Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Every effort has been made to ensure the FAQ information is accurate. Due to planning changes we encourage you to check often for updates.
Do I need to be a Burlington Chamber of Commerce Member to go on the trip?
No, everyone is welcome to join us on this exciting adventure. However, the pricing is a special price for members. The non-member rate is an additional $200 USD.
Is this a business trade mission?
No, this is a great value China travel and introduction opportunity, perfect for the business person wanting to get oriented to the Chinese history, culture and economy and the leisure traveler wishing to explore China through an excellent packaged tour program. English speaking tour guides are very familiar with discussing China’s business system as you visit its key economic centres along with other popular tourist and shopping destinations. Travel with other business people will provide excellent networking in addition to making new friends from the Burlington community. Any special business meeting requests might be accommodated – please notify the Burlington Chamber in advance.
What are the dates of the trip?
September 8 to September 19, 2012.
How can you do this for the price?
Several things contribute to making the cost very reasonable. First is the volume; Citslinc International, Inc. is able to achieve significant discounts from the airline and hotels due to the thousands of travelers they bring to China annually. Second, it is the "off season" in China and the hotels/buses would be otherwise underutilized.
What are the conditions of pricing?
A non-refundable deposit of $200 USD is required to secure your reservation, as space is limited. In addition to Burlington Chamber member/non-member pricing, the price is based on double occupancy. A single rate is an additional $500 USD. Prices are in US dollars due to the fact that the tour operator is US based and all costs are priced in US dollars. Payment is by USD. Deposit can be paid in cash (USD).
When do I need to commit to the trip?
July 1, 2012 is the deadline for final registration and when the full payment is due. Written cancellations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on July 1 for registrations received in advance.
What travel documents will I need?
You must have a valid passport and a visa obtained prior to entering the country. All passports must be valid for six months past your expected date of return to Canada. To obtain the application form for a travel visa to China, please visit: http://toronto.china-consulate.org/eng/vp/VISA/. Please note, it can take up to three weeks for applications to be processed and the visa is only valid for 90 days past the date of issue. Apply three months prior to end of trip.
Who/What is Citslinc?
Citslinc International, Inc., is a tour operator and 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 over 700 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trades since 2001. Each year more than 8,000 tourists visit China on Chamber tours such as this one. Our local travel partner who will be handling the payment transactions is TravelOnly based in Burlington and is a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
What is the name, address and phone number of the contact in China (needed for visa application)?
Citslinc International, Inc., 8 Chaoyanggongyuan Road South, Bldg 2, Room 1205 Beijing, China Tel: 011-86-10-84608805.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive RBC Travel Insurance can be purchased through our local travel partner, TravelOnly. Both medical and cancellation insurance are strongly recommended.
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 or contact Travel Health at Halton Region – 905-826-6000 and make an appointment with a travel health nurse to go over your vaccination needs and travel health advice. You can also check the Centers for Disease Control Website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or http://www.voyage.gc.ca/.
What is China’s weather like in September?
Normally, the most comfortable season of the year is early autumn (September to early October). The temperature is typically between 17°C and 24°C. It is usually 5 degrees warmer in the Shanghai area.
What personal items should I bring?
The air quality can be poor, so if you have any breathing issues, bring all medications you will need. Also bring anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Bring hand sanitizer and hand wipes. Bring several packets of toilet paper and always have it with you. If you have allergy tendencies bring antihistamines and decongestants. You will not have opportunities to easily purchase these aids in China. Bring all the contact lens supplies you will need for the whole trip. Baby wipes can also come in handy when using washrooms that are outside the hotels.
How should I dress? What type of clothing should I bring?
Dress so you are comfortable, especially shoes. We recommend layers of clothing so you can adjust to the weather. Dress is casual and comfortable for touring but you may want to pack business attire if you are planning to attend a business meeting. Pack light and plan on shopping later during the trip (especially in Shanghai). The weather may be cooler in the mornings and evenings. Bring a coat, a sweater and long trousers in case the temperature dips. Some suggested accessories would be a sun hat, sunglasses and a jacket for evenings.
How much money should I bring and can I use credit cards and ATMs?
Bringing $400 to $500 US in cash is appropriate - small and fairly new US bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Small bills come in handy because street vendors do not typically give you change. Currency exchange is available at all hotels, banks and airports but these places exchange only a small amount ($75-$100) into the Chinese Yuan.
Am I guaranteed a specific seat on the plane?
Travelers are not guaranteed a specific or assigned seat on our flights. Seats will be assigned at the airport check-in counter, thus it is important to arrive early.
What time should I arrive at the airport?
It is recommended that travelers arrive 3.5 hour prior to departure as seats are assigned at the check-in counter.
What about airport security?
The best information can be found at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.
Can I use my cell phone?
Your cell phone might work in China but check with your provider. Your provider can also give you the service package options available to you to add onto your cell phone. You may want to purchase an international calling card as well. For more information on travel requirements to China please visit The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/.
What are the limitations on luggage? How many pieces and how much weight is allowed?
