How to Prepare for Traveling in China

If you're planning a trip to China, you may need to make some special preparations to be ready for travel in a developing country. While China is making rapid advancements, most of the country is still considered third world. Hopefully these tips will help you be ready to fully enjoy the rich culture and beautiful sights that make up China today.

Things You'll Need

• Current passport
• Valid Chinese visa
• Sturdy, compact luggage
• First aid kit

Instructions

1. Make sure that your passport and visa are ready ahead of time. It is safest to go through a legitimate travel agency in your country as there are many visa agencies on the Internet that will rip you off or scam you. Obtaining your visa at least a month before your travel date will be safest and the most cost-effective as you won't have to worry about expediting fees.

2. Get your immunizations up to date at least a month before traveling. Although no immunizations are required to enter China, it is best to ask your doctor what vaccinations he recommends. Common ones to be concerned with include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and the flu vaccine.

3. Use sturdy and compact luggage. Especially if you are planning on traveling within China, you will be glad you traveled light with easy to carry luggage. Also try to pack as lightly as you can. You will probably want to bring souvenirs home so leave room to come home with more than you go with.

4. Pack a simple first-aid kit with ample medicine. A change in climate, time zone and especially diet will likely effect your body so be prepared. Medicines to settle your stomach when eating new foods are especially useful for most tourists. Hand sanitizer will also be appreciated.

5. Learn a few useful Chinese phrases such as "How much?" and "Where is the restroom?" Many Chinese can speak a little English, especially in popular tourist spots, but knowing some words or having a Chinese phrasebook will be very helpful.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your insurance plan details in foreign countries. You may want to purchase travel insurance for the length of your trip to ensure medical treatment in case of emergency. Women, it's nice to know that Chinese women haven't adopted the use of tampons so if you depend on these, bring enough for the length of your trip. Other feminine products such as pads should be available. Very few restroom facilities have toilet paper, so have some tissue or toilet paper with you at all times.

• Be prepared for many restroom facilities in China to only have the traditional squat toilet. Though pick-pocketing isn't as common as in some other countries, you may want to find a safe and convenient location for money and other valuables.