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Am I likely to get sick?

Guests’ concerns about sanitary and hygiene conditions in China are often confounded by the conditions to which Imperial Tours introduces them, and they inevitably find themselves reassured by the Western standards they encounter. Furthermore, since Imperial Tours’ menus are designed for the Western palate, there are no challenging ‘exotic’ items. On the other hand, Chinese food does incorporate the use of strong flavors provided by garlic, chilli and ginger. Travelers with sensitive stomachs, unused to these flavors, might take precautionary measures by bringing along medicines for common stomach upsets. A note of caution: while in China, please do not drink any unboiled tap water. If you buy bottled water, make sure the seal has not been broken before you drink from it. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please inform us ahead of time and we will accommodate accordingly. (Peanut oil may often be used in cooking)

Are China’s streets safe?

As with any destination we would advise guests to remain vigilant, but the general level of safety on China’s streets is surprisingly good. Beijing and Shanghai boast a measure of personal safety exceeding levels in cities such as London, New York, Paris or Los Angeles. Traffic safety has vastly improved and food safety much more stringent than in the past. One area to exercise caution when walking on the streets is with the abundance of electric scooters, which have increased amidst the popularity of food and courier deliveries.

Is the international airfare included in the price?

No. International airfare is not included in the price. However, all domestic airfares within China are usually included. For some domestic destinations we recommend travel by high speed Railway. This would typically be in First or Business Class, and is also typically included in the price. Note that Business Class is the highest class of travel on the Chinese train network followed by First, then Second Class.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Many foreign nationals visiting China, including those from the United States or United Kingdom are still required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Mainland China. However, since 2023 China has been gradually relaxing its visa policy with nationals from a growing list of countries now granted visa free access for 15 or 30 days. At present, this includes but is not limited to a large portion of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Gulf countries and Brazil. If a visa is required, this is typically handled by the Chinese embassy or consulate assigned to your region of residence. In some cases, this process is now handled by the official appointed agents Visa for China. The cost of and time taken in obtaining the visa is each traveler’s responsibility. Visitors from most countries do not require a visa for short visits to Macau or Hong Kong. For Taiwan, visa free access is granted to many nationalities, but currently excludes Brazil and Mexico. Please check with your travel agent, embassy websites or a visa service for up-to-date information. (Do not rely on general websites.)

Recently, China has also implemented a 10-day Visa-Free transit for visitors from 53 countries. According to this, travelers can spend up to 10 days in China provided they have confirmed onward travel to a third international destination (including Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan) within ten days of arrival.

Should I bring cash, travelers’ checks or can I rely on my credit card?

Travelers’ checks are rarely used these days, but major foreign currencies can be exchanged for Chinese Renminbi (RMB) at hotels, banks and some department stores. These establishments are obliged by law to change at an official rate established by the People’s Bank of China.

Credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express are often accepted at the larger department stores and gift shops. Using international credit cards or your ATM card to draw cash from ATMs is usually possible, particularly near your hotel, but should not necessarily be taken for granted.

What is the local currency?

The Chinese peoples’ national currency or Renminbi (RMB) consists of fen, jiao and yuan. There are ten fen in a jiao, and ten jiao in a yuan. The basic currency unit is the yuan, known colloquially as a kuai. The yuan is denominated in notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Ten yuan or kuai is worth about US$1.40 or £1.

Hong Kong and Macau have their own local currencies, respectively the Hong Kong Dollar and Pataca. At present, these are roughly equivalent and loosely pegged to the US Dollar. Ten yuan is worth about $11 HKD.

What is the added benefit of a China Host beyond a Virtual Concierge?

A China Host can add a level of quality to your trip that you might not have expected. She or he serves as a cultural bridge, adding context and understanding to anything you are curious about or encounter during your trip. This intangible dimension is an unexpected benefit often appreciated by our guests and one that cannot be realized by a Virtual Concierge. Also, because the China Host is with you in person, they have the advantage of daily observation and can anticipate your preferences and make pro-active suggestions, such as food preferences. Many changes take time to implement and require behind-the-scenes logistics. A Virtual Concierge is not as well equipped to seamlessly handle on-the-fly changes as your China Host, who can instantly relay options and communicate subtleties wherever you are.

What is the difference between your Ultimate China & China Escapades private tours?

Our Ultimate China (UC) tours are accompanied by a China Host to provide the best possible service, while our China Escapades (CE) tours have greater independence at a lower price. There is no difference in quality between Ultimate China & China Escapade tours, only between their service structure, inclusions and offered destinations. Please see Our Philosophy for more information.