FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Transcription

1 FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS This once-in-a-lifetime vacation adventure to China trip is coordinated by Citslinc International in cooperation with the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce and Garner Travel International Inc. Citslinc Inc. was established in June 1995 and operates out of Monterey Park, California. Leo Liu is the President of Citslinc. Mr. Liu has been coordinating tours to China for more than 15 years and has partnered with Chambers of Commerce since Each year more than 8,000 tourists visit China on Chamber tours such as this one. In an effort to promote positive economic growth in the realm of International Trade, Citslinc has hosted several delegations of Canadian and American businessmen and women, along with some local public officials. Some commonly asked questions about the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce Trip to China.. Do I need to be a Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce Member to go on the trip? No, everyone is welcome to join us on this exciting adventure. However, the pricing offers a special discount for Barrie chamber members. (Non-member rate is an additional $300 USD). When is the trip? The trip departs Saturday, September 29 th, 2012 and returns Wednesday, October 10 th, The trip lasts 12 days. When do I need to commit to the trip? June 27, 2012 is the deadline for final registration, and when the full payment is due. Written cancellations will be accepted until June 27, 2012 for registrations received in advance (less non-refundable deposit). Do I need to make my own travel arrangements to and from Toronto? No, this trip includes motor coach travel to and from Pearson International Airport on the day of departure and return respectively. May I pay by credit card? Yes, all payments are made through Garner Travel International Inc., see attached Booking Form. What travel documents do I need? You will require a current passport which is valid for at least 6 months after your dates of travel. All travellers are also required to have a valid Chinese visa. Garner Travel International will assist in obtaining Chinese visas for this group for applications that are submitted to Garner Travel by August 20th. See attached China Visa Requirements. Normal application requirements and fees will apply. Page 1 of 6

2 Visas can also be obtained by travellers directly through the Chinese consulate; their contact details are as follows: Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) Suite 1501, University Centre, 393 University Avenue, Toronto Tel: Fax: website: Office hours: Submission of applications from 9:00am-3:00pm and Pick-up and payment from 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays) Visa information can be found on their website at the URL below; this page explains basic requirements, types of visa, processing times, fees, etc. Please note that you will be required to set up an appointment to submit your application; allow sufficient time for this booking as well as for processing of your visa. Note: Hotels will want to keep your passport and visa or a clear copy of each at the front desk. To avoid the risk of handing over your passport and having it misplaced, it is a good practice to make clear photocopies before your trip to take with you; when you are asked for your passport and visa, you can then provide the copy instead of the original. You may also wish to leave a copy of these documents with a trusted family member or friend at home. *Take care not to leave your passport in the photocopier!! Do I need travel insurance? Both medical and cancellation insurance are strongly recommended and available through Garner Travel International Inc. (see attached Booking Form) What about airport security? The best information can be found at You will find all the information as to what you may take on board an aircraft. Do I need vaccinations? While immunizations are not required for entry into China at this time, you may wish to check with your health care provider. You can also check the Centers for Disease Control website at or the Government of Canada s Foreign Affairs & International Trade website at What s included with the price of the trip? The trip price includes airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transfers (including a shuttle from Barrie to Pearson), tour buses, English speaking tour guides, and admissions to all attractions and all meals. What isn t included with the price of the trip? Insurance Personal spending money Passport Visa Meals at restaurants other than those arranged by trip organizers (you will sometimes have the option to eat at chain restaurants if you would prefer; you will be expected to cover the costs of these meals) Gratuities (please see further down the list for details) When is the first deposit due? A $300US non-refundable deposit is due on submission of your registration form up until and no later than June 27th, 2012, space permitting. As the tour is limited to 80 participants it is recommended that you submit the registration form and deposit as soon as possible as this will hold your spot. The $300US will be included in your total fare. When is the final payment due? The final payment is required in full by June 27 th, Page 2 of 6

