Q: Are any vaccinations necessary before moving to China?
A: No. Vaccinations are not required when moving to China, unless you're moving from a yellow fever infected area.
The following are vaccinations are recommended, but you should consult your doctor for more information:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all.
Typhoid
There is risk only in rural areas of China.
Yellow fever
Required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise.
Japanese encephalitis
Recommended only for those who are susceptible to mosquito bites and will be outdoors in rural southern China during mosquito season (May to November)
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all
Rabies
Recommended only for individuals who may come in contact with or handle animals.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.
Tetanus-diphtheria
Re-vaccination recommended every 10 years.
Q: How easy is it to change currencies upon arrival?
A: Changing currency in China is quite easy. Normally, money can be exchanged in international airports, large banks, and hotels. 24 hour ATMs that accept foreign credit cards and bank cards are also becoming increasingly ubiquitous in China's big cities. China is still very much a cash-based economy, so major credit cards are only accepted at few locales such as international hotels and department stores.
Q: What is the electricity voltage in China?
A: Electricity in China is at 220 Volts. You should pack an adapter if you decide to bring any type of electronics with you. Most Chinese electrical outlets use a two or three prong plug.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: No. Don't drink water directly from the tap. Even boiling water is not recommended as it can contain trace elements of metal from old pipes. Buy bottled water at convenience store. It is very inexpensive.
Q: How much should I tip in China?
A: In China, it is generally not the practice to tip. Upper class restaurants will add a service charge, so make sure not to double tip if you do.
Q: What should I bring from my home country?
A: A few years back, the list was long. Nowadays you can find almost everything in China. But please be aware that sometimes it comes with a high price tag. Consider bringing shoes and other clothing items if you wear a large size. Otherwise you can have items made!
Q: What options are there for television viewing in China?
A: The Chinese domestic cable TV network offers over 50 local channels, though there are only 2-3 English speaking channels among these channels. Some hotels and apartment buildings offer their international channels via independent dish systems; the programs they offer differ from place to place. Services to have independent dish systems installed in individual apartments are also available in larger cities. Channel packages vary amongst providers.
Return
A: No. Vaccinations are not required when moving to China, unless you're moving from a yellow fever infected area.
The following are vaccinations are recommended, but you should consult your doctor for more information:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all.
Typhoid
There is risk only in rural areas of China.
Yellow fever
Required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise.
Japanese encephalitis
Recommended only for those who are susceptible to mosquito bites and will be outdoors in rural southern China during mosquito season (May to November)
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all
Rabies
Recommended only for individuals who may come in contact with or handle animals.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.
Tetanus-diphtheria
Re-vaccination recommended every 10 years.
Q: How easy is it to change currencies upon arrival?
A: Changing currency in China is quite easy. Normally, money can be exchanged in international airports, large banks, and hotels. 24 hour ATMs that accept foreign credit cards and bank cards are also becoming increasingly ubiquitous in China's big cities. China is still very much a cash-based economy, so major credit cards are only accepted at few locales such as international hotels and department stores.
Q: What is the electricity voltage in China?
A: Electricity in China is at 220 Volts. You should pack an adapter if you decide to bring any type of electronics with you. Most Chinese electrical outlets use a two or three prong plug.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: No. Don't drink water directly from the tap. Even boiling water is not recommended as it can contain trace elements of metal from old pipes. Buy bottled water at convenience store. It is very inexpensive.
Q: How much should I tip in China?
A: In China, it is generally not the practice to tip. Upper class restaurants will add a service charge, so make sure not to double tip if you do.
Q: What should I bring from my home country?
A: A few years back, the list was long. Nowadays you can find almost everything in China. But please be aware that sometimes it comes with a high price tag. Consider bringing shoes and other clothing items if you wear a large size. Otherwise you can have items made!
Q: What options are there for television viewing in China?
A: The Chinese domestic cable TV network offers over 50 local channels, though there are only 2-3 English speaking channels among these channels. Some hotels and apartment buildings offer their international channels via independent dish systems; the programs they offer differ from place to place. Services to have independent dish systems installed in individual apartments are also available in larger cities. Channel packages vary amongst providers.
Return