What travel documents do I need to visit China?
To apply for an entry visa from Embassies or Consulates General of the People's Republic of
China, visitors must have passports valid at least six months when exiting China and/or the Orient. You can also
apply for a visa through Chinapac when making your booking.
Download a copy of the China Visa Application
Form
What are the China Visa handling costs and what are the Chinese
Consulate locations?
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Canadian Passports |
US Passports |
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CAD |
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CAD |
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| Single Entry |
75 |
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160 |
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| Double Entry |
105 |
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160 |
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Processing time of the China Visa is 10
business days unless stated otherwise.
Click here for
locations of the Embassies and Consulates General to the People's Republic of China in Canada.
Click here
for the locations of the Embassies and Consulates General to the People's Republic of China in the United
States.
If you are not purchasing a tour, hotel
or air ticket from Chinapac International, we can still
process your China Visa for an additional charge of CAD
10 plus courier fees.
When is the best time to visit China?
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The best time to visit China is in April and May, and September and October when the
weather is moderate. June, July and August are hot and humid. In North China, it is about 25 -
28o Celsius and in South China it is about 28 - 35o Celsius.
Click here for a Weather Chart. November to March is
cool and the rest of the year will be cold in North China, and moderate in South China and Hong
Kong.
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What is the best way to visit China?
Most visitors join pre-packaged tours. It is the most efficient and cost effective way to see
this vast country. Individual travellers may encounter communication and transportation problems when travelling
on their own.
What are the health requirements?
Travellers are advised to check with their local Health Unit and/or their Physicians at least 45
days prior to departure as some shots do require 30 days or more to be effective. If you are under Medical
Treatment or have a continuing Medical Condition, it is advisable to bring a Medical History with you during
your travels.
Note:
Tourists are recommended to drink bottled water when they travel in China.
Should I buy any Travel Insurance?
It is highly recommended that all travellers purchase insurance to cover their Medical and Trip
Cancellation upon making their deposits.
What kind of food should I expect?
There will be three meals provided as specified on the ChinaPac
Package Tour itinerary.
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B = American Buffet Breakfast at the hotels or on the Yangtze River
cruise.
L = Chinese lunch in a Chinese restaurant. There will be about 8 - 10 persons per
table. About 6 - 8 dishes are served, usually consisting of seasonal vegetables, fish, chicken and
soup. Beef is limited. If served, beef is usually served shredded with mixed vegetables.
Meals are catered for the North American clientele.
D = Chinese Dinner in a Chinese restaurant.
Dishes will be similar to Lunch.
Beverages served on each table are: choice of Chinese Tea, Water, one bottle of
Chinese Beer or one bottle of soft drink.
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During breakfast there will be a selection of Juices, Coffee and Tea. If you are a coffee
drinker, we suggest that you bring with you some dried milk and coffee. Each day a fresh thermos of hot water is
provided in your hotel room for your consumption.
Western meals are available at your own expense at the Hotels or Western Restaurants. Be aware
that you will pay North American Prices at these Hotels/Restaurants. When you are sightseeing with a group, you
need to stay with them for lunch as the restaurants are away from your hotel.
Visitors with special meal requests or food allergies should alert their travel agents so that
arrangements can be made. We will try our best to meet with your needs. However, in China some Special Meals
might not be available.
Money, Credit Cards, Travellers Cheques and ATM
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China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), usually called the Yuan. Ten Jiao make up
one Yuan. At present, the Yuan is worth about CAD $0.18, with slight daily fluctuations. We suggest
that you bring Canadian or American Travelers Checks and exchange them at the The Bank of China's
exchange desks for foreign currency and travellers cheques at all hotels, airports and others
shopping areas. Major Credit Cards are accepted by most hotels and major stores in large cities but
not by small local stores in smaller cities. Travellers are advised to pay in Chinese currency when
shopping in smaller shops, at restaurants, and in smaller hotels. ATM machines are available at
major cities near banks.
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What kind of clothing should I bring?
