Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your departure flights from the U.S. and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend you arrive no later than three-and-a-half hours before your scheduled departure time.

Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting domestic flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Air China does not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in, and smarTours is not involved with assigning seats. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check-in for your flight as early as possible.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Please note that smarTours will provide the invitation letters for the specific dates of our tour. If you plan on arriving earlier or staying in the country after the end of our tour, you will be responsible for securing your own invitation letter for the extra time spent in the country.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travel to China requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require a visa to enter China. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Passengers traveling to China need to have individual visas stamped in their passports. To obtain an individual visa for China, please follow one of the following:

If you prefer to apply for your visa directly with the Chinese Consulate, you will have to apply in person. Chinese Consulates do not accept mailed-in visa applications. Please contact the Chinese Consulate nearest your area for visa requirements and application forms and fees.

If you do not reside close to a consulate, we suggest that you use a visa service to facilitate the processing of the visa. We recommend using CIBT. Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002.

If you do not have access to a computer, and you are not able to apply for your visa in person, please contact CIBT to have a form mailed to you. If you plan to use the services of CIBT and have any questions regarding the application, please call them directly at 800-406-1523.

We recommend that you apply for the visa in person or through CIBT, at least 45-50 days before your scheduled departure to China. If you apply earlier, your visa may expire by the time you are scheduled to take your trip!

PLEASE NOTE: An invitation letter addressed to the Chinese Consulate will be e-mailed to you approximately 50 days prior to your departure date. This invitation letter will include the addresses and telephone numbers of the hotels and land operator in China. You will need to print this invitation and present it with your China visa application. When you send us your final payment, please make sure you provide us with your correct e-mail address on your tour registration form. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check directly with the consulate, or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up-to-date instructions before submitting your paperwork. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

Expect temperatures averaging in the 30s and 40s in December, January and February; 50s and 60s in March and November; 60s and 70s in April, May, September and October; and 80s in June through August.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

The hotels on this tour offer dining choices ranging from coffee shops to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) at a coffee shop is about $15–$20 per perosn. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.