Contact Airline concerned prior to leaving for the airport to confirm flight number and any possible schedule changes. Connecting passengers should verify, at the time of check-in, that luggage can be checked through to their China & other Asia destination. For transpacific flights, you must check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

 

If you choose to arrange your own add-on flights to the designated gateway city, you must take the following facts into consideration before booking any flights. Mag Vacations is not responsible for any missed connections and penalties/loss as a result. Note:

For transpacific flight, you must check-in three (3) hours ahead of departure time.

It takes at least one (1) hour to clear customs and claim your checked baggage.

For domestic flight, you must check in at least two (2) hours prior to departure time.

 

If not specified, most airline tickets are issued using bulk fare which can not be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.

 

If you miss you transpacific flights to China or Asia, or your flights are delayed, please contact your travel agent at the first time in order for us to inform our local offices and local partners right away.

 

You can call your travel agent or call the airline directly to report your frequent flyer numbers. You will also have a chance to report it at airport check-in counter.

 

If you would like to get an isle seat or a window seat, we would be very happy to assist you by calling the airline. However, such seats can not be guaranteed.

 

If you would like to request a specific seat because of a medical condition, or a specific seat on Exit Row or Bulk Head seat, you should call the airline directly after your international tickets have been issued.

Major Airline Contacts
Airline	Location	Phone No	Airline	Location	Phone No
Air China	SAN FRANCISCO	800-986-1985	Delta Airline	USA	800-221-1212
	NEW YORK	800-982-8802		BEIJING	58797468
	LOS ANGELS	800-882-8122		SHANGHAI	021-61156996
	BEIJNG	4008100999		H.K	852-2620-6678
	SHANHAI	4008100999		GUANGZHOU	020-81306292
Asiana Air	USA	800-227-4262	Eva Airways	USA	800-695-1188
	BEIJING	010-6468-4000		BEIJING	010-8518-1983
	GUANGZHOU	020-8760-9037		SHANGHAI	021-5385-2125
	H.K	0852-2523-8585		TAIBEI	002-2501-1999
	SHANGHAI	021-6219-4000		H.K	0852-2810-9251
All Nippon	USA	800-235-9262	Japan Airline	USA	800-525-3663
	BEIJING	010-6590-9188		BEIJING	010-6513-0888
	SHANGHAI	021-6279-7000		SHANGHAI	021-6288-3000
	H.K	0852-2848-4178		H.K	852-2523-0081
American Airlines	USA	800-433-7300	Korean Air	USA	800-438-5000
	BEIJING	010-8527-6188		BEIJNG	010-8453-8888
	SHANGHAI	021-6375-8686		SHANGHA	021-6275-6000
	H.K	020-8387-8389		H.K	0852-2366-2001
Cathay Pacific	USA	800-233-2742	Northwest	USA	800-225-2525
	BEIJING	010-6518-2533		BEIJING	010-6505-3505
	SHANGHAI	021-6375-6375		H.K	0852-2810-4288
	H.K	0852-2747-1888		SHANGHAI	021-6884-6884
China Airlines	USA	800-227-5118	Singapore Airline	USA	800-742-3333
	BEIJNG	010-6510-2669		BEIJING	010-6505-2233
	TAIBEI	002-2715-1211		SHANGHAI	021-6289-1000
	H.K	0852-2868-2299		H.K	0852-2520-2233
China Eastern	USA	212-6858685	Thai Air	USA	800-426-5204
	LOS ANGELS	626-583-1500		BEIJING	010-6460-8899
	BEIJNG	010-6468-1166		SHANGHAI	021-5298-5555
	SHANGHAI	021-95108		H.K	0852-2865-6037
China Southern	USA	888-3388988	United Airline	USA	800-241-6522
	GUANGZHOU	020-8668-2000		Chinese speaking	800-426-5560
Continental Airline	USA	800-523-3273		H.K	0852-2810-4888
	BEIJING	010-8527-6686		BEIJING	010-6463-1111
	TAIBEI	002-2719-5947		SHANGHAI	021-6279-8009

