Packing+and+Travel+Tips

=**Packing and Credit Cards**= April 7, 2011 Here is a great website with tips from how to use squat toilets to buying pearls, I'm putting you in Shanghai shopping but there are links to all of China: http://gochina.about.com/od/shanghai/ss/FuxingWalkTour_6.htm

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for the trip to Asia.

Packing, Luggage and Customs
When packing, be sure to consider the necessity of each item, as well as space and weight restrictions on luggage. You are responsible for transporting your own luggage, as well as for paying fees for oversized or overweight baggage. China is a modern, vibrant country. Most everyday products are widely available. However, you may not find the specific product brands or sizes you have access to in the United States. Be sure to pack whatever you consider essential.

Packing Tips
1. Bring a change of clothes and other essential belongings in your carry-on luggage, in case of delayed or lost luggage. 2. Leave enough empty space in your baggage for the souvenirs, teaching materials, and other items you wish to bring back. 3. Pack an assortment of clothing. You need: 4. Additional items If you take prescription medicine, bring a copy of each prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery, explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage.
 * Business attire is not really necessary.
 * Business casual attire is suitable for school visits.
 * Comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for travel and sightseeing.
 * A comfortable pair of walking shoes that are not slippery in the rain is essential.
 * Quick dry clothing, underwear, from camping or travel stores is quite useful in humid countries.
 * Passport holder (waist-pack or neck-strap) for carrying key documents securely
 * Medicinal products: aspirin or Tylenol, Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, lozenges, decongestants, band-aids, and any special medications
 * Foldable umbrella
 * Hand-wipes and tissues for use in public restaurants or restrooms; you may wish to bring hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand cleaner
 * Personal hygiene products: toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, razor, shaving cream
 * Sunglasses and sunscreen
 * Journal for keeping notes and observations
 * Camera (film and/or digital with storage disks and/or memory cards)
 * Important Reminder:** When packing your carry-on bag, please remember that all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. When going thorough airport security, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Read a list of permitted and prohibited items on the Transportation Security Administration web site.Within China luggage MUST be locked so have a small lock ready to use but not during your international travel.

Gifts
Gifts are frequently exchanged in Chinese culture, especially in situations of hosting and visiting. Chinese hosts are traditionally very cordial and attentive to their guests; in most situations, they prepare small presents to give away. It is always nice to reciprocate. There is no obligation to prepare gifts for the school leaders, educators, or students in the schools you may visit. If you wish to do so, small objects, educational materials, or DVDs introducing your school and/or district are some ideas for suitable gifts. Please plan to carry any gifts yourself.

Luggage Restrictions
Typically, there are more severe limitations on domestic flights within China. For information on prohibited items for air travel, please visit the Transportation Security Administration. Baggage restrictions and requirements vary for each airline, so please check the website of the airline you are flying with. In most cases, the economy class free baggage allowance on international flights is 2 checked bags, each not exceeding 50 lb (23 kg). When traveling by air within China, you are restricted to 1 carry-on bag and 1 checked bag. The checked bag must weigh less than 44 lbs. Overweight luggage in China is penalized heavily and delays your travel.
 * International flights**
 * United Airlines
 * Continental Airlines
 * Air China
 * China Eastern Airlines
 * Domestic flights within China**

Going Through Customs
On the flight to China, you will receive a customs declaration form, health form, and entry form. Fill them out before you leave the plane and enter customs.

Travel and Safety Information
Important travel and safety information is available on the __U.S. Department of State__ website.
 * Important Reminder:** When traveling always carry a photocopy of your passport photo page separately from your original documents and leave a copy with family or friends at home. If your passport is lost or stolen the photocopy will greatly facilitate and expedite the process of applying for a replacement.

Health
Health is an extremely personal matter and individuals need to make their own informed choices.

Vaccinations and Immunizations
Please discuss your travel plans and health with your own medical doctor and/or consult the Centers for Disease Control for information on recommended preparations.

Food and Water
China has a wide variety of foods and drinks available, many of which are familiar. Visitors find that they need time to adjust to another country's cuisine and water. Following the suggestions below may prove helpful.
 * The tap water in China is not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice. Also use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth. The water provided in restaurants is boiled.
 * Drink plenty of water, especially while touring and sightseeing.
 * Do not buy food on the streets. Exceptions are food that you see being cooked and served hot on clean or disposable plates, as well as commercially packaged foods.
 * Do not eat unwashed raw or unpeeled vegetables or fruits.
 * If you have dietary allergies, make sure to ask before you try anything unfamiliar. Err on the side of caution. Do not put your health or life at risk.

Currency and Credit Cards
You can use cash, credit cards, and travelers checks in China. Although they function similarly as in the United States, there are some differences of which you should be aware.

Chinese Currency and Currency Exchange
The basic unit of Chinese currency, //renminbi// (RMB), is the //yuan// or //kuai//, with denominations of the //yuan//, //jiao//, and //fen//. These bear a relationship to each other somewhat like the U.S. dollar, dime, and penny. RMB is not traded on international markets and only can be officially purchased or exchanged in China. The most current exchange rate is available online or in newspapers. You can change money at airports, hotels, banks, and major department stores; usually the hotel exchange rate is better than the airport exchange rate. A passport is required for all currency exchanges. Save your currency exchange receipts; they are required to exchange RMB back into U.S. currency, upon departure. View examples of Chinese currency.

Using Your Credit Card in China
Be sure to contact all of your credit card companies immediately, if you discover that your wallet has been lost or stolen. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call. The following are the phone numbers in China:
 * You should notify your credit card company and bank that you are traveling to Asia**. Major credit cards (with the exception of the Discover Card) are accepted at most hotels, tourist stores, and factory outlets in China. Be sure to record your account numbers and customer service telephone numbers in case you lose your credit cards. It is a good idea to make major purchases by credit card. You get a good exchange rate, the protection of the card's charge-back provisions, and, often, an extra guarantee on your purchase. Before using your credit cards abroad, you should notify your card provider of your dates of travel. Otherwise, credit authorization may be declined.
 * Visa (North China): 10-800-711-2911
 * Visa (South China): 10-800-110-2911
 * American Express (Global Assist): (010) 715-343-7977 or (010)800-333-2639
 * MasterCard: 010 (800) 110-7309

Using Traveler's Checks in China
All traveler's checks drawn on American banks are accepted in China. Traveler's checks usually command a better exchange rate (0.75%) than cash or credit cards (3~4%). For convenience, carry some traveler's checks in $20 denominations. Be sure to make a list of your check numbers and keep the purchase invoice of your traveler's checks in a safe place, separate from your wallet and passport. Make sure the name on your traveler's checks matches the name on your passport.There may be many instances when we cannot find a bank or have time to exchange traveler's checks, though.

ATMs in China
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in large cities, although they are not as readily available as in the United States. ATMs are available in Beijing, but some in local banks may not accept international ATM cards. Withdrawals usually are limited to ¥2,000 //yuan// (approximately $260) per day.