• Home
• About
• China Travel FAQ
• Site map
• Contact

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting China

CHINA VISA

1. Do I need a visa to visit China
Yes, visa is required for Australian and most other nationalities

2. What do I need for the visa application?
One visa application form, one recent photo, one visa application fee of $70 per person for Australian passport holder Normally it will take 4 working days to process. Please make sure your passport has a minimum validity of 6 months before the travel date.

3. Where to apply for the Visa?
At the Chinese Embassy in Canberra or the Chinese Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, address as follows:

Embassy of P.R. China in Australia (Canberra)
15 Coronation Drive, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Tel: 02 6273 4783 Fax: 02 6273 5189

Chinese Consulate General in Sydney
39 Dunblane Street, Camperdown NSW 2050
Tel: 02-8595 8000 Fax: 02-8595 8021

Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne
75 - 77 Irving Road, ToorakVic 3142
Tel: 03 9822 0604 Fax: 03-9822 0320

Chinese Consulate General in Perth
45 Brown St, East Perth WA 6004
Tel: 08-9222 0333 Fax: 08-9221 6144

CURRENCY

1. What is money like in China, and how much is the exchange rate?
The Chinese currency YUAN are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 denominations. 1Yuan = 10Jiao (in 1, 2 & 5) = 100 Cents (in 1, 2 & 5). The official exchange rate is around A$1=6.1 Yuan (RMB) as at Sept 2010. Traveler's cheque is the safest way to take money with you on your holidays. Australian dollars can be easily exchanged at the hotels provided on tours by China Bestours. Although US$ is popular in China, there is no need to convert your Australian dollars to US$. Most hotels, restaurants, and major shopping centers welcome major credit cards.

2. What money should I take with me to China?
Traveler's cheques is the safest way to take money with you on your holidays. Australian dollars can be easily exchanged at all the hotels. Although US$ is popular in China, there is no need to convert your Australian dollars to US$. Most hotels, restaurants, and major shopping centers welcome major credit cards.

HEALTH   Do I need any immunizations?
No immunizations are required for entry into China, unless the traveller is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Traveller's Medical and Vaccination Center (TMVC ) recommends the all travellers have current polio and tetanus immunizations . For travelling into countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is very important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum Antibiotics, an anti-diarrhoeal agent, and any other prescription drugs required. For most update information, please contact TMVC in Sydney or visit their web site at http://www.tmvc.com.au Please consulate your family doctor as well

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE   What is the allowance for the duty free concessions?

All travelers aged 18 years and over are allowed to bring into China the followings goods duty free:
Tobacco: 400 cigarettes,  Liquor: 2 litres of alcoholic beverages
Perfume: Reasonable amount for personal use
The above information is for your references only.

Customs on your return to Australia.
Australian Citizens: All travelers aged 18 years and over are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty free. Goods bought overseas or bought duty free before leaving Australia are included when determining duty free concessions. A$900 worth of goods not including alcohol or cigarettes (A$450 for travelers under 18 years of age). 2.25 liters alcohol (including wine, beer or spirits) and 250 cigarettes are permitted to bring in. This information is for reference only, for details, please contact Australian Customs prior to departure on 1300 363 263 or visit their website www.customs.gov.au for more details.

TIME DIFFENENCE   What is the time difference?
Shenzhen standard time used all over China, it is 2 hours behind Sydney time, and 3 hours difference when daylight saving time is on

TIPPING   Do I need to pay tips in China?
Since the open policy to the world, there is more and more foreign tourist visiting China and make it become one of the top ten travel destination in the world. Influenced by American and European travelers, tipping is getting popular in China now.

INSURANCE   How can I arrange my travel insurance?
There is no insurance covered in our tour price; we strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before you travel. Please ask Golf Tourism Australia for the insurance brochure.

ELETRICITY VOLTAGE
What is the voltage in China? Do I need to bring my own adaptor?
The electrical current in China is 220-volts, multi-function power outlets are provided at most of the hotels, Australian electrical appliances are useable there. Adaptors can be provided from housekeeping at the hotel where you can't find the right outlets.