TRAVEL TIPS
Essential Travel Information
Everything you need to know before you go
✦ What to Pack
Essentials
- ✓ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Travel insurance documents
- ✓ Copies of important documents
- ✓ Credit cards & local currency
- ✓ Phone & charger
Clothing
- ✓ Layers for temperature changes
- ✓ Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓ Light jacket for evenings
- ✓ Modest clothing for temples
- ✓ Rain jacket (seasonal)
Health & Comfort
- ✓ Prescription medications
- ✓ Basic first aid kit
- ✓ Sunscreen & hat
- ✓ Hand sanitizer
- ✓ Altitude medication (Tibet)
◈ Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer tourists. Great for Yunnan and South China.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm but humid. Peak season. Best for Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Ideal weather, golden landscapes. Perfect for Silk Road and most regions.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold but fewer crowds. Great for Harbin Ice Festival and South China.
❖ Money Matters
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Exchange at banks or airports.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Cash preferred in local markets.
- ATMs: Widely available in cities. Bring backup cash for remote areas.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants, $5-10/day for guides.
- Budget: Allow $30-50/day for meals and incidentals (varies by region).
◆ Communication & Connectivity
- Internet: VPN needed for Google, Facebook, Instagram. We can help set up.
- SIM Cards: Available at airports. China Mobile/Unicom have best coverage.
- WeChat: Essential app for payments and communication in China.
- Emergency: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire). Our 24/7 hotline available.
