I am really looking forward to the trip to China on Tuesday week. Does anybody have general advice and how much money should I bring - I think most food is paid for but wandered how much spending money most people take for 10 days? Also what sort of clothing is best to bring? It sounds like the range of temperatures are so vast that it could be t shirts or jumpers - maybe just layers!! All advice welcome. Roll on China!!

Best wishes

Sheila

The temperatures look warm for the coming weeks, but can change quickly.

See you next week

Ian

Hello

I am really looking forward to the trip to China on Tuesday week. Does anybody have general advice and how much money should I bring - I think most food is paid for but wandered how much spending money most people take for 10 days? Also what sort of clothing is best to bring? It sounds like the range of temperatures are so vast that it could be t shirts or jumpers - maybe just layers!! All advice welcome. Roll on China!!

Best wishes

Sheila

See you next Tuesday.

Best wishes

Sheila

I did this trip in March so it was very cold, but it should be warmer for your trip & layers might be a good plan.

As to currency - I was advised by one of the tour managers to only take about £50 worth of Yuan & the rest in Sterling as the exchange rate is better in China & everywhere has to give the same exchange rate. You can exchange currency at the hotel receptions - so much easier.- and Yes £20 notes are a good idea.

You can also take your debit & credit cards if you are a shopaholic (and there are some lovely things to buy) but remember to notify your bank & credit card company so the cards will not be blocked.

Adaptors for electrical things vary in different areas. The continental type with the smaller 2 round pins (like Italy) and also the Australian type with 2 flat pins that move too. If you have any problems, your tour manager will help you.

Enjoy your holiday - boy are you in for a fantastic trip.

Be happy,

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

Went on 20th Sept.

I took £50 of Yuan with me, had to order that at the travel agents, take sterling £20 clean notes will be accepted at the hotel to exchange, easy to do.

Weather take an umberella and a shower proof jacket. I go a plastic poncho from a tourist stall. 30 yuan. We only had 2 days of rain.

Layers of clothing will be fine, most wore cropped trousers and tshirts, on the 2 days of rain a light cardi was handy. Make sure you have COMFY shoes theres a lot of walking, and I mean a lot especially steps.

The ladies dressed up a little more at night, smarter tops and linen trousers, the odd dress (not me)

If you want to contact home make sure your phone is not blocked to worldwide, even if it works in europe as some of our ladies were unable to text home.

The amount of money needed will depend on how much you want to buy whilst there. One of the early places you visit is Beijing Zoo, the prices there are pretty good, some items bought there were 3x more at the shop at the great wall. There are lots of chances to buy, on the train to Chengde they bring loads to try to sell to us. The Jade and Silk visits are places that offer buying opportunities and at the Art demonstration there is a lot of art work for sale. Theres a supermarket which is cheap, and if you can go to the Fruit and Veg Market, thats an experience.

Enjoy it

Denise

Hi Sheila & Ian,

I did this trip in March so it was very cold, but it should be warmer for your trip & layers might be a good plan.

As to currency - I was advised by one of the tour managers to only take about £50 worth of Yuan & the rest in Sterling as the exchange rate is better in China & everywhere has to give the same exchange rate. You can exchange currency at the hotel receptions - so much easier.- and Yes £20 notes are a good idea.

You can also take your debit & credit cards if you are a shopaholic (and there are some lovely things to buy) but remember to notify your bank & credit card company so the cards will not be blocked.

Adaptors for electrical things vary in different areas. The continental type with the smaller 2 round pins (like Italy) and also the Australian type with 2 flat pins that move too. If you have any problems, your tour manager will help you.

Enjoy your holiday - boy are you in for a fantastic trip.

Be happy,

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel: