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Holy shit I leave for China in 3 days!
Lardalish
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So yeah, title says it. Im in a Culinary Arts degree at one of the Art institutes and I just got back from an information session about some of the study abroad programs. The one I'm most interested in is a 12 day trip to China. The trip will be to four cities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong), with tours of all the major touristy stuff and the cities in general, chef demos on how to cook several typical dishes, several lectures, and hands-on labs. Also included is the air fare, travel insurance, 4 star hotels in each city, the cost of the tours and all the general transportation to from and in the cities. Oh, and the fee for the visa to get into China. The cost of this trip (not including tips, spending money, and basically anything not listed on the itinerary) is $4,037, plus a $300 deposit, there might be an application fee, but I wasn't able to pick up an application yet, so I will have to do that on Monday. The trip is June 15th - 26th this year.
Ok, now this will be my first trip outside of the country so I am assuming there is going to be alot of information Ill need to know while I plan for this trip.
Thats where you guys come in. I really don't know what I'm doing. I know I need a passport, but its to late to do that today so I will be going on Monday, but what information will I need to get the passport? I would like to be able to bring in a sheet of paper with everything Ill need to fill out the forms. I know I need to bring a passport photo to the place when I go, and I plan on getting that taken later today.
Well, thats really all I can think of right now, I don't really know what all to ask about, so maybe it would be helpful if you guys offered info that might help me? I could ask questions from there, or fill in info I left out.
Ok, now this will be my first trip outside of the country so I am assuming there is going to be alot of information Ill need to know while I plan for this trip.
Thats where you guys come in. I really don't know what I'm doing. I know I need a passport, but its to late to do that today so I will be going on Monday, but what information will I need to get the passport? I would like to be able to bring in a sheet of paper with everything Ill need to fill out the forms. I know I need to bring a passport photo to the place when I go, and I plan on getting that taken later today.
Well, thats really all I can think of right now, I don't really know what all to ask about, so maybe it would be helpful if you guys offered info that might help me? I could ask questions from there, or fill in info I left out.
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I'd also highly recommend you take those No Jet Lag homeopathic tablets when you go. I don't know how they work but everytime I've had to fly the 17-hr trip to Japan, they've kept me in good shape and without jet lag.
I don't know if you need any shots to go to China, I doubt it, but if so you should look into that ASAP, because some take a couple of months to be effective and if there's not enough time before you leave they won't let you go.
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As for what to bring, I think its mostly common sense. If you want to bring something electronic, you may need an adaptor. But lots of things come with those, for example ipods, nintendo DSs and the like.
Other than clothes and toiletries I would bring the following items
Camera, extra battery/film/memory cards for Camera, Notebook and pen. Books (likely about China/phrasebooks). Pepto Bismol (better safe than sorry), Tylenol, Sandles, and some cash.
Also I would be sure I had plenty of space in my bags to bring stuff home. I'd probably pack around 3 or 4 pairs of light pants (like khakis, not jeans). A couple pairs of shorts (with pockets and stuff), extra socks and some light t-shirts. Also probably 1 long sleeve shirt. Bring a swimming suit for the hotels, and your own towel.
As for the passport stuff, check out their website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html You'll need a cerified birth certificate and a state ID. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for delays and the like.
One more thing. It's always wise to keep copies of your passport and visa. I usually scan them in and email them to someone from my gmail account, that way I can print more whenever I need to and also carry a copy around with me.
You may be tempted to bring home large amounts of pirated DVDs and video games. I don't know what to tell you on that, other than its illegal to bring illegal copies of things into the US and you may get caught in customs.
Bringing back fruit and the like is a definite no-no as well. If you discover something you really like eating, you'll need to finish your snacks over there.