• "He who would travel happily must travel light". We strongly recommend you limit your baggage to one(1) piece of checked luggage and one(1) carry-on bag per person.
• Baggage allowance differs for the transpacific, China domestic and Intra-Asia sections of your trip. Baggage allowance for MOST transpacific flights is ONE (1) piece of free checked baggage per person with a fee for extra checked baggage. If you booked your transpacific flight with Mag Vacations, your travel consultant will advise you clearly about the baggage policy of the airline you are going to fly with. Maximum dimensions of single piece shall not exceed 62 inches (158cm). Maximum weight per piece is 50 lbs. Each passenger may carry one hand baggage, the combined dimensions of which shall not exceed 45 inches (115cm).
  China & Intra-Asia domestic flights have stringent luggage restrictions allowing one piece of checked baggage that must not exceed 44 lbs per person, plus a carry-on bag not to exceed 5 lbs. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
  Baggage in excess of allowances will incur excess baggage charge payable on site by the passenger.
• Baggage Precautions Make sure you have luggage tags for each checked suitcase. A copy of your itinerary and contact information should also go in an outside pocket of your luggage to aid the airline personnel to locate you in case you and your luggage become separated.
  Never check luggage containing prohibited items (i.e. lighters), valuables (i.e. cash, jewelry, and cameras), fragile items (i.e. undeveloped film, bottles, eyeglasses) or critical items (i.e. medicines, travel vouchers). You should read more information about TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items. Go To TSA Website
• Lost/damaged Baggage Mag Vacations will not be responsible for loss or damage to your luggage and personal belongings. You must report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filled with the carrier before leaving the airport.
• Baggage Lock Your checked baggage must be locked during transportation while in China . This is a Chinese regulation.
  Due to increased security measures in U.S. airports, if you wish to lock your baggage, you MUST use a TSA recognized lock , which allows TSA screeners open and re-lock your bags for security screening. Ordinary locks are cut if physical inspection is required.
• What to Pack The best packing question is "Do people where I am headed live without this item"? Don't pack the stuff which is readily available in the hotels you will be staying. Don't cram your suitcase with unnecessary items so you'll have room for the "treasures" you collect along the way. Remember that you will have access to:
  1. ① Convenient, same day laundry service in all your hotels. If you send clothes in the morning you should have them back in the evening. Price is reasonable. For any destination city you stay 2 nights or more you can do laundry.
  2. ② Hair dryer and iron are readily available at most hotels for your use; simply contact the Housekeeping.
  3. ③ Free bath accessories in your private bathroom include disposable tooth brush and toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, body lotion, sewing kit, sanitary bag, shower cap etc.
  4. ④ You can easily purchase a shoulder bag or small piece of luggage to carry your purchase back home.
  5. ⑤ Virtually anything you require can be secured along the way. It is part of the adventure.
  6. ⑥ Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Make sure to check weather information included on your final tour itinerary before you decide what clothes to pack.

• China is a huge country with varied climates. In general, the north is cold and dry in winter. In the south, summer is hot and humid. The raining season is in July and August. Climate in Hong Kong is sub-tropical, similar to that of Hawaii. Below is the general whole year Temperature Information for major China cities:

  Temperature in Major Cities of China(F)
  City	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jui	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
  Beijing	24	28	40	56	68	76	79	76	67	55	39	27
  Chengdu	42	46	54	63	70	75	78	77	71	62	54	45
  Chongqing	46	49	57	66	72	77	83	83	75	65	57	49
  Guangzhou	56	58	64	71	78	81	83	83	81	75	67	59
  Guilin	46	48	56	65	74	79	82	82	78	69	59	50
  Guiyang	41	44	53	61	67	71	75	74	69	60	53	45
  Hangzhou	38	41	49	59	69	76	84	83	74	63	54	43
  Hongkong	60	61	65	72	79	82	84	83	82	77	71	64
  Jinan	29	34	45	59	70	79	82	79	71	60	46	33
  Jiuzhaigou	30	37	39	48	52	57	63	61	54	47	36	36
  Kunming	46	50	56	62	67	67	68	67	64	59	53	47
  Lanzhou	19	28	42	53	62	69	72	70	61	49	35	22
  Lhasa	28	33	40	47	55	60	59	57	55	47	35	29
  Luoyang	33	37	38	60	70	77	81	79	70	58	47	37
  Mt.Huangshan	27	28	37	46	54	59	64	64	57	50	41	28
  Mt.Wuyishan	43	45	54	64	70	71	79	83	82	77	57	52
  Nanjing	35	37	47	58	68	76	83	82	73	62	51	40
  Qingdao	27	31	40	52	62	70	76	78	69	58	45	33
  Shanghai	36	38	48	60	68	76	82	82	73	62	52	41
  Taian	27	32	43	56	67	76	79	78	69	58	44	33
  Urumqi	13	14	25	37	47	55	58	56	47	35	22	16
  Xian	30	36	46	57	67	78	80	78	67	56	44	33
  Zhangjiajie	38	44	52	65	77	79	81	80	76	65	54	43
  Zhengzhou	31	36	46	59	70	79	82	79	70	59	46	35

