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Summer Travel Tips

The days of glory are upon us - the 2008 Beijing Olympics are in full swing! For up-to-date coverage of the games, be sure to visit the official website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at www.beijing2008.cn.

Let's take a look at what you should bring on your trip:

Luggage: If you're only traveling to a single destination, a suitcase will do, yet a good backpack is still the best bet. A strong, good quality pack with lockable compartments is ideal, otherwise you can make it a bit more thief-proof by sewing on tabs so you can padlock it shut. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack or courier bag is very handy.

Clothing: Pack lightly; take half the clothes you planned and twice the money. The less you have, the less you have to worry about, or store, or carry. Also keep in mind that just about everything you plan on taking can most likely be purchased after you arrive in China. With that said, no matter where you're traveling, Mom always said to take a sweater. Other necessary items: a rain jacket, sturdy, comfortable shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip flops or waterproof sandals are a must for shower stalls.

The average daily temperature in Beijing is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) during August and September, but trust me, it seems hotter! Daytime is hot and relatively humid, mornings and evenings are cooler. It is recommended that Olympic guests wear layers when attending events in case the temperature changes throughout the day. Protection against the sun is critical; make sure you wear sunglasses and a hat or visor, and don't forget the sunscreen.

Converters and Adapters: In China, electricity is 220 volts AC, which is enough to fry any North American 110 V piece of electronics. Thus, Americans and Canadians will need to purchase converters. Chinese plugs are three-pronged, similar to those in Australia. Many of the hotels have two-pronged outlets in the bathrooms.

Toiletries: Toothbrushes and toothpaste, towels, soap, shampoo, razors, tampons and condoms are readily available in China, but may be difficult to find outside the major cities. Contact lenses are inexpensive, but also hard to find, so bring plenty with you, as well as enough solution for your entire trip. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your glasses prescription in case you need emergency replacements.

TV system: Beijing uses the PAL TV system. If your camcorder uses the NTSC or SECAM systems, you may be unable to clearly view your footage through TVs and VCRs in China, although it should work fine when you view them from back home.

Film: Chinese brands are widely available and inexpensive. Most imported brands are available, although they are more pricey. Slide and black-and-white film are nearly impossible to find.

Hotel Service: As to be expected, prices have doubled and tripled during the Olympics. With that said, hotels in Beijing usually provide slippers, towels, and disposable toiletries. All bathing, health, and cosmetic items are widely available at grocery stores and supermarkets. Also remember: most hotel swimming pool attendants will insist that you wear a swimming cap!

Internet: Internet cafes are available throughout Beijing; the fee is usually 3 RMB per hour. You'll need your Passport or an ID card to use these facilities. Laptop users can access wireless networks at many coffee shops and some restaurants throughout the city. Internet access is also available in most hotels ranksed three-stars or above. It's best to ask the hotel personnel about fees and guidelines when you check in.

Other Useful Items: This would include a sewing kit, toilet paper, maps (in English), and of course, a copy of SPEAK E-Z CHINESE In Phonetic English!

Lastly, you may want to bring a few small gifts for friends you meet (pics of you and your family are always a favorite).

Communicating with Your Taxi Driver

Nee haow, Shir foo.
( Shir foo is also used to
address a Kung Fu master.)

Getting Around Beijing

As part of the its preparations for the Olympic Games, all departments of the Beijing Municipal Government have been working hard to improve every means of transportation throughout the city. In this city of 15 million, you have many choices for modes of getting around.

Taxi: There are more than 60 thousand taxis in Beijing, so you'll never be waiting long for a ride. The most common taxi cars are the Hyundai Elantras and the Citroen Fukangs. Elantras are new and usually green, red blue or purple with yellow trim. Each taxi has a sign on the roof and a red sign that can be seen in the middle of the front window when it's free to take a passenger. It's best to hail taxis at the designated taxi stops; you're more likely to get them to stop.

All taxis have price labels on both side windows near the back seats. Fees start at 10. RMB; however the meter starts clicking immediately, charging 2. RMB per kilometer. If you're hailing a ride between 11:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. you will automatically be charged an additional 20 percent. Be sure to ask the drive to use the meter, it will save haggling and feeling ripped off later, and don't forget to ask for the receipt as you leave the taxi. This will help you identiy the taxi by plate number and telephone, just in case you've left items in the car or wish to file a complaint with administrative authorities.

Bus: The starting fare for public transport is 1. RMB in the city, and 2. RMB in the suburb areas. Busses equipped with air-conditioning or of a special line charge according to distance. You may wish to purchase a Public Transportation Card which charges a starting fare of only .40 (cents) per trip. You will need to pay a deposit of 20. RMB and prepay a certain amount to use the card, just like any Beijing citizen. There are three types of time cards: 3-Day cards valued at 20. RMB which can be used for 18 times within 3 days; 7-day cards valued at 20. RMB which can be used 42 times within 7 days, and 15-day cards valued at 40. RMB and can be used for 90 times within 15 days. When you leave Beijing, just return the card at any card sale counter and the deposit will be refunded to you. The Public Transportation Card can also be used for subways and city rails, but no discount on the ticket fares will be given.

