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| Useful
Advice for Tourists Visiting China |
General Information
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Introduction:
This page contains general information for Tourists,
and should be read in conjunction with larger topics
that have separate and dedicated pages of their own
Topics on this page include:
Renewing your Passport
Electricity (Reprise)
Toilets
News
Smoking
Drugs
Tipping People
Opening Hours
Massage
Streets
Passport Renewal
1. Apply in China:
You can renew your British Passport in China via the
British Embassy in Beijing, or their Consulate in Shanghai.
Click
for more information
2. Apply in Kong Kong
This is usually the preferred option, as Hong Kong still
has a very special relationship with UK. It is also
simple to prove your identity, say if you are required
to show your passport to officials whilst it is being
renewed. The British Consulate is situated in Central,
behind Pacific Plaza at No. 1 Supreme Court Road
3. Processing
The renewal process takes approximately 10 days, and
you should submit your application before midday. Please
supply the necessary forms and information as listed
on this page
Electricity
1. Electricity is 220 Volts.
2. China has around 18 different types
of plug socket, but these are being normalised to about
four.
3. China has a very good range of adapters
and extension leads that are easily available on local
streets for around $2. Please buy the ones marked 15Amp,
as lower rated cables tend to melt! These have multiple
multi-interfaces, meaning they handle just about any
type of plug including: British round and square pins,
European standard plugs
Toilets
Chinese toilets are at best a hole in the ground surrounded
by ceramics. Use Western toilets whenever possible.
In rural areas toilet mechanics get more basic ... and
unusual! This is what you need to know:
1. Take your own toilet paper with
you at all times, there isn't any normally (Except in
the very best establishments)
2. It is ok to flush toilet paper normally,
but girls should normally place larger items with blood
on them in the separate container provided for this
purpose = an open bucket usually
3. Toilets cubicles are normally used
by either sex - get used to it!
4. Chinese plumbing techniques can
be quite inventive and eco-friendly ... so don't be
surprised if the waste water from the wash basin runs
out onto the floor you are standing on, in order to
flush the toilet - which should be the lowest point
in the room, normally
5. There will be a sink nearby for
washing your hands. Please do this
6. Rural villages normally have a communal
approach to toilets, with low barriers so you can chat
to other people nearby as you go about your personal
business. These are usually sex segregated, but not
always!
7. Toilets out in the wilds are far
more basic, often communal, and come in a variety of
... errrm ... 'human inter-faece designs’. Enjoy
: - )
8. Do not try asking where the toilet
is in Chinese - as no one will understand you...
* Ask for 'WC'
* Mime by squatting - only!
- - In Beijing I once mimed a man going to the urinal,
and was quoted Y150!
* If you must try Chinese, then say 'Sigh sow', sow
as in female pig = wash hands in Cantonese
* Look for a green sign, usually with a man and woman
on it
* Most Malls and city centre streets also have public
toilets, just look around you
This all sounds horrendous by Western standards, when
in fact most of it is simply 'Practical'! Chinese treat
going to the toilet as a common occurrence of no value
and people take some tissue from the table before they
depart usually; whereas we Brit's tend to make a palaver
about it.
For me the only bad thing is having to bend my knee
joints when using the 'Chinese Traps' = knees wrecked
from years of playing squash
News
China has excellent news services, including: dedicated
English language TV channels (CCTV 9 - the official
news channel from Beijing + ATV and Pearl from Hong
Kong. Others), English Newspapers (China Daily and China
Southern News), and various online media channels. Take
your pick!
Smoking
90% of Chinese men smoke heavily and regularly. Normally
they only smoke tipped cigarettes, pipes are uncommon,
and cigars are very unusual. About 10 % of Chinese girls
also smoke
1. A 'no smoking office' really means
that you cannot smoke in the actual office, but smoking
in any corridor is allowed
2. Non-smoking Malls actually means
that in general you should not smoke anywhere other
than the open rest areas, which have cigarette bins
handy for this purpose
3. Smoking is not allowed on Public
Transport (Versions)
4. All Chinese airports are quite officious
regards smoking in the wrong places, but do have areas
set aside for smokers. Smoking outside is permitted
5. Smoking in restaurants is always
permitted and expected.
Please Note:
Anywhere that ashtrays are not supplied - please know
you are expected to use the floor. They may even consider
your request for an ashtray to be a bit weird!
A Chinese pipe is made from a tube of Bamboo, sealed
at one end naturally by the bamboo divider. A thinner
tube of Bamboo is inserted one-third the way up, and
holds the tobacco in a cup device. To use, you simply
draw on the mix of fumes in the big Bamboo tube. Bonging!
Drugs
Non-prescription drugs are totally illegal in China.
Don't do it!
Things to be wary of:
1. Never accept a cigarette from somebody
you do not know - it may be drugged, and they are either
after your 'Cash' or a homosexual experience. Get yourself
somewhere safe if you have time - you will know instantly
that it is 'Not Right'. Frequency: - maybe happens once
every two years to a foreigner
2. Rohipnol and it's clones are used
= keep your women safe.