• Cambodia Any time of the year is a good time to travel in Cambodia, with each season having its advantages. There are three seasons; November to February is the cooler season, March to June is the hotter season, with temperatures in the low forties, and June to October is the wet season. The climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures is around the 30's (86°F ) most of the year, dropping back to the 20's (68°F) at night. The rain falls in short, heavy bursts with sunshine to follow.
  The ideal months to be in Cambodia are December and January, when humidity is favorable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. From early February temperatures start to rise until April, when temperatures may exceed 40°C (104°F). In May and June, the southwestern monsoon brings rain and high humidity.
  The wet season, though pretty soggy, can be a good time to visit Angkor, in early November, is well worth catching.
• Japan The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months. June, July and August are hot and humid and after June the country experiences its wettest months. In the south winters are cool but sunny, but as one moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed.
  Tokyo has four distinct seasons, similar to New York. The summer months (June, July and August) are hot and sticky while winter can be freezing. Tokyo is best visited in spring or autumn.
• Korea The climate in Korea is temperate with four very distinct seasons. Summers are very hot and humid, while in winter temperatures plummet to below freezing. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons to visit South Korea. Most of the rain falls in summer during a monsoon season known as 'jangma'.
  Seoul is classed as having a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but temperature differences between the hottest part of summer and the depths of winter are extreme. In summer the influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system brings hot, humid weather with temperatures soaring as high as 95°F (35°C) on occasion. In winter the city is topographically influenced by expanding Siberian high-pressure zones and prevailing west winds, temperatures dropping as low as 7°F (-13.7°C). The bitterly cold days tend to come in three-day cycles regulated by rising and falling pressure systems, however, bringing some relief. The most pleasant seasons in the city are spring and autumn, when azure blue skies and comfortable temperatures are a sure bet. The city experiences heavy rainfall, but most of it falls in the summer monsoon period between June and September.
• Laos The climate throughout Laos is monsoonal. There're three distinct seasons with some variations between north and south. In general, it is wet between May and October and dry between November and April.
  The cool dry season occurs from November to January. In the Mekong valley, temperature can drop to around 15 degrees Celsius (59°F)and the mountain temperature drop to zero degree Celsius or lower at night. Humidity is low at this time of the year and the most visitors consider it the best time to travel to Laos.
  The hot dry season follows through May. And toward the end of this period, there is high humidity and thunderstorms. Temperature can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).
  The wet season generally lasts from June until October. It is typified by a consistent pattern of low clouds and rain. Flooding occurs along the Mekong River and some tributaries.
  The average rainfall in the capital Vientiane is 1,700 mm, although in the north of Laos and the highlands it is wetter, with more than 3,000 mm each year.
• Malaysia Malaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C), though it is cooler in the highland areas. The major change in seasons is marked by the arrival of the monsoons that bring heavy downpours on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the northeastern part of Sabah and the western end of Sarawak (from November to February). Boat trips to the islands do not run during the height of the monsoon. The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.
  Kuala Lumpur has a hot, tropical climate with heavy rain storms occurring throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings. Day time temperatures can reach around 95°F (35°C).more
• Singapore Singapore's climate is mostly hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November and January (the monsoon period); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms are usually short but heavy, so remember to take an umbrella.
  Singapore experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid weather all year round. Temperatures remain high with daytime averages of 86°F (30°C). Humidity is usually above 75%. Singapore has two distinct monsoon seasons, the North Eastern season being from December to March and the South Western season from June to September. November to December is the rainy season. June to August is the best time to travel to Singapore, although it is still rainy and humid and travellers should pack accordingly.
• Thailand High temperatures and humidity levels are experienced throughout the year. The country is hottest between March and May, and monsoon season runs from June to October. In September and October much of the country suffers from flooding, particularly in the north, north eastern and central regions. The cool season, most favoured by visitors, runs from November to February.
  Bangkok has a hot, tropical climate with daytime temperature reaching the mid-30's Celsius (95°F) throughout the year. November to February is the driest time of year and the most popular with tourists. March, April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season runs from May to October. During the wet season short showers are likely during the afternoon, though some days it will rain all day.
• Vietnam Vietnam is essentially a tropical country with a humid monsoon climate. The annual mean temperature is over 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) throughout the country (Hanoi 23.4 C, Hue 25.1 C, Ho Chi Minh City 26.9 C).
  In July, the average temperature in Hanoi is 28.6 C (84°F). in Hue it is 28.9 C, and in Ho Chi Minh City, 27.6 C. Lowland areas receive around 1,500mm of rain per year, while mountainous areas receive 2,000mm to 3,000mm. Humidity can reach 90 percent in the rainy season.
  Vietnam has two seasons: cool and dry from November to April and hot and rainy from May to October. The difference between summer and winter temperatures is dramatic in the north (varying up to 20 degrees Celsius). The south is warm all year round, with seasonal variations in temperature averaging just three degrees Celsius.

