With the 2008 Olympics in Beijing just around the corner, Lessno.com, a discount international travel website, has created a 10-point survival guide Americans visiting China. The tips cover everything from flirting to food, and will make the trip for the Games fun and safe.
Tip 1 - Have a Valid Visa: If you want to visit the country, first drop by the Chinese Embassy. A list of all Chinese Embassies can be found here: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/. Some unofficial companies will offer you Chinese visa upon arrival, but beware because this is likely to be a scam. If you do not have visa prior to your arrival, then you will be fined and deported back to States.
Tip 2 - Be Modest: Do not pretend to be too wealthy or pretentious. Americans in China usually are considered rich and are more often targeted as crime victims. However, serious attacks are rare and include pick pocketing at sightseeing spots and busy markets.
Tip 3 - Flirt Carefully: No matter how attractive you find someone, always keep in mind that s/he might not feel the same towards you. Innocent flirting could quickly become problem for you, and it&39;s no fun to be a victim. Keep your mind clear in bars, as there this is most likely to happen.
Tip 4 - Get the Most for Your Money: The currency in China is renminbi with the yuan as principal currency. Check http://finance.yahoo.com/currency or other website with financial information to be sure what is the current exchange rate and double check what you get when you make the change. Do not trust people offering money exchange on the street as almost off of them will cheat you with the rate.
Tip 5 - Have Cash: Always have small bills with you - 10, 20 or 50 RMB. This will help you say that you do not have money if you bump into scammer. In addition, keep in mind that outside of hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, credit cards are generally not accepted and most transactions will require cash.
Tip 6 - Take Taxis: When you take a taxi, no matter in Beijing or another province, pay special attention to the taxi driver. Avoid arguments but do not behave like stupid tourist, even if you&39;re feeling like one. Pay attention to how much it normally costs to get from your hotel to a central part of the city, and make sure other rides are in line. There is widespread variation in prices depending on where you go, with big cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou generally costing more than the rural, more inland parts of the country.
Tip 7 - Power Up: Electricity is 220 volts/50 hz. Two-holed European, North American, and Australia style plugs are generally supported. In addition, universal extension cords that can handle a wide variety of plug shapes (including British) are widely used.
Tip 8 - Eat Cool: While visiting, relax your inhibitions and try a bit of everything. Keep in mind that undercooked food or poor hygiene can cause bacterial or parasitic infection, particularly during warm or hot weather.
Tip 9 - Death to Chopsticks: When eating with chopsticks, do not stick your them vertically into your bowl of rice as it resembles joss sticks burning at the temple; has the connotations of wishing death for those around you.
Tip 10 - Drink Fast: Chinese beer is generally around 3 percent alcohol. Chinese toast with the word ganbei ("empty glass", bottoms up), and traditionally you are expected to drain the glass in one swig. In discos and fancy bars with entertainment, you normally buy beer &165;100 at a time.
Lessno.com is dedicated to offering the fairest fares on international flights and hotels through its partnership with more than 75 major and low-cost airlines around the world. Lessno.com&39;s discount fares are available directly through the website or through one of the company&39;s distribution partners, which include Bezurk.com, Kelkoo.com, Mobissimo.com or Sprice.com. Lessno.com is a founding member of the Council for Online Fairness in Airfare (COFA).
About Lessno.com
Lessnois an innovative online travel agency providing wholesale prices to the retail consumer. The company leverages the advanced technology of EZ search to bring lowest possible airfare and hotel prices to its site. The patented search technology of EZ search makes finding these airfares and hotels fast and simple and saves our customers time and money. For more information, visit Lessno.com.
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