Casual, comfortable clothing (T-shirts, blouses) would be suitable. A couple of shirts,
sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season) can be worn in layers to accommodate China's range of climates.
All hotels offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services. Good comfortable walking shoes are a must. There
will be a fair amount of walking involved during sightseeing. A shirt and tie for men and one or two dresses or
pant suits for women will suffice for most formal occasions.
Do I need to bring my own hair dryer and adapter?
Throughout China, 220 volt is used. Most 4 & 5-star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt
electrical appliances and usually have a hair-dryer in each room. However, if you need to bring your own hair
dryer or other personal electrical appliances, it is best to bring your own electrical adaptors because they are
not easily available in some hotels in China and S.E. Asia.
A variety of electrical outlets can be
found in China, please click here
to see more information.
Is CNN available in the Orient?
Most hotels in major cities have access to CNN and some English TV Stations - Star Television
and BBC.
International Calls and Phone Cards
International calls can be made directly from hotel rooms with IDD phones. Some large post
offices also provide this service. Otherwise, look for roadside kiosks with the IDD sign. Four-star and
five-star hotels charge a variable service charge between 10 to 20 percent.
The cheapest way to make a long-distance phone call is by using an IP (internet phone) card.
With an IP card, you can make international calls for RMB 4.8 per minute, less than half the rate of an IDD
call. These can be purchased at most hotels, Internet cafes and newsstands.
What are the Special Phone Numbers in China?
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110 --- Police
119 --- Fire
120 --- Emergency
114 --- Directory inquiries and information
Useful Telephone Numbers
113 --- Long-distance operator
115 --- International operator
116 --- Long-distance directory inquiries
117 --- Time
121 --- Weather
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Is Internet access available at the hotels?
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Most Deluxe Hotels and some 4-star/first class Hotels in major cities are equipped
with cable/telephone access to the Internet. However, it is not available on cruise ships. In large
cities, you'll find an increasing number of Internet cafés, where you can make contact with home or
friends by exchanging e-mails.
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When are the official Chinese holidays?
| January 1 - 3 |
New Years Day |
| late Jan and early Feb |
Chinese New Year |
| May 1 - 3 |
Labour Day |
| October 1 - 3 |
National Day |
Shopping tips
Most visitors return home raving about the bargain shopping in China - jewellery, silk, carpets,
Chinese calligraphy and paintings, jade, and other popular items can be purchased at much lower prices than in
North America. Plan to travel light and carry an extra bag for all the great gifts and souvenirs you will
undoubtedly want to buy.
Beijing
- Red Bridge Shopping Plaza, Hongqiao Market & Pearl Market
- Night Market - near the Holiday Inn Lido
- Silk Alley - Jianguomennei Dejie Beijing
- Oriental Plaza - Wangfu Jiang Street
Shanghai
- Nanjing Road & Huai Hai Road
Canada's Embassy and Consulate Generals in China
There is a Canadian Embassy in Beijing and other Canada Consulate Generals in Shanghai,
Chongqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. For more information, please check
www.canada.org.cn.
Safety
China is considered one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel. Crime is very
low throughout China. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable and Chinese law is quite strict. Please be aware
that all Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk. Leave valuables at
the hotel. If there is a problem, report it immediately to a security guard or the police.
Capital Airport in Beijing
The Capital Airport, for both international and domestic flights, is located 27 kilometres (16.8
miles) north of the city center. The taxi fare is approximately RMB 150-200 yuan from town. Shuttle buses run
every 30 minutes from 05:30 to 20:00 between the China Aviation Building and the airport. Shuttle buses run each
hour from both the China Art Gallery and Zong Guan Cun to the airport. The bus fare is 16 yuan.
Taxis and Public Transportation
Taxies are the most convenient way to get around because they are plentiful and inexpensive.
There are basically three different price categores: 1.20 yuan/km, 1.60 yuan/km and 2.00 yuan/km.
