Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a trip to China

 

1. How many people will be in my travel group?

Each group has a maximum of 40 people per bus, all English-speaking.

 

2. What is the registration process?

The typical process is as follows: Consultation--- Online registration--- Complete personal information--- Pay online (40% deposit) --- Receive confirmation--- Final payment three months prior to departure (the remaining 60%) ---receive travel information two weeks before departure (itinerary, check list, travel tips and reminders) 

 

3.  Will we have a guide from Canada?

No, but there will be an English-speaking national guide and a local guide available 24/7 from the first day to the last day of your stay in China

 

4. Is there still COVID in China?

As in Canada, there is no longer a major breakout, only isolated cases. We still recommend taking health precautions as needed.

 

5. What is the weather like in China?

From March to May, the weather is generally pleasant and mild, ideal for tourism as it is spring. In June and July, it varies by region, but is generally warm to hot, with increased humidity in southern and central area. From September to November, it is generally cool and pleasant. This is one of the best times to visit.  In November, you’d better prepare warm clothing.

 

6. Which departure cities are available?

You can choose to depart from Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, or Winnipeg. Please note that additional fees may apply for certain departure cities.

 

7. Are any vaccines required to travel to China?

No specific vaccines are required to travel to China. For additional protection, you can consult a health clinic for more information.

 

8. When will I receive my plane ticket?

Approximately 10 days before departure, we will send you your plane ticket, the final itinerary, packing tips, important information, all by email. And you will receive your luggage tags and name badges as soon as you arrive in Beijing.

 

9. Can I cancel the trip if I get sick before departure?

As stated in our cancellation policy, an initial deposit of 40% is required at the time of booking. The remaining 60% must be paid three months before departure. Once payments are made, they are non-refundable. In this case, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking to cover illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

10. Can I sit in front seats of the bus?

The front seats are reserved for those who are prone to motion sickness and the senior members of the group. Please communicate with your guide if you have specific seating needs.

 

11. Do I need to exchange money and get Yuan before departure?

It is recommended to exchange a small amount of currency in advance, mainly for purchasing drinks or souvenirs from local vendors. Most major stores accept credit card without issue.

 

If you prefer to exchange money in China, make sure your bills are in good condition. Please note that withdrawals are only possible from a check account, not from a saving account. Please make preparations in advance. The daily withdrawal limit is 3,000 Yuan (approximately $560 ). ATM fees will be charged to your bank account. For credit withdrawals, an immediate interest fee of around 20% applies.

12. How should I pay the tips?

Please prepare cash in Canadian dollars: $160 for the 13-day itinerary.

 

13. Is there a time difference between Vancouver and Beijing?

Yes, there is a time difference. Beijing is 15 hours ahead of Vancouver (PDT, usually from mid-March to early November) or 16 hours ahead (PST, usually from early November to mid-March).

 

14. How long is the flight from Vancouver to Beijing?

The total flight time is approximately 10 to 12 hours for a non-stop flight. For flights with stopovers, the total travel time may increase to 14 to 20 hours, depending on the layover duration and location.

 

15. Why should I travel with Voyages Polaris?

Due to the language barrier, travelling alone in China can be challenging. While the attractions remain the same, a well-organized trip with excellent English-speaking guides, luxury hotels, comfortable air-conditioned tour bus. Voyages Polaris carefully selects five-star hotels and the best English-speaking guides in China to ensure a superior journey.

 

16. Can I change my departure date or extend my stay after the trip?

Yes, this is possible, but any fare difference for the flight tickets will be at your expense. And there are no corresponding pick-up and drop-off service provided.

 

17. Is China safe?

By following the guide’s instructions, China is very safe, with very few cases of theft. Electronic payments are widely used, and security cameras are everywhere. However, as in any tourist destination, pickpockets mainly target foreign tourists, so always follow the guide’s recommendations.

 

18. Are beverages included with meals?

In city restaurants, tea is always provided for free. Additionally, one drink (Coca-Cola, Sprite or beer) is included, but a second drink will be at your own expense.

 

19. Are the hotel rooms well-equipped?

Yes, all rooms are equipped with shampoo, shower gel, bath towels, face towels, a mini fridge, an iron, a hairdryer and a safe. Additionally, slipper and toothbrushes are always available.

 

20. How can your price be so affordable?

Voyages Polaris aims to open us the North America market and attract more tourists to explore China by offering affordable prices. In the future, the prices will definitely go up. The earlier you book, the more you can enjoy our special low prices.

 

21. Are all entrance tickets included?

All entrance tickets are included except for those explicitly marked as not included and at your own expense in the itinerary.