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Ah i see that someone already mentioned it. But anyhow, you may need a blood test if you dont know if you are immune to hep A,B... but it is really quick to do that and you dont have to give much blood. It sucks though if you havnt gotten it when you were a kid, cuz as an adult most insurance companies dont cover the series for some stupid reason. Bottom like, its out of pocket $$$ 3 immunizations at about 140$ per visit... so have a spair 450$ for that if you arnt immune. But once you get the series (its 5 shots over 6 months) you get immunity to both A and B... not just A as mentioned above. The lab test should be covered by most insurance companies though.
tldr: go to the dentist and doctor and find out if you are in great health, if not get in great health and get up to date with immunizations, also get tested for immunization to hepatitis
If it looks at all like you might not recieve your passport in time, you can head to one of the (I believe there are 6... I'll have to double-check) official passport offices to get it within 48 hours. This generally involves having to stay in town while they do the paperwork, and spending most of the business hours of those 48 hours in the passport building filling out paperwork, answering questions, and paying an expedited processing fee.
If you happen to live in San Francisco, there's one right there in the city. I've been told there are (I think it was) 5 others scattered across America, but offhand I don't know where they are. I'll try to look it up if you need it.
Also, make sure you get/have a genuine birth certificate (you CANNOT have a photocopy. I learned this the hard way... got denied, and had to write to my birth state to get another original birth certificate), and bring it with you.
On the passport stuff: I will be getting my birth certificate from my parents this weekend and then trying to fill out all the forms and such on monday. I will get my photo done tomorrow (I didnt have time to get there tonight).
Shots: I'm hoping the application Ill be getting on monday will have all the information on which shots Ill need to be getting.
The trip is all planned out, theres no flexability in it (with the exception to the couple free nights we have). So staying an extra week or something wouldnt work. Plus the trip is scheduled during the break between two quarters and Ill have classes so even if I could stay longer, it wouldnt be smart.
Also, why would I want to make a special trip to the dentist? I'll only be gone for 2 weeks, is there somethin Im not aware of?
I will probly try to take two suitcases so I can bring things home without going over the weight limit.
Thanks for the help so far! Don't hesitate to post anythin that might help!
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
tHalberdBlue: Yeah this is kind of expensive for a trip, but I'm chalking that up to the fact that we're going to 4 cities, and there is a plane flight in the middle, each place we stay is a 4 star hotel, there are chef demos and lectures at some pretty large culinary schools over there, and then a lot of the touristy stuff. So yeah, its expensive but I figured out the money so its not a problem anymore.
So I just got my passport back with the Chinese Visa on it, along with my flight information and such so thats all taken care of. Now, I have never flown alone, my parents have always taken care of the flight stuff and tickets and all so Im kind of clueless on what I need to be doing. (I guess technically Ill be flying with the other couple students from Charlotte, btu Ill have to handle all my stuff anyway so I might as well know whats going on.)
At the last meeting we had about the trip there was some confusion about how many pieces of luggage we're allowed to take on the flight, one person said it was 2 pieces, each being 50lbs or less, but someone else said it had recently changed to just one piece of 50 or less. I will check the site soon to see if I can find anything, Im flying United Airlines if anyone knows off the top of their head.
Also, what do I need to expect at customs? I have never had to go through there so I dunno, is there anything I need to do before I get to the line?
What else do I need to do before I head out? They told us that we need to inform out banks / credit card companies before we go that we are leaving the country. I'm guessing thats so they don't think the card is stolen, but stuff like that. What little things do I need to look into before I head over?
Can anyone give me an idea of how much stuff costs over there? I know the exchange rate is $1 to like 6.95 whatever it is they call it (RBD? somethin like that), but that doesn't really mean anything to me. People have told me that things are less expensive over there, but I was wondering how much money I should take with me.
Oh, do you think there is any chance Ill be able to go see the olympic structures? Like, if I find the time would I be able to go to them and take pictures?
Thanks! And as always, any suggestions you think might be helpful, feel free to offer em up.
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
For the baggage requirements, check the airline. There will be a section on what you can bring, make sure to read the exception for overseas flights, and the 2nd exception for pacific overseas flights. I'd be more concerned about the internal chinese flight. Check that too. Really though, you shouldn't need to bring that much stuff for 14 days. I do believe 50 lbs/bag is around what is allowed.
For the flight. Arrive at the airport about 2-2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. That should be all you need to do. Make sure you have a carry-on and that it doesn't break any rules. Specifically the stupid liquid rules. Shouldn't be a problem.