• Check TSA (Transportation Security Administration) MUST READ for all air travelers. Follow instructions to reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.
• Check US Depart of State's Website for general TIPS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD
• Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home or with friends or relatives. Carry the other one along with a passport size photo with you in a separate place from your passport.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with family members or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Check your Travel Documents to bring with you:
  • US domestic and international airline tickets. If you have an E-Ticket, you need to bring an E-Ticket Confirmation letter sent to you from Airlines or our agents; If you have an Paper Ticket, you must take all ticket coupons with you or you can not get your boarding pass at the airport;
  • China Domestic and Intra-Asia Air Tickets: Please get noted that most of China Domestic and Intra-Asia air tickets will be issued by our local offices and given to you by our local tour guides when they meet you in China & Asia. If they are issued in US or Canada, your agent should have given them to you along with your international air tickets and other tour documents. It is your responsibilities to make sure you have all tickets for Intra-Asia connections if you are travelling to more than one countries. Please always feel free to consult with us if you are not sure about that.
  • Finalized Tour Itinerary with detailed Hotel Information and Emergency Contact Information of our local offices.
  • Passport with a visa issued on it if a visa is required for the country you are going to visit. You may need more than one visas if you are travelling to more than one countries.
  • Green Card or document for Lawful Permanent Residents (Advance Parole if LPR status is pending) (U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services )
  • Hotel Vouchers (if applicable). If you have any side trip and have booked extra hotel rooms, please make sure you do not forget the hotel vouchers. You don't need separate hotel vouchers if you travel with our group.
  • Mag Vacations Badges and Mag Vacations Luggage Tag. Any other service labels provided by our local partners.
  • Travel Insurance Certificate (if applicable)

Dress for comfort. Sandals, shorts, and jeans are widely accepted. Coordinate your outfits for multi-tasking. Dress in layers to suit various weather/temperature changes. No formal dress is required. For Yangtze River Cruise "casual smart" should be enough for various occasions such as the Captain's Welcome Party.

Specific suggestions will be included in your finalized tour itinerary if you are traveling to geographically special areas, such as Tibet etc.

The electrical current is 220V in China, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and most other southeast Asia countries, but 100V in Japan. Plugs and Outlets come in a variety of shapes. You are advised to bring along adapters and converters for your U.S. purchased appliances. Clients can borrow adapters and converters from Housekeeping at most hotels. Hair dryer and iron are readily available. Simply contact hotel housekeeping when you need them.

Unless noted, Gratuities are usually not included in your tour cost. They are customary, and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our tour guides, drivers, hotel porters do their utmost to make the trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income.

• The following gratuity guideline is introduced solely for the convenience of our group travelers (10 or more people in a group):
  (Expressed in US Dollar )
  
  

  National Tour Guide:	$3	per person per day
  Local guide:	$3	per person per day
  Coach driver:	$2	per person per day
  Porters :	$0.5	per person per day

• Included Meals: gratuities are not expected
• Outside Dining: service charge is included
• For the Yangtze River Cruise , tipping is separate from the above. For recommended amount, please refer to the cruise company information sheet, available on board.
• Add US$1-2 for each service person everyday if your group if less than 10 people.

Detailed gratuity suggestions are also listed for specific programs when we give a quotation. If you have your National Tour Guide with you throughout the trip in Mainland China, and is responsible directly to you, you may choose to give all gratuities to your National Tour Guide entrusting him/her dispense them along the way on your behalf. With gratuities given this way you will enjoy the journey in a more relaxing way. Under any circumstances, gratuities are NEVER MANDATORY and totally depend on the satisfaction of the services.