3. In reality - drugs are very uncommon
in China
China Expats does not condone the use of illegal drugs
in any form.
Tipping People
Chinese do not give tips because openly giving somebody
money is considered offensive and bad luck.
Some Western restaurants may impose a service charge,
normally 10%. However, this is simply extra money for
the boss, and staff will never ever see any of this
money
The only exceptions to this rule are that you can tell
staff at restaurants and similar places to keep the
change. This doesn't always work, but if the meal was
good and the change is small it can be worth trying
I also tip massage girls I know well - the ones who
do a particularly good job. These girls work very long
hours for little money, and sometimes on a commission
only basis. If you do tip them, then make it discretely
and before you leave the massage table. Do not give
a tip to them in front of anyone else, especially management,
as this will be forfeit
Massage
There are three main styles of massage in China: Hair
washy, Foot washy, and straight massagey
Virtually all Chinese massage is done with your clothes
on, the exceptions being special treatments. Normally
you only remove your shoes and lie on a padded table.
This also means that oils are very rarely used. Normally
massage is performed by somebody of the opposite sex,
but occasionally a girl may massage a female client.
Boys do not massage male clients, except regarding certain
skilled medical massages - say a back or shoulder problem
that needs attending by a fully skilled practitioner
'Hair washy' is obtained from any hairdressers
and charges are between Y10 and Y30 per hour. Business
hours are mainly 10am to 10 pm or sometimes a bit later.
Hairdressers have a typical whirly sign outside, usually
in neon blue, although sometimes black and others colours
are used
Hair wash normally involves you lying on a bed with
head near an integral sink, whilst you hair is washed
and conditioned several times. Your scalp and neck will
be massaged and nails used to gently scrap your scalp
as well. Your ears are usually cleansed during this
process, and additional face massage can be added also.
A typical hair wash takes about 30 minutes, followed
by a 30 minute body massage. The best length for a body
massage is actually 1-hour, and expect to be asked how
long you want it to last. This is normally accomplished
without using words, so simply point 1 finger making
a sign for 1, and maybe point to your watch also. This
is normally the only question you will be asked, and
it will be appropriate and obvious
The option for an extra 30 minute face massage is well
worth trying, and can feel wonderful if the girl is
good. Boys, please have a close shave first if you intend
to have this done, as girls won't normally massage a
rough face with sharp stubble
'Foot Washy' is also excellent, and
these places are very common also. However, you may
not readily recognise what they are as usually the only
indicator is a girl in Traditional Chinese dress standing
by a lectern in a wide doorway at the foot of some stairs.
Often these girls will be wearing a headset or carrying
a radio transmitter. These places tend to open at midday,
with last service commencing at 2 am
You will be asked three questions, usually in this order:
How many people, how long for, what standard of service.
Indicate the number of people and you are usually shown
to a private room which has an appropriate number of
fully adjustable armchairs and poffes. All places will
have cable TV, and these are very good for watching
a football game. Sometimes smaller TV's are also mounted
in the ceiling. The air-conditioner will be turned on,
and teas brought. Some places also have internet access,
with the chair having an integral monitor and nearby
keyboard and mouse
The staff will then confirm how long for, and this is
pretty obvious, and often marked on a wall board. You
will probably find 1-hour is too short a time, so do
ask for 2-hours. Better establishments will then ask
what service standard = a skilled masseuse or normal.
Sometimes this is asked as the question 'Do you want
a special girl?', which can be misleading unless you
know better! Charges are normally between Y30 and Y85
per hour. Snacks or fruit are then brought, and you
can also order meals and drinks like coffee, coke or
beer at extra but reasonable charge
A troop of girls will then arrive carrying wooden buckets
full of hot, scented water, herbs, and other things.
For this you only remove your shoes and socks, then
roll up your trouser legs - they will do this for you.
Flip-flops are also provided should you need to go to
the toilet during proceedings. Test the water, as often
this is too hot for Westerners. Once settled, relax
and soak your feet for about 20 minutes. The masseuse
will then massage your arms and upper back. After soaking,
your feet are then attended to, being washed and creams
applied. Your feet do receive a special massage, and
skilled girls will follow proper foot massage techniques
Around this time you will usually be asked if you want
a pedicure. Do say yes, as this is
excellent and very interesting. Pedicures are performed
by male staff with special skills. They use mainly sharp
knives that are like chisels, trimming your toenails,
sorting other problems, and removing calluses etc. This
takes about 5 minutes per foot
The better of these establishments are the only places
to go for ear treatments - if you have
ear problems, especially wax build-up or similar. You
will be asked if you want your ears cleaning, so say
yes and wait. A highly skilled girl will arrive complete
with torch and an array of implements. Relax while she
dexterously sets about excavating your cavities. You
will be amazed at what comes out, and may often be able
to hear a lot better afterwards as well!
