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Frequently Asked Questions
For April 2010 Trip
Thank you for your interest in the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce’s
2009 Experience China tour, scheduled for April 9-17, 2009, and presented by
tour operator Citslinc, International, Inc.
What follows are answers to some of the most
Frequently Asked Questions for those of you thinking about joining us. We will
be adding more information as the trip gets closer, so check back periodically.
Who/What is Citslinc, International, Inc.?
Citslinc International, Inc. was established in June 1995 and operates out of
Monterey Park, California. President of the company Mr. Leo Liu had
been coordinating tours to China for over 15 years and had partnered with
Chambers of Commerce since 2001. This year over 10,000 tourists visited China on
Chamber tours such as this one. To learn more, Google “Citslinc” or visit
www.citslinc.com.
Do I need to be a member of the Pittsburgh
Airport Area Chamber to go?
No, everyone is welcome to join us on this trip..
When do I need to commit?
A non-refundable and non-transferable Deposit of $200 per person is due upon
reservation. Last day for this Deposit is December 15, 2009. Limited space.
First come, first served. Final Payment is
due no later than January 1, 2010 (subject to change). Make checks payable to:
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Cancellations made after
January 1, 2010, are subject to a $700 penalty per reservation.
May I pay the Chamber by credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Will I be able to use credit cards in
China?
You will find very few ATM machines, but traveler's checks and credit cards
are accepted everywhere. It is recommended that you leave your checkbooks
and debit cards behind. If you plan on using your credit card overseas,
notify your credit card company in advance to avoid the impression of
"suspicious activity."
What travel documents will I
need?
You will need a Passport and a Visa. You are responsible for obtaining your own
Passport, and making sure it will be current and valid for the period of our
trip.
You may choose to get your China travel Visa on
your own or, if you prefer, Citslinc International, Inc. will do it for you,
for a fee of $150. The Chamber will assist Citslinc in this area, and forward
your application to them. You will need 2 passport photos, your passport, the
signed visa application (available on this website) and your $150 check, made
payable to Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for Visa applications
through Citslinc is January 1, 2010.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Absolutely! You never know what might come up that would prevent you from going
on this trip, and with all fees paid non-refundable and non-transferable, the
insurance premium is a value. Travel insurance can be arranged by your
local travel agent or you can use one of our chamber members.
What is China’s weather like in
April?
The weather is very similar to Pittsburgh in April. Be sure to bring a jacket, and dress in
layers.
I want to investigate
business opportunities in China. Is this possible?
Yes, there will be a reception one evening, after we return from a full day of
touring, to meet and discuss business with local Chinese businessmen. Print out
the Business Inquiry Form on this site,
and return it to the Chamber, so we can arrange to have the appropriate people
there. The reception will be arranged by Citslinc at no cost.
How many people will be on this trip?
Though we have a block of 100, individual groups will be sized at 25-30 and it
is likely the only time you will see the others in your block will be in the
evening.
May I travel outside of the
tour group?
No, you may not leave the tour to do your own thing. There are exceptions when
there is allotted free time, and you will be advised when it is okay.
Optional tours are arranged in country and cost
$25 to $45 per person.
How much money should I plan
on taking?
How much you spend is of course up to you, but in general you should plan on
$300-$500 for miscellaneous items.
Do I need vaccinations?
There are no vaccination requirements at this time, but travelers should check
with their own physician to learn of any recommended vaccinations or up-dated
health-related news.
What are the limitations on
luggage?
You may check two bags and carry on two bags. The checked bags may not total
more than 70 lbs. The carry-on bags must fit in overhead bin or under your seat.
Travel light and casual!
What about tipping?
Your bus tour guide will collect $25 from each traveler. This will cover the
combined services of the tour guide, the bus driver and all hotel personnel.
Unless you request special services, you should not expect to tip anyone else.
When will I receive the final
details of the trip?
You will be provided with a Departure Manual showing your final Itinerary, the
names, addresses and phone numbers of the hotels, all flight information, your
bus number and color code, name badge and luggage tags (color-coded to match
your bus), etc. approximately one month before we leave.
What are the Departure Details?
A charter bus will be available to take you from Pittsburgh to JFK on April 9th.
(Location and time to be announced shortly - bus is included in your trip
package) OR you may travel to the airport on your own at your own cost.
What about the plane
and our flight to China?
We will fly non-stop from JFK to Beijing on Air China, (Flight details to be
announced shortly. You will be fed two meals on the plane. Drink lots of water
and walk often.
After claiming your luggage and going through
Customs, you will be met by your Chinese Guide, holding up signs with your Bus #
and color code.
What are the hotels like?
We will be staying in excellent 4-star and 5-star hotels that generally would
compare to Hilton or Sheraton. All have Western facilities and include hair
dryers and internet service. You may also be provided with combs, razors,
slippers, robes, scales, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps, hand lotion,
shampoo and conditioner. If you bring electrical devices that need charging, you
will need an adapter, available at Radio Shack or Circuit City. Bed
accommodations are 1 King or 2 doubles. Three-in-a-room can be arranged, and the
third bed will be a cot or rollaway. All hotels have western toilets.
What will the food be like?
Breakfast is always at the hotel, and is a combination of Chinese and
American-style food, with a good selection. Lunch and dinner are family-style at
local Chinese restaurants, and the offerings will be the same at both meals.
8-10 Chinese entrees will be served (rice, noodles, vegetables, fish, shrimp,
chicken, pork, beef, fruit, soda, tea and beer.) It is much like what you would
find in most Chinese restaurants here, and is quite good. The beer is very good,
the wine is not.
What is the daily schedule?
6am wake up
7am breakfast
8am bus departure
By 8pm, back in the hotel.
What clothing and personal items
should I bring?
Dress is very informal, and jeans are ok for all venues. Bring a warm jacket and
dress in layers as there is no time to change clothes during the day. There is a
lot of walking, especially at the Great Wall, so be sure to bring comfy shoes.
Bring what you need, and don’t count on buying jackets or other clothing during
our daily tours.
The air quality is very poor, so if you have any
breathing issues, bring all medications you will need. Also bring anti-diarrheal
such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Bring hand sanitizer, and use it often! Bring
several packets of toilet paper, and always have it with you.
If you have allergy tendencies bring
antihistamines and decongestants. You will not have opportunities to easily
purchase these aids in China.
Bring all the contact lens supplies you will need for the whole trip. Not many
opportunities to purchase, and you will not recognize the brands.
Bring lots of “ones” in US currency, as well as some fives, tens and twenties.
Vendors do not always give change.
How can you
do this for the price?
Several things are in play to keep the costs reasonable. The main reason is
the volume; Citslinc International, Inc. is able to achieve discounts from the
airline and hotels due to the large number of travelers they bring to China.
On their trip in March 2008 there were 10,000 business people with their
families and friends.
We will be up-dating and adding new info here periodically, so check back… |