After arriving in China, it usually takes at least one (1) hour to claim your checked baggage and clear Custom. If this is your destination, your Mag Vacations Tour Guide will greet you at the airport arrival lobby once you have cleared the Custom. Please wear your Mag Vacations badge for easy identification, and look for Mag Vacations greeting sign. During peak season, you may find many Mag Vacations tour guides at airport. They are for different groups. Please make sure you are with the correct group by checking your tour code with the tour guide or tour guide's name listed on your finalized tour itinerary.

Even though it seldom happens, but what if you can not find your Mag Vacations tour guide? Please call our China Mainland 24 -hour Service Hot Line toll free number 1-400-998-8078 by using any toll phone at the airport. You can find this number from the Emergency Contact Information on your finalized tour itinerary.

You will be well taken cared as soon as you meet your Mag Vacations tour guide.

If you are travelling to other Asia countries, we'll give you some instructions in your finalized tour documents including guide, emergency contact number etc.

Fax and internet access are commonly available at your hotels. Check the Business Centers for details.

Jet lag happens when your body's inner clock falls out of sync with daily cycles of light, rest and meals as you cross time zones to reach your destination. Its symptoms are fatigue, irritability and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag, but you can minimize its effects. Here are suggestions:

• Get several good nights of sleep before your departure.
• Set your watch to your destination time when you board the plane, and adjust sleep and meals accordingly.
• Try to sleep on the plane.
• Walk around the plane occasionally, do isometric exercises at your seat.
• Drink plenty of water and fruit juice while flying.
• Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during and after the flight.
• Upon arrival, throw yourself into your new schedule, avoid naps, and try to stay awake until your normal sleeping time at home.

If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last the entire trip. Always carry medications in the original prescription container when traveling. Keep the medications with you and do not pack them in checked baggage.

Long-term travel overseas might cause tourists to develop stomach upset; a change in water, food, sleep habits and/or climate may all cause discomfort. Bring anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Lomotil just in case.

For the lastest oversea travel health information, please contact the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting their website and choose the destination you are going to visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx , or by calling their toll-free number: 1-800-CDC-INFO, 1-800-232-4636, or 1-888-232-6348 (TTY)

For all of your Asia destinations, it is always wise to carry your currency in different forms of cash, traveler's check, and credit cards.

A Few Tips
Use credit card whenever you shop in tourist stores especially when making big purchases; Take advantage of traveler checks' favorable exchange rate against local currency; Use local currency wherever credit cards are not accepted; Tip with U.S. dollars and pay in single dollar bills for bargains from street vendors.
It is not a good idea to bring only travelers checks, because only 50% of exchanged value can be converted back to U.S. dollars. US dollars in cash form are accepted at many places while travelers' checks must be converted into RMB first

Exchanging Money
You can change money at hotels, Major arrival and departure airports, and at major Bank Branches. The official exchange rate is adopted in most places so it's unnecessary to shop around for a better deal. Retain a few of your exchange receipts because you will need the receipt to convert local currency to your home currency at the end of the trip.

• Traveler's Checks
  The advantage of Traveler's Check is: a) It's exchangeable at all your China hotels; b) The exchange rate of Traveler's Check is better than cash rate (approximately 2% higher); c) You can always cancel it if you lose it. Keep your exchange slip; you will need it when buying back your home currency. While Traveler's Check from most of the world's leading banks and issuing agencies are now acceptable throughout China & Asia, we recommend you secure major company checks such as American Express, Thomas Cook and Visa.
• U.S. Currency
  Cash advance service is not commonly available and recommended because you'll pay very high rate of service fee; you need to bring some cash with you. Bring a supply of single dollar bills. You will find it very convenient to use particularly when shopping with street vendors. Please note: foreign coins are not acceptable in China and some Southeast Asia countries. All paper bills should be complete, not badly worn and free from graffiti. Partial, badly worn or defaced bills will not be accepted
• Credit Cards
  Master Card, Visa, American Express are accepted in most 4 star or above hotels, major tourist shops, and upscale shopping centers, but may not be particularly welcome in smaller local stores or in remote areas throughout Asia.
• Personal Checks
  Personal checks are generally not acceptable outside North America.
• ATMs (Automated Teller Machine)
  There is now a reasonably extensive network of ATMs in major Asia cities and this can be a convenient way to get your hands on money. The exchange rate on ATM withdrawals is similar to credit cards but there is a limit on maximum daily withdrawal amount. For credit-card cash advance, service fees apply and the rate varies.

