Essential China

Frequently asked questions

• What is the time difference between the UK and China?

  GMT +8 hours

• What is the currency in China?

  Renminbi (commonly known as Chinese Yuan)

• What will the weather be like in China?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  As a general guide, during spring and autumn the weather tends to be warm and dry and a little cooler in the evenings, although as we travel south it can be hotter and more humid. We recommend checking up-to date weather forecasts before you travel.

• What clothing should I take to China?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places.

• What is the best way to pay for things in China?

  Major credit cards are widely accepted in all hotels and on your cruise. We do recommend that for any purchases outside of the hotel, including restaurants, especially outside of the major cities and even for small purchases, you use cash or mobile payments such as Alipay, as many establishments will not accept credit cards. For convenience, we recommend downloading the Alipay App to your smartphone before you travel. If changing currency locally, your Tour Manager will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money and to assist with using the Alipay App. We also recommend advising your bank of your travel plans in advance so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash.

  Please note the following general advice:

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas

  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee

  • If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended

  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment

  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping

  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged

  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip

  • A currency card is a simple way to buy local currency and lock in an exchange rate before you travel. We recommend Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is simple to apply for, set up and use. For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here.

• How much should I tip in China?

  Tipping in most countries is a way of showing your appreciation for good service, and whilst not compulsory, it is now an accepted practice in many of the countries we visit on our tours and in many, very much a way of life.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  Tour Manager: £3 – £5 per person per day
  Local Guides: £2 – £3 per person per day
  Drivers: £2 – £3 per person per day

  Note: As our tours visit several areas across China, you will have more than one local guide and coach driver on your tour.

  When eating in restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% will already be included in your bill. Tipping for taxi drivers is not expected, however, rounding up the final fare is common.

• What are the entry requirements for China?

  The information provided on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration of our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information provided is correct at the time of publishing, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website, for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to China?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter China?

  Until 31 December 2026, British Citizens can enter China for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. For tours departing from 1 January 2027 onwards, to enter China you will need to obtain a visa before you travel. 

  You are required to obtain an L visa type and must apply for your visa via the China Visa Application centre. If you are travelling on our Highlights of China & Japan tour you do not currently require a visa since you are transiting through China to a third country and will stay for 240 hours (10 days) or less. Please note, you will require a visa if you choose to arrive early in Beijing. Please see the Chinese Embassy’s visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website for further
  information.

  We recommend applying for your visa no more than three months and at least one month before your intended travel date. The cost of a single entry visa is £87.00, however, please note the China Visa Application Centre levies an extra administration fee of £66.00 for standard service, £78.00 for a 3 day express service, and £90.00 for a 2 day urgent service or a postal service. Standard service and express service require you to submit and collect your visa in person. As part of the application process you need to show proof of an air-ticket booking and provide accommodation details. We will provide this information for you once your booking is confirmed. Please be aware our normal cancellation fees will apply if you are refused a Chinese Visa. More information can also be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have assistance with your visa and have the application process managed by a visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website and the Foreign Office website.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to China?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, for more information on any required vaccinations.