1. Do I need to pay taxes to enter China after my flight lands?
You do not need to pay customs duties. If your trip is booked with China Highlights, after you arrive at the airport, your guide will be holding a sign with your name in the arrival hall to pick you up.
2. How is a day tour scheduled?
Typically, it's from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, lasting 8 hours. Your guide will confirm the pick-up time with you the day before. If you wish to start earlier or later, you can communicate directly with the guide.
3. Can I book my itinerary with a deposit and buy international tickets later? What if the actual arrival date doesn't match the itinerary?
In most cases, changes can be made unless your travel advisor has informed you beforehand of any specific restrictions due to objective factors.
4. Are there triple rooms in Chinese hotels? We are a family of three and want to stay in the same room.
Most hotels offer family rooms rather than triple rooms. For family groups, we will try to arrange family rooms, connecting rooms, or an extra rolling bed.
5. Should I exchange currency before arriving in China or after? How much cash should I prepare daily?
You can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival in China. Cash is generally used for personal expenses, with each meal costing around EUR 10. Typically, preparing 500 RMB per day is sufficient. Additionally, 99% of places in China accept WeChat or Alipay, including convenience stores. You might want to download WeChat or Alipay in advance and link your credit card for a convenient payment experience.
6. Is connecting to Wi-Fi easy in China?
Most hotels, shopping malls, airports, and restaurants in China offer free Wi-Fi, suitable for regular searches and social media access.
Accessing the Internet in China can be challenging, as some familiar websites are not accessible. A VPN allows you to access blocked sites, including social media and search platforms like Facebook, Google services, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. If you need to use Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter while in China, having a VPN is essential.
7. Can I use my REVOLUT card?
This card is not commonly used in China. Consider bringing a Visa or MasterCard. As mentioned, we highly recommend experiencing China's online payment systems, which allow for a cashless experience with just a mobile phone.
8. Do hotels include breakfast? Do rooms have coffee-making facilities?
The hotels we recommend generally include breakfast, except in some remote areas. Your advisor will inform you of any exceptions. Most hotel rooms do not have coffee-making facilities but usually provide instant coffee. Hotels in major cities or better boutique hotels often have coffee machines in the breakfast area. If you specifically need a hotel with a coffee machine, please inform your travel advisor.
9. Are there luggage size restrictions on trains in China? Is it similar to checking in with a passport like on planes?
Although trains have a free baggage allowance of 20kg per person, weight checks are rare. We've never encountered a situation where excess baggage fees were required. Due to limited baggage space, it's advisable to keep your belongings nearby, highlighting the importance of traveling light. Ensure your luggage fits securely on the overhead racks. Check-in is done using your passport.
10. What should I do about meals if I miss lunch or dinner while on the train?
Trains offer paid meal boxes, primarily Chinese cuisine, priced around 5-10 euros. You can also ask your guide to prepare a Western-style meal box in advance, which is usually possible in larger cities. Drinks and fruits are also available for purchase on the train.