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Home >
Adventures by
Disney > Destinations >
Enchanted China
> Travel Tips |
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 Travel Tips - What To
Know Before You Go
Before embarking on an unforgettable
Adventures by Disney family vacation to China, prepare for your
trip with valuable tips to ensure a magical experience from
beginning to end. |
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Preparing for Your Adventure
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Required Travel Documentation |
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If you are a U. S. citizen, you will
need a valid passport to enter China and return to the United
States.
It must be valid six months beyond your intended stay and have
1-2 blank pages remaining.
Allow yourself sufficient time to have your application processed
if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired
passport. Visit
www.state.gov for more details.
All visitors to China are required to obtain a Tourist "L" Visa
A Tourist Visa can be obtained by contacting the nearest Chinese
Embassy (Washington D.C.) or Consulate (Chicago, Houston, Los
Angeles, New York and San Francisco).
Visa applications typically take 3 to 5 working days to process.
It varies, but typically your visit must begin within 90 days of the
date of issue. Visas are valid for between 1 and 3 months of travel.
You may also need to provide travel documents (tickets or travel
confirmation) confirming return or onward travel.
In addition, Guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to
show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Chinese Embassy
at
www.china-embassy.org for information on documentation
requirements.
Passport Services
You can apply for a passport through CIBT, Inc., a third party
travel document company servicing the travel industry (not
affiliated with the Walt Disney Company).
Click here for more information or call CIBT at
(800) 406-1523.
PLEASE NOTE: ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY FOR TELEPHONE
CALLS made to access CIBT specialists. |
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What to Pack |
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Please limit your baggage to one piece
of luggage per person plus one carry-on. With frequent security
changes, we recommend that you check with your air carriers as well
as the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website at
www.tsa.gov for
current restrictions. Since a majority of your adventure will take
place outdoors, attire for your adventure should be casual and
comfortable, but not too revealing.
The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to
bring. Although toiletries like shampoo, razors and deodorant are
available, they are usually priced at a premium. Hairdryers are
available at all hotels.
| Clothing |
Miscellaneous |
| T-shirts (short and
long-sleeved) |
Passport |
| Collared shirts |
Medication |
| Jeans or long pants |
Camera/video camera |
| Casual Dress/Skirt
(optional) |
Sunglasses |
| Shorts |
Sunscreen |
| Lightweight rain
jacket |
Umbrella |
| Hat |
Toiletries |
| Swimsuit |
Insect repellant |
| Close-toed shoes |
Electric plug adapter |
| Sturdy-soled walking
shoes |
| Sandals |
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Weather |
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Beijing: Heaviest rain is in the
summer. Driest in spring and fall.
- Average temperatures in May and
September: Highs in the high 70s, lows are from the high 50s to
low 60s.
- Average temperatures from June -
July: Highs are in the high 80s, lows are from high 60s to low
70s.
Chengdu: Heaviest rain is in
the summer. Driest in May.
- Average temperatures in May and
September: Highs in the high 70s, lows in the mid 60s.
- Average temperatures from June -
July: Highs are in the mid 80s, lows are from high 60s to low
70s.
Guilin: Very heavy rains May -
July. Lighter rains in September.
- Average temperatures in May:
Highs in the low 80s, lows in the high 60s.
- Average temperatures June - July
and September: Highs are from high 80s to low 90s, lows are from
low to high 70s.
Shanghai: Heaviest rain in
June. Lightest rain in September.
- Average temperatures in May:
Highs in the high 70s, lows in the low 60s.
- Average temperatures June - July
and September: Highs are from low to high 80s, lows are from low
to high 70s.
Hong Kong: Heaviest rains from
May - September.
- Average temperatures June -
September: Highs are from mid 80s to low 90s, lows are from mid
to high 70s.
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En Route
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Arrival/Departure |
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Upon landing at Beijing Capital
International Airport, you will be met outside the customs/exit area
by an Adventures by Disney representative who will direct you
to your transportation to The Peninsula Beijing. At the conclusion
of your adventure, you will be escorted to the Hong Kong
International Airport for your return flight home.
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Day
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Airport Code
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Arrival/Departure Time |
| Arrival |
1
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PEK
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No later than 3
p.m. |
| Departure |
13
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HKG
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Anytime |
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During Your Adventure
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Currency |
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Chinese currency is called Renminbi
(People's money), though it's usually abbreviated as RMB. The
largest denomination of the RMB is the yuan. In Hong Kong, the
currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$).
U.S. dollars are not accepted for payment anywhere in China. Hotels
and banks typically impose a 3% to 5% fee for currency exchange
transactions. Using your debit card in local ATMs widely available
throughout the trip is the most efficient way to obtain cash in
China. Credit cards or debit cards are widely accepted in China in
hotels, restaurants and department stores but cash is still the
medium for local shops and small markets. |
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Tipping |
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Adventures by Disney has taken
care of certain tips and gratuities for all included meals and
activities such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity
providers, local experts, and dining room staff for included meals.
On Your Own Dining Gratuities: When eating at a restaurant, a
gratuity is usually included in the bill. If you feel you have
received exceptional service, you may leave an additional gratuity.
Many choose to simply "round up."
Adventure Guide Gratuities: Gratuities for your Adventures
Guides are not included. If you feel that your Adventure Guides have
provided excellent service, we suggest the following discretionary
gratuity: Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide/Per Day - $5-$8 USD.
For example:
For a 13-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity per guest,
per Adventure Guide: $65-$104 USD.
For a family of 4 for a 13-day adventure: $260-$416 USD per
Adventure Guide. For 2 Guides, this is a total of: $520-$832 USD.
Adventure Guides accept local currency, U.S. dollars, and travelers'
checks. |
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Transportation |
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Taxi cabs are the best way to get around
the city and they are easy to flag down. You can even book one for a
half- or full-day hire. Your Adventure Guide or hotel can help you
write down destinations, pick-up times and prices to give to the
driver. |
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Language |
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Although Putonghua (Mandarin) is the
official language of China, many people speak Cantonese and other
regional dialects. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, although
the predominant language is Cantonese.
The following is a list of words and phrases you may want to use
during your trip to China:
| English |
Putonghua (Mandarin)
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Pronunciation
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| Hello |
Ni hao |
Nee How |
| Goodbye |
Zai jian |
Z-eye Jenn |
| Good morning |
Zao an |
Z-ow Ann |
| Good night |
Wan an |
Won Ann |
| Yes |
Shi |
Shih |
| No |
Bushi |
Boo Shih |
| Thank you |
Xie xie |
Shyeh shyeh |
| You're welcome |
Bu ke qi |
Boo Ko Chi |
| Adventure |
Maoxian |
Mou Shenn |
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