3 What if I cancel after June 27 th? Your $300US deposit is non-refundable. In addition, an additional $500US cancellation fee is charged after ticketing day (June 27, 2012). When will the final itinerary be available? The final itinerary will be included with a package to be distributed to all travellers by the Chamber the first week of August. The package will also include: Airline Ticket make sure name spelled is the same as on passport and visa, and report any errors immediately - misspelled names can cause problems at check-in and customs, and could potentially prevent you from flying The names and addresses of hotels Departure papers Name Badges will include traveller s name, passenger confirmation number, emergency contact number, bus assignment by number and colour code you should wear your name badge at all times while travelling; this will make it much easier for your guide to identify you as part of the Chamber group, and will make it easier for you to reconnect with the group should you happen to get separated from the others 2 luggage tags will include traveller s name, passenger confirmation number, bus assignment by number and colour code What information is on the name badge? The name badge includes the travellers name, passenger confirmation number, emergency contact number, bus number and colour code. It is recommended that it be worn at all times. What is the Passenger Confirmation Number? The Passenger Confirmation Number is a very important number assigned to each traveller by the tour operator. Keep this number, along with the emergency contact number, with you at all times. In the event of your separation from the tour group the tour operator will use this information, as well as the name of the Barrie Chamber, to reunite you with your fellow travellers. Tip: It is recommended that this information be left with a family member or friend at home as they will require this information to locate you in the event of an emergency. When should I arrive for check-in? You should arrive at the airport 2-1/2 hours to 3 hours before check-in time. Tip: Be sure to have your airline ticket, passport and visa; you will be denied boarding without these documents. How much luggage can I bring? On the international flights, each traveller is allowed two pieces of checked baggage to a total of 70lbs. No one piece of luggage should be over 50lbs, as an overweight fee will be applied. The 70lbs should be divided between the two pieces of checked baggage i.e. 30lbs/40lbs, 20lbs/50lbs. On the domestic flights baggage allowance is typically more restrictive with less weight allowance, so pack lightly. Each traveller is allowed two pieces of carry on baggage that may include one standard aviation size, a woman s purse, a backpack, tote bag or camera case. Tip: It is recommended that an additional outfit be included in your carry-on baggage should your checked baggage be delayed. In addition, it is also recommended that any prescriptions be carried in two locations, in both your carry-on and checked baggage in sufficient quantities to last throughout the duration of the trip; prescriptions should be in their original packaging. What airline and type of plane will we be flying on? You will be flying on a wide body aircraft such as an Airbus A300 or Boeing 747 on 5 Star airline Hainan Airlines. Page 3 of 6

4 How long is the flight? The flight is a little over 12 hours in duration, non-stop. What in-flight services will be offered? You will be served 2 meals during your flight. If the flight is not delayed, you will be served dinner upon arrival at your hotel in China; if there is a flight delay, it may be too late for dinner, so the 2 nd meal on the flight may be the last food you are served that day; bringing snacks is recommended. There will also be an in-flight movie. Who will meet us at the Beijing airport? You will be met at the airport by a representative of Citslinc who will identify themselves with a sign. Will I be assigned to the same bus as my friends? There will be three buses with a maximum of 30 passengers each for the tour. Please let the Chamber know if there is anyone in particular with whom you would like to share a bus and we will do our best to accommodate all requests. Note: Buses are not equipped with washroom facilities. Bus Number: Assigned bus # will be identified on the name tag and colour coded: Bus #1 RED Bus #2 YELLOW Bus #3 GREEN What types of hotels will we be staying in? All hotels will be 4 and 5 stars belonging to chains such as Marriott, Sheraton and Crowne Plaza, Do they speak English at the hotels? English is spoken by front desk attendants; please keep in mind that their English will not be perfect and your patience will be appreciated. What facilities are available at the hotels? All hotels have a business centre and will be equipped with either an internet connection or Wi-Fi; some hotels may charge for use of these services. Rooms will be equipped with a hair dryer, some may have coffee pot. Hotels are non-smoking, however, this is not always observed by the Chinese. They may also have a smoking area. Phones are available in the hotel rooms; however, international calls can be expensive. It is better to leave family or friends at home with a pre-paid international phone card so that they can call you at the hotel. Give them a brief call from your hotel to let them know where and when to reach you. How many people will share a hotel room? Two people will be assigned to each hotel room. If three people are travelling in a party, it is recommended that the third person find another single to share a room with or pay the single supplement price. Travellers may choose either one king size bed or two queen size beds subject to availability. What is the electrical current in China? The electrical current is 220 volts, the same as Europe. Be sure to bring an adapter for your electrical appliances and gadgets. Can I drink the water? No, you cannot drink the tap water unless it is boiled! It is fine to use it in your room for making coffee or brushing your teeth. Otherwise, bottled water is recommended for drinking. This can be purchased at shops, hotels and on the tour bus. What type of food can I expect? Expect lots of Chinese style food. Getting tired of Chinese food has been the number one complaint on past tours. Hotels serve deluxe breakfast buffets that will include Western style breakfast items. Lunch and dinner are served Chinese family style with 10 per table. Dessert is unavailable in China. North American fast food chains are Page 4 of 6