Carrying Money You may feel more comfortable using a money belt for large sums of cash and credit cards. Care and good judgment is a must in all travel

Most of meals are included per itinerary. Breakfasts included on your tour are familiar American Breakfasts to give you a good start to the day. Lunches and Dinners are usually served in set menu family style and feature a variety of regional specialties.

A routine lunch/dinner is composed of 6-12 dishes shared by 6-10 people sitting at a round table (which symbolizes union and perfection-harmony). One beverage of your choice (beer, pure or mineral water and soda) is included per person per meal at no additional charge; Chinese tea is usually complimentary.

Special meals such as an authentic Peking Roast Duck dinner in Beijing, Dumping Banquet in Xi'an, and Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu and Chongqing is usually included for all tour programs to enhance your culinary experiences.

For some customized or independent tour groups, we can also arrange American Style fast food Lunch and Dinner at American Chain Restaurants such as KFC, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut etc., which are conveniently located in most medium to large cities.

Various newspapers and magazines in English are complimentary available at most hotels. Imported publications like Time, Newsweek, and The Economist can be found at certain hotels. BBC, CNN or even HBO are becoming commonly available in most tourist hotels.

China & Asia are wonderfully colorful country to photograph. The only restrictions are that you may not photograph military facilities and certain cultural sties such as the Terra Cotta Warrior Excavations. Common courtesy is in order when photographing strangers.

All foreign nationals traveling to the People Republic of China must travel on a valid passport with at least six(6) month remaining validity on the return date of your trip. This will also apply if you are travelling to most other Asia countries.

No entry visa required for US passport holders going to the following country for tourism or transit to another country:

• Thailand (up to 30 Days)
• Japan (up to 90 Days)
• Korea (up to 30 Days)
• Singapore (length determined at the discretion of immigration officer)
• Malaysia (up to 90 Days)

Entry visa required for US passport holders going to China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

• For more detailed information about the visa type, how to get a visa, please GO TO OUR VISA PAGE

Shopping is always a part of the travel experience. China is known as bargain shoppers' paradise, offering a marvelous selection of arts and crafts such as jade, silk, rugs, cloisonné, ceramics, antique, painting, furniture and more. Purchasing an item in the area where it is "noted for" has proven to be the best value. Your National Tour Guide and Local Tour Guides will be glad to assist you with detailed shopping orientation. However, your tour guides might not be an expert on gemstones, porcelain, jade, paintings, etc., so if you intend to purchase items of this nature, please do some research before departing and have an idea of what you are looking for as well as the price you are prepared to pay. In addition, please carefully check the quality of the products, and always ask for a receipt with product descriptions.

When shopping it is wise to use credit card for large purchases. Retain all receipts. Purchase insurance for items that you have shipped. A supply of one dollar bills is very handy when shopping with street vendors.

Always keep in mind that a purchase is between the buyer and the seller. Mag Vacations and its staff are not involved in and are not responsible for any purchases you make during the trip, whether that merchant is part of the scheduled itinerary or not.

It is also suggest to learn what are Restricted and Prohibited by U.S. Customs and Border Protection HERE!

Mag Vacations provides "Travel Accident Insurance" for free for the tour period in Mainland China with coverage up to ￥240,000 (RMB) per person. We work with one of the best travel insurance providers, Travelex, in bringing further protection to your travel investment. Plan Name Travel Select Plan Highlights • First payer coverage, no deductibles* • Trip cancellation/interruption benefit includes the following:       1. Sickness, injury or death*       2. Inclement weather       3. Common carrier cancellations/delays       4. Pregnancy* (Trip cancellation only) • Kids included at no additional cost • Hospital of choice • 5 hour trip delay benefit • 3 hour benefit for missed cruise connection • 12 hour baggage delay benefit • $1,000 trip interruption included in post departure coverage • Available for purchase within 24 months of departure date Base Plan Benefits Benefits Coverage Per Person (Up to limits below) Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost ($25,000 limit)* Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost ($37,000 limit) Trip Delay $750 Missed Cruise Connection $750 Baggage & Personal Effects $1,000 Baggage Delay $250 Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses $50,000 Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation $500,000 24 Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000 Travel Assistance & Concierge* Included Optional Upgrade Benefits Benefits Coverage Per Person (Up to limits below) Lifestyle Paks Active Family Pak Coverage varies by pack Adventurer Plus Pak Professional Pak Transportation Pak Flight Accident AD&D (Per Person) $200,000 Rental Car Damage Protection (per plan) $35,000

For more information, please call us at 1-877-896-6076 or visit us in person.