Each person is allowed two pieces of checked baggage, with a combined maximum weight of 70 lbs. However, no single piece can be heavier than 50 lbs. Each passenger may have one piece of carry-on luggage (which must fit in overhead bin or under a seat). Valuables, breakable items, travel documents and medications must be in your carry-on luggage. For domestic travel within China, luggage must be locked.
What airline are we flying on?
Airline information will be finalized after the trip is paid for in full. A reliable carrier will be chosen based on availability and pricing at the time of booking.
How long is the flight and what will happen during the flight?
The flight is roughly 12-13 hours depending on the flight itinerary, during which two meals will be served and three movies shown. Flight attendants will also distribute yellow arrival certification cards that should be filled out during the flight and presented at immigration before going to the baggage claim to get your luggage.
What can I expect when we land in Beijing?
You will land in Beijing in the evening. You will be met by your tour guide and be transported to the hotel.
What is the typical daily schedule?
The program is fast paced and includes full day walking and travelling, typically: 6am wake up; 7am breakfast; 8am bus departure; return to hotel by 8pm.
What will the bus travel be like?
You will be assigned the same bus with the same people for the entire trip. On your registration form you will be asked to identify who you would like to be traveling in the same group with. Each bus will have approx. 25-30 passengers. Your seat on the bus will be "yours" for the day. You may leave personal items on the bus for the day but take any valuables with you. The bus rides between cities will take approximately: from Shanghai to Suzhou - 1 1/2 hours; Suzhou to Hangzhou - 2 1/2 hours; Hangzhou to Shanghai - 3 hours.
Will language be a problem?
Your tour guides speak excellent English. English is also spoken at the hotels. Others will probably speak limited English but often will want to engage you in conversation in order to practice.
What are the guidelines on tipping?
The bus Captain will collect about $25 from each traveler on the first day for the combined services of the tour guide, the bus driver and all hotel personnel. Unless you request special services, you should not expect to tip anyone else.
Will I have the opportunity to travel outside of the tour group?
No. 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.
When will I receive a final itinerary?
In July travelers will receive a travel memo including: a final itinerary with flight numbers and times; hotel names, addresses and phone numbers; bus number and colour code, name badge and luggage tags (colour coded to match your bus) etc.
What can I expect as far as hotels?
All hotels are 4 to 5-star and have Western-style facilities including Internet service. The hotels have adapters but it is recommended that you bring your own adapter.
What are the exact hotels that we will be staying at?
The hotels listed on the itinerary are tentative and subject to change as there are a number of 4-5 star hotels (comparable to Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott) that are used by Citslinc. In July when you receive your final itinerary, you will receive the confirmed hotel information.
What type of food will I be served and what happens if I have food allergies or special dietary needs?
Because of the size of the group, it is not possible to provide special meals. Breakfast will be a Western and Eastern-style buffet at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are family-style at local Chinese restaurants. This involves 8-10 people at a large round table. Servers bring out bowls of food for the table. Rice is served at every meal. Fresh fruit is typically the only dessert. As for beverages, soft drinks and beer are served.
Can I drink the tap water in China?
No. Citslinc International, Inc. recommends that travelers not drink Chinese tap water or use ice. Bottled water is available at your hotel or can be purchased on the bus or from local vendors. Travelers may drink hot tea, and bottled water may be purchased for about $1 for two bottles.
What are the bathrooms like in China?
Western-style bathrooms are provided at each hotel but if you need to use a restroom outside your hotel - most are a hole in the floor, without toilet paper provided. Make sure to take toilet paper with you. Baby wipes also come in handy.
Are there any foods that I should avoid in China?
Yes. Citslinc International, Inc. recommends that travelers avoid food from street vendors.
Are tours mandatory?
No. Tours are not mandatory. However, it will be the traveler’s responsibility to secure transportation to restaurants if he/she chooses to join the group for included meals.
Can I prepay for the optional tours?
No, the optional tours are agreements purchased through the tour guides with the tour operators once you are in China. Due to time restrictions and other factors, the optional tours are subject to change or cancelled. Optional tours are to be paid by cash.
Do I have to go on the optional tours?
No, you are not required to take the optional tours. However, there are no other activities planned during the times of the optional tours. Based on feedback from many other travelers, there was active participation in the optional tours.
Can you recommend any optional tours?
Citslinc International, Inc. recommends the Hutong Tour in Beijing (a traditional rickshaw ride and visit to local families for lunch). They also recommend the Boat Ride on Grand Canal in Suzhou.
How is the shopping in China?
We will be visiting many stores and factories but don't feel obligated to buy. Some stores are able to ship purchases home for you. It is culturally expected that shoppers will negotiate prices with vendors and that the actual purchase price of most items will be several times below the original asking price. Most vendors accept US dollars. For those cash transactions, please be aware that most vendors do not make change and it is always best to carry small bills whenever shopping in China.
 |
Travel Partner |
|
|
Kevin Visser, Travel Professional kvisser@travelonly.com Phone: 905-335-1781 Toll free: (877) 335-1781 www.kevinvisser.com www.facebook.com/TravelOnly |