 

22. What if I get sick during the trip?

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. In case of illness, an English-speaking staff member will accompany you to the hospital. You will need to pay the medical expenses upfront and keep all receipts to claim reimbursement from your insurance upon your return to Canada.

 

23. Can I bring a portable charger?

Yes, you can bring one, provided its capacity is under 12,000 mAh.

 

24. What is the electrical voltage in China?

It is 220 volts, different from that in Canada, 110 volts. Some common travel appliances are generally compatible, please make sure to check in advance. Besides, you will need an adapter. .

 

25. Is laundry service available in China?

Laundry services are available at hotels, at your own expense.

 

26. How much luggage can I bring?

You are allowed one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg for international flights and 20 kg for domestic flights. Please ensure your checked luggage weighs less than 20 kg before departure. Carry-on luggage is limited to 8 kg for both international and domestic flights.

 

27. Can I bring a respirator?

Yes, you can bring one. Distilled water can be found in local pharmacies, and all hotel rooms are equipped with power outlets.

 

28. How much time will we spend traveling?

Between cities, major journeys are made by plane or high-speed train.

 

29. Are Chinese people friendly?

Chinese people are very friendly toward foreign tourists. You are likely to meet Chinese people eager to take pictures with you, especially as the number of tourists has decreased after the pandemic.

 

30. Are there departure dates in 2025?

Yes, the departure dates for 2025 are March 12, April 8, April 15, May 11, May 27, June 10, July 10, July 29, September 9, September 16, October 7, October 21, and November 11.

 

31. Do Canadian passport holders need to apply for a Chinese visa?

All Canadian passport holders must apply for a Chinese visa. Voyages Polaris offer this service and can assist you with the visa application process.

 

32. How can I contact my family in China?

Wi-Fi is available at all hotels, allowing you to reassure your family in the evening via social media. If you need internet during the day, you can buy a SIM card at the airport. If you want to use your mobile phone in China, check with your current provider for rates. Note that some Google services, such as Gmail, YouTube, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, are restricted in China.

 

33. I don’t speak Chinese, is that an issue?

Not at all! You can pick up some basic phrases during the trip. You will always be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Our guides will even teach you a few simple phrases each day, such as “hello”, “thank you”, “goodbye”, “cheaper”, and “toilets”.

 

34. Do I need to fill out forms at Chinese customs?

Yes, but the forms are bilingual in Chinese and English. They will ask simple questions like your name, flight number, and the name of your first hotel.

 

35. Are Chinese domestic planes large?

The size of Chinese domestic aircraft is comparable to Canadian ones. However, the onboard service is typically Chinese and very generally well-executed.

 

36. For international flights with layovers, how can I handle my luggage?

Generally, you won’t need to collect your luggage during a layover. You will pick it up at your final destination. However, make sure to follow the instructions from airport staff at check-in and keep your luggage tags. Make sure your luggage is locked all the way.

 

37. What are the size limits for luggage?

The maximum dimension for checked luggage must not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height). For carry-on luggage, the maximum dimension is 115 cm.

 

38. What meals will we have daily? Will I find the food suitable?

You will feel right at home with all breakfast, which typically features American-style buffet, including eggs, bacon, bread, milk, orange juice, coffee, cereal and etc. For lunch and dinner, there will be Chinese-style meals. The main dishes usually consist of vegetables, any meat chopped into small pieces cooked with vegetables.

 

39. Are the days exhausting?

For the 13-day trip, we depart generally around 8:00-9:00 a.m. and return at 18:00-19:00. When travelling between cities, the pace is manageable, and there is ample time to relax.

 

40. Is alcohol expensive in China?

For example, a bottle of Chinese beer costs about C$ 3-5, while Chinese wine is priced around C$ 20-30 per bottle.

 

41. Are the beds in the rooms large?

Hotel rooms are equipped with either a king-size bed or two double beds measuring 120 cm or 135 cm each.

 

42. Is tap water drinkable in China?

No, tap water is safe to drink unless boiled. However, hotels always provide a small bottle of water per person daily.

 

43. Is there a swimming pool at the hotels?

Some hotels have a pool available for your leisure. Please note that swimming caps are always required.

 

44. Do you need to pay for public toilets in China?

Toilets often charge a small fee (1 to 5 Yuan). As you may know, it is common for you to encounter squat toilet (Turkish-style toilets) , where sitting is not possible. Additionally, note that there are no toilets on buses. For your convenience, we have planned frequent rest stops along the way.

 

45. Should I bring any specific medications for travelling in China?

It is essential to bring all your prescribed medications (in sufficient quantities) and it is recommended to pack medicine for common issues such as headache, colds, sore throat, or diarrhea.

 

46. Will there be luggage service throughout the trip?

Yes, there will always be assistance for you luggage at hotels.