cabins but it may be possible to do so in larger cabins.
Suites usually double the size of the standard cabin at 30-40 sq. meter. They usually have a king or queen size bed or one double bed, bathtubs, and more furnishings. Interior decoration will be better.
Q: Why dose it cost so much to book a single-passenger cabin?
A: Each cruise line bases its cabin rates on double occupancy. When you travel alone, you will pay an extra single supplement to make up for lost revenue, which is 75% of one person's boat fare.
Q: Why should a traveler buy travel insurance?
A: Travel insurance gives travelers coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness—or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel supplier.
If an illness, accident, or other covered unforeseen circumstance forces a traveler to cancel or interrupt their plans, they face two major financial losses—money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments, and medical expenses that in many instances may not be covered by health insurance.
Q: What happens if a traveler must cancel his/her vacation?
A: Often a traveler will lose nonrefundable deposits and prepayments that can add up to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. A comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide trip cancellation coverage for the traveler's vacation investment—the insurance company reimburses the traveler for all pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses for a covered loss.
Q: What other coverage is typically included in a travel insurance plan?
A: In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, the more comprehensive travel insurance plans available today may also cover emergency medical expenses; emergency medical transportation, when ordered by a doctor, to the nearest adequate medical facility; reimbursement for accommodations and expenses incurred due to travel delays; reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if baggage is delayed; and coverage against lost, stolen or damaged baggage.
Q: How much does travel insurance cost?
A: The cost of travel insurance is based, in most cases, on the value of the trip and the age of the traveler. Typically, the cost is five to seven percent of the trip cost.
Q: What is the airport tax in China?
A: Airport tax (which is called airport construction fee in China) is of 50 yuan (about US$6) per airport for flying within China, 90 yuan (about US$11) for international departure, (including flying to Hong Kong or Macau from mainland China). It is HK$50 (around US$6.5) if you depart from Hong Kong airport. This fee will be charged at the time when purchasing the flight tickets.
Q: What is the current hand baggage policy on Chinese airlines?
A:Economy
You are permitted ONE piece of hand luggage each. It must not be larger than 23cm x 36cm x 56cm (9in x 14in X 22in) overall and should also not weigh more than 6kg. Passengers are asked to take only essentials on board and check-in all non essential items. Please note that these procedures are being strictly enforced. An infant's carrying basket and food for consumption during the flight will be carried free over and above the baggage allowance, as will a fully collapsible wheelchair and/or a pair of crutches. Both the carrying basket and wheelchair will normally be carried in the hold.
Upper Class
Upper Class passengers are allowed two pieces of hand luggage, each not larger than 23cm x 36cm x 56cm (9in x 14in x 22in) overall and not weighing more than 12kg together.N.B You should also avoid packing any sharp objects in your hand luggage, such as tweezers, scissors, knitting needles etc. Please make sure you include important items, such as travel documents, medicines, money and jewellery in your hand baggage.
Q: Can I accumulate points when booking flight tickets on Chinese airlines?
A: Four major Chinese airlines, Air China, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Dragonair currently belong to international frequent flyer programs and it is therefore possible to accumulate points for flights on these airlines.
Claim your points
Our travel advisor will ask if you are a member of a frequent flyer program, remember to advise your membership information and tell her your member number. Show your member card before you board the flight and your points will be confirmed within 2 months.
If you do not get you points in this way it is possible to claim point by contacting the air company to which the flight you took belongs, at a later date. You need to keep your ticket or a copy of your e-ticket and your boarding pass until the miles your points are confirmed.
Air China and Shanghai Airlines are members of Star Alliance. China Southern Airlines belongs to Sky Team.
Star Alliance Members
The Star Alliance is the largest airline alliance in the world. At present, there are 20 members: Air China, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Austrian, Bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Airlines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways Intl, United Airlines, US Airways, Shanghai Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
Sky Team
The SkyTeam is the second largest airline alliance. There are 11 members: Aeroflot, Aero Mexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines.
One World
The One World is the third largest airline alliance. There are 10 members: American Airlines, British Airways, Dragonair, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév, Qantas and Royal Jordanian.
Q: May I take Chinese currency in and out China?
A: A passenger entering or leaving China is allowed to carry no more than RMB 6,000 yuan with him. You are required to declare your import of Chinese currency exceeding 6000 Rm. But as it is very easy to exchange USD and some other currencies into Chinese RMB in the hotels or Bank of China, so it is not necessary to bring the Chinese currency with you to china.
Q: Which kind of traveler's cheques can I take? where can I cash the traveler's cheques?
