Sunday, November 18, 2012

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Travel

Author - Debbie Brown

Disclaimer:  This information is put together to help others moving to Chongqing.  This document is a compilation of information gathered from other expats based on their experiences.  It by no means is intended to be the gospel but to provide some background information to hopefully make your transition smoother.  Chongqing is a rapidly changing city so this document is a living document that may need to be updated as Chongqing and China grow and change.  Please forward any updates, recommendations and/or corrections to Deborah Brown, grosseilebrown2@aol.com.  

TRAVEL
You are on you own to book your trips once relocated to Chongqing.  Flights and hotels book up fast especially around the China National Holidays.  It is wise to book your trips at least 4 months in advance to get the destinations, hotels and flights you want.  In addition, on National Chinese Holidays many locals use this opportunity to travel and sightsee within China, so traffic and tourist attractions are typically very packed. 
When booking trips there are several options, book online via Expedia, Travelocity or the like, book through C-trip or using a local travel agency.  Know that the majority of the Chinese airlines will not accept US credit cards so typically you will need to either have a Chinese friend book it on their credit card and pay them back, go through a local travel agency and pay in cash or with you China Construction Debit Card, or book via C-trip, Expedia and the like.  Most travel agencies accept US credit cards but they charge an extra 4% fee.
For those that plan to travel abroad in the Southeast countries, it is good to have some American cash on hand. In certain Southeast countries, RMB may not be directly converted at the airport but American dollar can be.
Recommended Local Travel Agencies: 
o   Holiday Tours located at the Harbor Plaza Hotel on the 3rd floor in Jiefanbei.  This travel agency does have English speaking staff.   Email:  holidaytourhp@hotmail.com or phone: 133 2028 6928

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