Once all the treatments are finished, your feet will
be washed again, or hot rocks applied, or other things
happen. After this episode, you relax again and the
girl will recline the armchair and finish giving the
rest of your body a massage, although normally the chest
is never massaged. This is the time to state if you
want greater attention paying to a particular area of
your body - say your back or a leg for example
It is common to drift off into a tranquil and languorous
place, so the next thing you normally know is being
shaken awake - as the 2-hour period is now over!
Standard massage is available at both
hairdressers and foot massage places. In addition, special
massage shops also offer straight massage, and these
often include special treatments such as applying small
glass jars to your back via a vacuum technique, or sometimes
oil treatments. These are the only places where your
top may be raised
Not a standard massage establishments
are often grouped in close proximity on backstreets,
and are like hairdressing shops complete with neon sign.
However, you will notice there is no hairdressing equipment
inside, but only an array of beautiful girls. Occasionally
one of these girls may disappear off in a car for 20
minutes or so. You will be asked for Y500 being a foreigner,
but the going rate is actually Y120. We do not know
what type of massage services these girls offer boys,
and will leave it to your imagination or personal research
Opening Hours
China is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. You may need to check a calendar to know which
day is Sunday. In general, opening hours go like this
- lets make a list for ease of reference:
1. Government and Anything Official: Monday to Friday
Only, 9 to 5, closed 12 till 2 or 2.30 for lunch (Siesta)
2. Banks
a . Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, restricted services 12
till 2 for lunch
b . Saturday limited services = personal Banking ok,
but no International currency exchanges (Includes Western
Union)
3. Semi-official and larger companies
a . Usually as per Banks above
b . May have longer opening days and lunchtime cover
for all services
4. Post Office
a . Main Post Offices usually about 8am to 6 pm, 6 days
per week - but some Saturday restrictions
b . Sub-post offices (China Mobile etc, for sending
simple mail); 9am to 10pm, 6 or 7 days per week
5. China Mobile
a . 9am to between 6 and 10 pm (usually at least 9pm)
b . 24/7 top-up machines quite common
6. Shops in Malls or on High Streets, Supermarkets
a . 9am to 9 or 10pm, 7 days per week - including all
holidays
7. Local Shops
1. 9am to 10pm, 7 days per week - including all holidays,
or longer hours
8. Corner Shops
1. Normally 6am or 8am, to midnight or 2 am, 7 days
per week = 18 hour day min ave.
9. Restaurants
a . 11am to 9.30 pm, 7 days per week
b . Many open until Midnight
c . Western restaurants are open till 2am
10. Street Restaurants
a . 5pm till dawn, 7 days per week
11. Hospitals
a . As per UK or longer hours; but watch-out for lunchtimes
b . Local Hospitals: 8 to 8, 7 days per week
c . Local Pharmacies - usually stay open late
d . You arrange to pay for your treatment when you enter
13. Massage centres (Generalised)
a . Midday till last client 2am (= Latest end of work
4 am, some exceptions)
14. Licencing Hours
a . I don't think they have any?
Streets
Roads - are unlike anything you will
have experienced before, some tips:
1. Except for modern main highways,
the rule of the road is: 'Nobody has right of way'!
2. A red traffic light means that traffic
going straight on should stop (Unless late at night,
or in a hurry). Traffic not going straight on will pass
the red light
3. Where there is a green man for crossing
the road, this does not mean you have right of way.
You will often encounter vehicles crossing your path
whilst the green man is on
4. If you are of a nervous disposition,
do not sit in the front seat of a car or taxi
5. Chinese roads are extremely safe
with few accidents, and seldom any serious damage to
vehicles or people
Pavements
1. Chinese pass each other on the right,
always - that means you walk right and they go to your
left
2. Look both ways before stepping into
the road - Chinese drivers habitually use severe shortcuts
at corners and junctions, often with hilarious results
3. China does not subscribe to the
American 'Sue' theory. Therefore you are personally
responsible for where you put your feet! It is your
responsibility to avoid obstacles in your path
4. Modern shopping malls are to Western
standards, with smooth flat surfaces to walk on
5. Most pavements are not flat, have
many problems, and you should be very careful where
you walk. I do not notice this now, but I did when I
first arrived - and went flying on a number of occasions
due to pavement slabs sticking up or missing entirely,
unexpected cambers, etc.
6. Older houses, shops, and restaurants
often have small steps of less than 1". It is for
you to spot them!
7. Cars and motorcycles can also use
pavements, and sometimes it is safer to walk in the
road
8. Try to use your peripheral vision
when using pavements (Like I used to in UK whilst riding
motorcycles before the days of mirrors).
9. Also listen, especially for approaching
scooters. After a while it becomes automatic, and similar
to checking your mirrors whilst driving
10. All I am really trying to say;
is that pavements are very safe, just be alert and aware
when using them. They are not at all like in UK
Congestion:
In line with larger Chinese cities, Foshan is considering
implementing anti-congestion measures, which may include:
1. Cars with even numbered plates one
day, odd numbers the next
2. Banning motorbikes (?)
Here is China!
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| This
information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy in
UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable sources.
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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