China: Both international and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. Domestic long-distance rates in the PRC vary according to distance and are usually inexpensive. Local calls are either at a very low rate or free of charge depending on the hotel. International Direct Dial (IDD) calls made from hotel room could be expensive when hotel adds surcharge on top of China 's already high IDD rates. Some hotels may request that you pay a deposit before you can access international line from your hotel room. Use phone card for international calls; it is becoming more widely available and the rate is reasonable. Simply consult your National Tour Guide or Local Tour Guide regarding this matter, he (she) will be more than happy to assist you.

• Calling North America from Mainland China
  Dial 00(international access code) + 1( North America country code) + local number (including city area code)
  For example, if you want to call Mag Vacations Chicago from China (312-3280688), please dial: 001 312 328 0688.
• Calling China from North America
  Dial 011(international access code) + 86( China country code, or 852 for Hong Kong regional code) + China area code (minus initial zero) + local number
  For example, if you want to call Mag Vacations Shanghai from USA, please dial: 011 86 21 38821691 ( Shanghai's area code is 021, however you must omit the number 0 from the area code when dialing)
• Calling inside China
  If you are making China domestic long distance phone calls, you must dial area code + local number.
  For example, if you want to call our Shanghai office in Beijing, please dial 021 3882 1691.
• Essential Numbers in China
  There are several telephone numbers that are the same throughout China . However, only International Assistance and Local Weather Forecast are likely to have English-speaking operator.
  
  

  International Assistance:	115
  Local Directory Enquiries:	114
  Long Distance Enquiries:	113 or 173
  Local Weather Forecast:	121
  Police Hotline:	110
  Fire Hotline:	119

• Area Code list
  

  CITY	CODE	CITY	CODE
  Beijing	010	Guilin	0773
  Shanghai	021	Wuhan	027
  Suzhou	0512	Chongqing	023
  Xian	029	Hangzhou	0571
  Nanjing	025	Wuxi	0510
  Lhasa	0891	Canton	020
  Chengdu	028	Hong Kong	0852

Other Asia Countries: Please feel free to consult with your local tour guides for making phone calls in those countries.

China: Although P. R. China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. It is 8 hours ahead of GMT, 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (15 hours ahead of PST in daylight saving time). People in China 's far western regions like Tibet follow a later work schedule to keep pace with the official centralized Beijing Time.

When it's 9am in Beijing , the time in other U.S. cities is:

San Francisco :	5pm (previous day)	6pm Daylight Saving Time (D.S.T)
Denver :	6pm (previous day)	7pm D.S.T
Chicago :	7pm (previous day)	8pm D.S.T
New York :	8pm (previous day)	9pm D.S.T

Other Asia Countries: Please use the World Clock to check time differences for other Asia countries.

A professional National Tour Guide (Tour Director) will be assigned to escort a group throughout Mainland China if the group has 10 or more people. Exceptions happen when a National Tour Guide (Tour Director) is not needed by the whole group as they already have their own tour leader, or a National Tour Guide (Tour Director) is specially required even though the group has only 6 to 9 people. Local tour guides are always assigned along the program in each city to offer in-depth narrative about local attractions and cultures. Tour to other Asia countries are all local guided.

Vaccinations are not mandatory for travel to China & Southeast Asia with the exception of anyone traveling from or via an infected area.

For the latest overseas travel health information, please contact the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting their website for more information http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ or by calling their toll-free number 1-800-CDC-INFO, 1-800-232-4636, or 1-888-232-6348 (TTY)

Tap water is not considered safe to drink in China except Hong Kong despite the fact that water in China is commonly chlorinated and processed. Drink only bottled water or boiled water. Bottled purified water and soft drinks are easily obtained at reasonable prices either in hotel or in grocery markets. Mag Vacations provides one bottle of pure water for free to each group travelers every day. You will also find that your hotels offer boiled water to your room daily; with this boiled water you can safely make your own tea or drink directly. This is the similar case while you travel to other Southeast Asia countries.