A: For the convenience of travelers in China, the Bank of China cashes travel cheques sold by international commercial banks and travel cheque companies in the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany and other countries and regions. The Bank of China also sells travel cheques issued by American Express, National Bank of New York, Thomas Cook, Sumitomo Bank, and Swiss Bank.
Traveller's Cheques Handled by the Bank of China:
Issued by Currencies
Thomas Cook USD HKD DEM FRF CAD AUD JPY CHF GBP
International Payment Co. USD GBP CAD
American Express Co. USD DEM FRF
Nanyang Commercial Bank USD HKD
Swiss Bank CHF
Bank of Tokyo JPY
Mitsui Bank JPY
Sumitomo Bank JPY
Fuji Bank JPY
Citibank USD
Q: What credit cards are accepted in China? Where and How can I pay by credit card?
A: The following foreign credit cards are acceptable in China:
(1) Master Card; (2) Visa Card; (3) American Express Card; (4) JCB Card; and (5) Diners Card.
Card-holders may draw cash at the Bank of China or conversion centers designated by the Bank of China, or pay for their expenses at department stores, restaurants and hotels where credit cards are acceptable.
You can also pay by credit card in large souvenir shops that the guide will take you for visit if you have some free time after sightseeing. Credit card symbols are displayed in the visible place in shops indicating credit cards are accepted. But most department stores and super markets in china do not accept credit card. So when you are prepared for shopping, better exchange some Chinese money and take with you.
Q: Where and How to exchange money in China?
A: After you come to china, you can convert your currency into RMB at all banks, bank branches or hotels according to the exchange rate on that day. The State Foreign Exchange Administration announces the exchange rates on a daily basis.
Black market in foreign currency is forbidden in China. Sometimes you can meet people in front of hotels, at tourist spots or at banks who want to have a deal with you for a black market exchange. The exchange rate they offer is always higher than the bank rate. But you should be extremely careful because it is illegal and you risk being cheated. Sometimes these people don't give you the right amount, since you don't have time to count the money or, even worse, they may give you fake notes or a bundle of plain paper with a few notes on the top.
The following foreign currencies can be cashed into Renminbi in China: ( US dollar, British pound sterling, French franc, Deutsche mark, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Austrian schilling, Belgian franc, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Swiss franc, Danish krone, Dutch guilder, Norwegian krone, Swedish krona, Singaporean dollar, Thai baht, Spanish peseta, Malaysian ringgit, Italian lira, Macao pataca, Finnish markka, and Euro).
You can have your surplus amount of Renminbi changed back into foreign currency and take it out of China within a grace period of six months prior to departure from China, but in doing so you have to show a foreign currency conversion receipt. So when you exchange the money, better keep the receipt every time.
Q: What is Chinese currency?
A: Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB, literally "the people's money") or the yuan (￥). However, you'll mostly hear money referred to as kuai qian, literally "pieces of money," or kuai for short. Bills come in denominations of ￥100, ￥50, ￥20, ￥10, ￥5, ￥2, and ￥1, which also appears as a coin. The next unit down is the jiao (￥0.10), commonly referred to as Mao. There are notes and coins for ￥0.50, ￥0.20, and ￥0.10. Beyond that is the fen (￥0.01), but you'll hardly ever see or have use for it. China being primarily still a cash society, keep a good stock of smaller bills, especially ￥10 notes, for street stalls, convenience stores, and taxis.
Since 2005, the yuan is no longer pegged solely to the U.S. dollar, but rather a basket of currencies (known as a "crawling peg") with the result that the yuan has appreciated around 2%. At press time, the U.S. dollar was trading at about ￥7.00 to US$1, the pound sterling at around ￥15.08, and the euro at ￥10.00. For this guide, U.S. dollar rates have been rounded off to ￥7 to US$1). For the latest exchange rates, consult www.xe.com/ucc.
The basic unit of Renminbi is the yuan and the smaller units are the jiao and fen. One yuan can be divided into 10 jiao and one jiao can be divided into 10 fen (10 fen=1 jiao, 10 jiao=1 yuan).
Yuan, jiao and fen are issued both in bills and coins. The banknote has the following denominations: 1,2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan; 1, 2 and 5 jiao; and 1,2 and 5 fen.
Coins include 1 yuan coin and 5 jiao cion, 2 jiao coin, 1 jiao coin and 5 fen coin, 2 fen coin and 1 fen coin. But fen banknotes and coins are seldom used in china nowadays.
If you happen to find fen paper money and coins, you can keep it as souvenir.
