Information Pack
Visa
Every one of us needs a visa to enter China. For you to receive a visa from the Chinese consulate, you need to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry. You are asked to apply for a tourist visa at the Chinese Consulate, which is located at the other end of the 42nd Street. The exact address is 520 12th Avenue (Westside Highway). The entrance to the visa office is at 42nd Street & 12th Avenue. You need to apply in. When applying for a visa, you need to submit the following: your passport, two photos, a fee of $50 (pay when you pick up your passport) and an application form. The application is available at DC2-207. You can apply for your visa 90 days prior to departure. For additional info about visa matters, please the consulate’s website: www.nyconsulate.prchina.org.
Money Matters
In discussing money matters, please keep in mind that the ratio of exchange between USD and RMB (yuan) is roughly 1:8.
Money change. USD is not accepted in China, although private vendors
may make exceptions. You can change money at airports, hotels, banks
and major department stores.
How much money to bring?
This is a frequently asked question, but a difficult one to answer
as well. It really depends on how heavy shopping you are planning
to do and how resistant you are to the shopping temptation. If you
really want me to make a suggestion, I would probably say $1000. Part
of the reason for this suggestion is that this might give you some
peace of mind in case there is an emergency. Again this is by no means
a scientific estimate. If you don't do any shopping, you probably
won't have to spend much, but it would be very difficult for you not
to do any shopping. Another factor to take into consideration is whether
you will travel within China. If you don't want to bring a lot of
cash, an ATM card can also back you up should an urgent need arise.
Please note that ATM's are not as plentiful as there are at home and
there may be a charge for using them. Credit cards are accepted at
hotels and tourist stores, but not at restaurants and regular stores.
If you are not comfortable about carrying large amount of cash, you
may change them into travelers’ checks, which are just as good
as cash. If you are an AAA member, you can change cash into travelers’
checks for free.
Suggested packing list
Clothing - light, casual, and comfortable. Although
the weather is expected to be hot, there can be cool days. Also all
the hotels and restaurants are air-conditioned. It is a good idea
to bring a jacket or even a sweater. Besides, there might be a couple
of formal occasions.
Shoes - Comfortable walking shoes are indispensable.
A foldable umbrella
Kleenex - Most restaurants only provide a paper napkin and some don't
at all.
A roll or two of toilet paper - This may sound strange, but most public
bathrooms don’t provide toilet paper. In any event, don’t
stuff your suitcases with toilet paper. If there is the need, you
can always purchase locally.
Deodorant:
Wash n' wipes, mouthwash, dental floss
Special snacks that you enjoy at home.
Miscellaneous
Passport
Please make a copy or two of your passport and store it away from
where you keep your passport. This will make things much easier in
case of a loss. Hope that this won't happen. It will be a nightmare
that will absolutely ruin your trip.
Electric appliances
China uses 220V instead of 110V. If you bring American appliances,
you should also bring a converter.
Internet access
There is an internet cafe in the building where we'll be staying. The
rate is 25 (US) cents per hour.
Water to drink
Water from the tap is not drinkable in China. You should drink bottled
water, which is easily available. If you have room in your suitcase,
you may also want to pack a few bottles.
Immunization
According
to the U.S. State Department, immunizations are recommended for hepatitis
B and Japanese B encephalitis. (Immunization for Japanese B encephalitis
is only recommended during the epidemic summer months for visitors
planning to stay longer than two or three weeks in rural areas.) An
immune globulin shot may offer protection against hepatitis A. Malaria
occurs in China, particularly in rural areas and in southern China.
Depending on the season and your destination, you may need to take antimalarial drugs, use insect repellant, and take other measures
to reduce contact with mosquitoes.
The New York Hospital recommends the following 4 shots for China:
hepatitis A
typhoid
tetanus-diphtheria
polio booster
The phone number for the hospital is 212-746-5454. Ask for the international
health department. The clinic is at 440 East 69th Street, ground floor.
You may also wish to contact the Medical Service on the 5th floor of
the Secretariat for advice and service.