Although often crowded, the subway is usually the fastest way to get around the city center
area. There is the circle line that runs underneath the Second Ring Road, and the straight line that extends
from Sihuidong out to Pingguoyuan. Subway tickets are 3 yuan.
Public buses are the cheapest way to get around Beijing. The public bus system is very good, in
that you can go almost anywhere by bus. However, the downside is that they are crowded and uncomfortable.
Postal Services
Postal services are usually provided at hotel desks. Large hotels have mail boxes and sell
stamps for letters, post cards and parcels. Post offices, with eye-catching green emblems, are usually found on
main streets, at railway stations, the airport and major scenic spots. They are open seven days a week from 9:00
to 17:00.
What is my Baggage
Allowance?
The current Hospitality Service baggage
allowance of 2 bags, maximum 50 lbs /23 kg, will apply
for travel to/from Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and South
Korea.
Due to local regulations, baggage allowance to/from
Japan and Brazil remains at 2 bags maximum 70 lbs/32 kg
each.
All other countries maximum weight be 50 lb (23 kg) and
maximum linear dimensions be 62 in (158 cm).
You can also take one carry-on bag and one personal item on the
transpacific flights.
Each passenger is limited to one piece of check in luggage 20kg (44lbs) and one carry-on
bag for the China/Asia domestic flights. The size of each carry-on bag shall not exceed 20 x 40 x 55cm and the total weight
shall not exceed 5kgs. If the carry-on baggage exceeds the prescribed number, weight or size, it must be shipped
as checked baggage.
What are your booking procedures
- A photocopy of your passport is required
at the time of booking. Kindly specify Name of
Tour and departure date and tour code if you know it. Land only passengers without international flights,
please advise international details.
- A deposit is due within 7 days from the date of
booking. A deposit of $350 per person is
required for China, Asia, & India Packages.
The deposit for Yangtze River packages is $550 per
person. A second deposit of $1500
per person is two weeks later.
- ChinaPac will fax or mail you an invoice with
details of flight schedules, status of this tour, type of Visa required, the deadline of final payment and
documents required. A China or India Visa Application will be forwarded to you upon receiving your
deposit.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
from the date of entry of the first visiting city.
If you would like for Chinapac International to
process your China Visa, we would require that
you send us your actual passport, (1) passport size picture and completed
China
Visa application with balance of payment in full
no later than 45 days prior to date of departure.
- Approximately 14 days before your departure date
you will receive your documents which will include
your air tickets, China Visa (if processed by
Chinaapc), hotel & local guide contact list, name
tags, luggage tags and any additional information
that you may require for your tour.
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Cancellations / Refund
/ Term -
Click
here or see page 28 of our China, Orient & India Brochures.
If you have any further questions, please contact
us.
General Information & Conditions
For General Information & Conditions, Click
here.
Visa
Requirements for Asia, India, & Nepal
1. India
ˇ Apply in Vancouver at least 30 days before departure
ˇ Visa can be issued in one working day for Canadian passport holders
ˇ CAD75 for Canadian passport holders
ˇ Same courier fees applied as china
2. Vietnam
ˇ Apply upon arrival at the airport
ˇ 2 passport size photos
ˇ Letter of invitation from contact in Vietnam
ˇ USD25 cash
3. Cambodia
ˇ Apply upon arrival at the airport
ˇ One passport size photo
ˇ Passport photocopy
ˇ USD20 cash
4. Laos
ˇ Apply upon arrival at the airport
ˇ 1 passport size photo
ˇ USD30 cash
5. Bali
ˇ Apply upon arrival at the airport
ˇ Usd10 cash for 5 days visit
ˇ Usd25 cash for 30 days visit
6. Nepal
ˇ Apply upon arrive at the airport
ˇ No charge for transit passengers within 72 hours stay
ˇ Need 2 passport size pictures
ˇ USD30 /person if stay for more than 72 hours
7. Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong
ˇ No visa is required
Visit
Consular Affairs,
Information and Assistance for Canadians Abroad for
more travel related information.
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