Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Beijing

110 ❯❯ Streetsmart

Practical Information

Passports and Visas personal­use electronics but when visiting Chinese
brought into the country hospitals – even Peking
Visa requirements are must be taken out again. If Union Medical College
increasingly stringent. you are carrying ¥20,000 (or Hospital’s international
Trav elers should have six any currency worth $5,000), department – you may
months’ validity on their you must declare it. Antiq­ need an interpreter. (Be
passports and allow at least uities, recre ational drugs, sure to mention medica­
one month for the appli­ protected­species products, tions, allergies, and family
cation process. Pre pare to and weapons are strictly history – not everyone
pay $45–200, depending prohibited; even souvenir asks.) Pharmacies sell
on country. Visitors also knives are confiscated from both Western and tradi­
need to be in possession checked luggage. China has tional Chinese medicine.
of a return plane ticket and zero drug tolerance; to be The International SOS
an accom modation itiner­ safe, bring your physician’s pharmacy is ideal for
ary so if you’re visiting prescription with you. The buying over­the­counter
friends, book a hostel and Chinese government has medicine and getting
cancel later. China offers a useful website outlining advice in English; however
many coun tries’ citizens customs regulations. contact an international
a 72­hour transit visa, hospital for emergencies.
provided they have an Travel Safety Advice Those concerned about
international round­trip pollution can download an
ticket. Single­entry visas For the latest travel safety app for hourly reports. Buy
are valid for three months, advice, check the websites a 2.5PM mask and plan
double­entry for six of the UK Foreign and indoor activities for bad
months, and multiple­entry Commonwealth Office, days. It is safe to brush
for six, 12, or 24 months. the Australian Department your teeth with tap water,
It’s a good idea to carry of Foreign Affairs and but always drink bottled
your passport everywhere; Trade, and the US water. Western digestive
you will need it to purchase Department of State. systems can struggle with
tickets and change money. the oil in Chinese food, so
If you need consular Travel Insurance it’s a good idea to bring
assistance, Australia, anti­diarrhea medicine.
Canada, the United Travel insurance is vital.
Kingdom, and the United Medical care at foreign Personal Security
States all have embassies hos pitals costs US­level
in Beijing. You will also prices. Most local Chinese Beijing is surprisingly safe,
need your passport for hospitals will not take but watch your wallet on
entry into all museums insurance and will require public transport. Sanlitun’s
in Beijing, including the a hefty deposit for more increased police presence
Forbidden City. expensive procedures. has made this once­sketchy
area significantly safer.
Customs Health However, scams are
Regulations rife; look out for the “art
Although China doesn’t students” in Wangfujing
Few people are searched require vaccinations, those who want to practice
upon leaving or entering spending months traveling their English and sell you
Beijing, but all bags go around the country should paintings, or the locals in
through a scanner. At consider the basics. Tian’an Men Square who
polit ically sensitive times, International­standard invite you to a teahouse –
books may be examined, facilities – such as Beijing you may be stuck with
and anti­China material United Family Hospital, a $600 bill. Solo female
will be con fiscated. Food, International SOS, and travelers should choose
two bottles of liquor, and Hong Kong International official taxis and a female
two cartons of cigarettes Medical Clinic – have pedicab driver – and
can avoid duty, while any English­speaking doctors, always stay awake.

110-113_Top_10_Beijing.indd 110 27/06/2017 14:33