5 available when you need a change of pace (if you opt to eat at any of these chain restaurants, you will be expected to pay for your own meal; these meals will not be included in the cost of the trip). Please do not purchase food from street vendors; you can not be certain of the quality or content, and you could become quite ill. Tip: It is a good idea to pack a supply of granola bars, energy bars and/or chocolate bars. What will the weather be like? The weather in Beijing at the time of the trip is much like Southern Ontario, approximately 50-60F. Other cities on the itinerary are warmer with a more California-like climate. What should I wear? Dress is casual. Be sure to have comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers to be prepared for changing or unpredictable weather, pack light sweaters and jackets so they can be put on or taken off as required. Sizes in China run small so it will be difficult to buy what you haven t packed. Can I bring my cell phone? You will need an international plan to use your phone in China. Tip: Be sure to disable your data as international roaming fees are extremely expensive!! Is it safe? The locations you will be taken to by the tour guides are considered safe; you should always practice caution when travelling, particularly with your valuables and cash. It is recommended that you stay in groups of at least 4-5 people when you venture away from the tour group. Be sure to inform your tour guide when you are separating from the group. Tip: It is also recommended that expensive jewellery be left at home. Will I have the opportunity to travel outside of the tour group? You may not leave the tour to travel or sightsee on your own except during designated free time during portions of certain days. You will be advised when those times are scheduled. How much money should I bring? It is up to you how much spending money you bring with you; however, $600 US is a recommended minimum. Tip: Bring money in denominations of $20 US or less and keep it in a few different places on your person i.e. different pockets, in a purse, money pouch etc. It is recommended that you have only one pocket from which you visibly take cash; you should carry no more than $20 at a time in this pocket, and replenish it when you are alone. Some vendors will not have or provide change, so the smaller the bills you carry, the further your money can go. Are gratuities included in the cost of the trip? On the first day, the bus captain will collect $25US per passenger. This will be a one time fee to cover gratuities for the whole trip (includes tour guide, bus driver, and hotel personnel). Unless you request special services, you should not expect to tip anyone else. Should I bring travellers cheques? Travellers cheques can be changed at hotels as changing it at the airport can be expensive. Cheques should be in US funds. What credit cards are accepted? Visa and Master Card are widely accepted, including vendors at the Bazaar. Tip: Be sure to inform your card company of your travel plans, they ve been known to suspend cards mid-trip due to uncharacteristic spending patterns. Can I use my debit card? Debit cards will be accepted by ATMs displaying the logos on your card i.e. cirrus, interac etc. Page 5 of 6

6 Tip: It s a good idea to check the international transaction fees with your bank; they can be more expensive than domestic transactions. Once again inform your bank of your travel plans including departure and return dates to protect yourself from unauthorised transactions. Should I carry Chinese money? It is acceptable to have some Chinese money on hand; although many vendors prefer US money, so you won t require much. It is best to change your money for Chinese Yuen at the airport or hotel. What opportunities are there for shopping? There are excellent shopping opportunities throughout the duration of the tour. The best buys are items particular to China that can be purchased at visits to the jade factory, pearl farm, silk factory or tea plantation. You may also choose to shop at the Bazaar or from street vendors. Tip: There are many great shopping opportunities, don t spend all your money in one place! How much can I bring home? Canadian customs allows you to bring $700 back from a trip of this duration without having to pay duty. Also keep in mind what will fit into your checked or carry-on baggage. Can I go on all of the side trips? The planned itinerary makes for very full and tiring days so it is up to you to decide if you want to participate in any of the optional side trips. The schedule allows for all the tours but use your own judgment, taking into account your own budget and energy levels. You do not have to make these decisions in advance; you can decide on the trip when the tour guide tells you about the options available. The tour operator suggests that a maximum of two optional trips will be the most you will want to take, and they highly recommend the Hutong Tour and the Grand Canal cruise. OUR TRAVEL PARTNER Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce 97 Toronto Street Barrie, ON L4N 1V1 (705) admin@barriechamber.com Garner Travel International Inc. 274 Burton Avenue Barrie, ON L4N 5W4 (705) admin@garnertravel.ca TICO # Page 6 of 6