Public buses run from 5:30 A.M till 11:00 P.M. daily. Few foreigners like traveling by bus simply because they are always crowded, especially during rush hours. Some conductors give the name of the stops in English, but don't expect any more help than that. Also, be sure to watch your wallet while squeezing on and off the rides.

Subway: The subway trains in Beijing are fast, clean and comfortable, although heavily crowded especially during rush hours. The subway runs every 4 or 5 minutes daily from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 or 11:00 P.M., depending on the stations. The fare is 3 RMB per ride for any distance. There are two subway lines in Beijing: one runs under Chang'an Avenue and its line extends from Sihuidongzan in the east to Pingguoyuan in the west; the other circles under the northern part of Second Ring Road. You can transfer between these lines at Fuxingmen Station and Jianguomen Station with no transfer fee.

Subway entrances are shown on city maps. Most stations have 4 entrances and can be identified by a large blue sign with the “BD” logo inside a circle. If you still can't find it, ask a local: “Dee tee-eh zye nar?”

After you walk down the stairs to enter the station, you'll find that tickets are sold above the platform. When going down to the platform, hand your ticket to the checker at the top of the stairs. You'll notice signs and maps on the tunnel walls, written in Chinese and Pinyin indicating the next station and which train goes where. Over the doors inside the trains you'll also find complete system maps, and overhead announcements are made in Chinese and English. If you find you're on the wrong train, you can just get off at the next station and get on the train running in the opposite direction. There are no transfer fees.

Most of the stations along subway line 2 are major tourist destinations or transportaion hubs: Qianmen Station, Tian'anmen Square, Dashilan, etc.

Pedi-cabs: You can find pedi-cabs parked along many streets in the old sections of the city, and they're a good choice for sightseeing, especially visiting Hutongs and quiet residential areas. They also present you with a great photo-taking opportunity. Most importantly, you should agree on a price with the driver prior to starting off. Legally registered pedi-cabs can be identified by a certificate attached to the cab, and the driver will usually have a license hanging around his neck.

Bicycle: China used to be called the sea of bicycles, and in Beijing today the bike is still a convenient means of transportation for many people. Renting a bike is a great way to see the city at your own pace and take in the sites from a slower, more intimate perspective. You can often rent a bike from your hotel for 20 - 30. RMB plus a deposit. You can also rent bikes at some bicycle shops for repairing bikes and inflating tires. Their charge will be lower than the hotels, of course. When needed, you can park your bike in a bike park, which can easily be identified by the large amount of bikes parked there. Most bike parks charge less than 1. RMB. Also, be sure you have a bike lock.

In The News ...

China Issues 57 Rules
For Olympics Visitors

By Geoffrey A. Fowler and Sky Canaves

HONG KONG -- The Beijing Olympics organizing committee issued a detailed handbook of ground rules for foreign visitors to this summer's Games. The 57 points address behavior from public drunkenness to political statements, a message that China won't be letting down its guard during the Games.

In recent months, the government has reported crushing several attempted terrorist plots to disrupt the Games. It has increased supervision of foreigners in China by tightening rules for issuing visas and checking up on foreign residents already in the country.

Most of the guidelines issued Monday, phrased in a question-and-answer format -- and only in Chinese -- are restatements of existing laws and regulations. They stipulate that foreign visitors to China should carry passports and other official documents at all times. Visitors who plan to stay with friends or relatives in Beijing must register with local police within 24 hours.
Some of the guidelines are less weighty. Entertainment venues have to be closed between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Another guideline reminds visitors that "it is prohibited to sleep in public places," including airports, train stations and parks.

On sensitive issues such as public speech and protest, the rules offer no guidance beyond the vague prohibitions the government has offered in the past.

At major public venues, behavior that "disturbs order" is prohibited, the rules say. Inside Olympic venues, it is illegal to display "any religious, political, and ethnic slogans, banners, and other items."

People hoping to hold marches or demonstrations must apply to the police for permission, the rules say, but they don't explain where such protests will be allowed, if at all.

The Beijing Olympics organizing committee wasn't available for comment.
International human-rights groups and some athletes' organizations have expressed concern over the ability of participants and spectators to speak freely during the Games. In April, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said that "freedom of expression is something that is absolute" and is shared by athletes. But he also said that athletes are guests in China and would have to abide by Chinese law.

CHINA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

On May 12, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan province in southwestern China, killing thousands of people. The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including the Red Cross Society of China, and other partners to assist those affected by this disaster.

Your gift to the American Red Cross will support emergency relief efforts to help those affected by this earthquake. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources.

To donate, please go to: American.redcross.org!