Customs for you will be easy. Each way fill out the form honestly, and declare nothing. I doubt they'll check your bags either way (into China, or back into the US).
Yes, calling your CC/ATM company is so they don't get blocked for fraud if you use them leaving you with no money/access to money. Just call them to let them know the dates you'll be overseas and they'll note your account. Also, bring some US cash in case of emergencies, I'd say $200-$300 would be fine.
The $/RMB (usually called the yuan) exchange rate is about 1-7, like you said. It doesn't mean too much. Generally I'd say things that don't travel well are cheaper (like food and drinks). But things like electronics/jewlery are about the same price. Labor intensive things are definitely cheaper. But how much of your 14 days do you want to spend saving a few $ on things you could easily get in the US?
I don't know about the Olympic things, but if you have time in Beijing, I don't see why not. They're pretty olympic crazy there.
As for bringing 2 suitcases, I would bring one duffle/gym bag and pack it inside whatever else I bring. That way you can bring only 1 bag there. And if you need the space on the way back you can fill the duffle with clothes or whatever.
I got my passport in about 4 hours, almost none of it was spent at the Chicago passport office (the one I had to go to). The paperwork took about 15 minutes, tops. I think it cost $155. I did have an appointment ahead of time (as is required). The person on the phone told me they can issue it same day, at their discretion. The person in Chicago did issue it that day. Unfortunately, by then the Chinese consulate had closed for the day, so I had to have a friend bring it in the next day.
Food is so goddamn cheap here (I'm in Shanghai). A fancy dinner restaurant will cost you about $4. I have yet to spend more than about $2 on breakfast or lunch. I haven't really done any shopping so I don't know what anything else costs. But budgeting $5 a day should be plenty.
Most places will not accept credit cards. Your ATM cards will work on the ATMs here though. I don't think they usually charge ATM fees either. I withdrew money from a Construction Bank of China with a USAA ATM card and wasn't charged any fees, and got the money really close to the actual exchange rate. I forgot to inform USAA that I was going to China and haven't encountered any issues but YMMV.
Also: this is what I have for a packing list so far, can anyone think of something Im forgetting?
SUITCASE
2 chef coats
2 chef checks
2 neckerchiefs
2 aprons
2 hats
3 pairs of black socks
Kitchen shoes
3 undershirts
1 pair nice slacks
1 nice shirt
Dress shoes
1 pair of jeans
belt
2 pairs of shorts
3 shirts
3 pairs of socks
5 pairs of underwear
Razor
Extra razor blades
deoderant
BACKPACK
Passport
Flight information
If Chins Could Kill
The Golden Compass
Interesting Times
The Giver
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy collection
Pyramids
House of Leaves
Digital Camera
1 32mb card
1 128mb card
1 2gb card
1 Pair of shorts
1 shirt
1 pair of underwear
1 pair of socks
1 composition book
pencil
extra lead for pencil
pens
MP3 Player
Headphones
MP3 charger
2 packs of batteries
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
At all or in the carry on? Cause apparently this camera (its my parents) chows down on normal batteries so they gave me some of their lithium ones that last longer, apparently they're pretty expencive as batteries go, Id hate to have to buy more.
I didnt pack that much in the way of clothes because they told us the hotels will have laundry services that we can use. As for the toiletries I didn't feel like going into how much of that stuff I can take with all the security features so Imma just use the stuff at the hotels. Flannel? Just take some random flannel shirts or somethin? Or is that a term Im not familiar with?
Jordan of Elienor, Human Shaman
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
Face Towel probably.
Decent hotels have them for you.
Yep, that's the one. LP's Mum recommended bringing it because she's a British Mum, and some British are distrustful of all foreign hygiene things, and Mum's are very protective
You would not understand how long it has taken my Californian girlfriend and I to both speak nouns to each other without getting a o_O.
Quoth the raven:
For paintings in progress, check out canvas and paints
"The power of the weirdness compels me."
Things like fruit and meat, yeah, you can't bring back. Actual snacks like potato chips or candies? Customs won't have a problem with it.
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