Taking a business trip to China? Veteran travelers recommend thorough planning

AgExporter, April, 1995

Here are some travel tips prepared by FAS' Agricultural Trade Office in Beijing that may come in handy as you explore China as a market for U.S. products.

Getting Ready

* Documents: Traveling in China requires a valid U.S. passport and a tourist or business visa. Business travelers may apply for a temporary business visitor (F-type) visa at the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of the consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco.

You may apply in person, by mail or, perhaps most efficiently, through an international travel agent or visa service. Applications, available from the embassy, consulate or travel service, should be accompanied by a valid passport, proof of connection with a business and applicable fees. If you have one, a letter of invitation from a Chinese firm or government entity will expedite the process.

If you ask, you should be able to obtain a multiple-entry visa, good for six months, that allows you to stay in China for 30 to 60 days each entry.

Business travelers not holding an invitation letter or conducting business in China for the first time may find it easier to travel on a tourist visa. Tourist visa applications require the same documentation as for business visas, except you don't need to submit proof of connection with a business and a letter of invitation.

Business travelers stopping in Hong Kong can apply for a visa to China through their Hong Kong hotel concierge for a fee (most major hotels offer this service but you should double-check to make sure yours does) or at the Chinese Foreign Affairs Visa Application Office (5/F Lower Block, China Resources Building, 26 Harbour View Road, Wanchai. That office is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Monday through Friday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m).

Processing usually takes one to two working days but same-day express service is available for an additional fee.

* What to take: Business dress is generally less formal than in major U.S. cities. However, most Westerners wear standard business attire for business meetings and dinners. Also bring comfortable shoes, since you may do a fair amount of walking.

Bring your own shampoo and toiletries. While the larger five-star hotels in the major business cities do provide some toiletries, selection will be limited.

Many experienced travelers also carry their own toilet paper and moist towelettes. Outside the larger hotels in major cities, you will find somewhat primitive toilet facilities.

Larger hotels in major cities generally have built-in converters for shavers. Beyond that, if you consider a hair dryer, laptop computer or other travel appliances necessities, arrive in China equipped with a small transformer and a set of electrical plug adapters. The standard electric current is 220 volts in China, versus 110 volts in the United States. Outlets am also different - none will accept the standard U.S. two- or three-pronged plugs.

Bring cash or travelers' checks if you plan to travel outside the major cities or to dine and shop outside the larger hotels. Travelers' checks can be converted to local currency at most hotels and at branches of the Bank of China.

Credit card acceptance is limited but growing. The most common credit cards are accepted at major hotels, hotel restaurants, branches of Friendship Stores, government-run antique and handicraft stores and in factory sales rooms that deal with foreign tourists.

Given the scarcity of English language skills in China, you also should bring along Chinese-English. bilingual business cards and basic information about your company, product and price lists (CIF China major port and Hong Kong) translated into Chinese simplified characters.

Also bring product samples, especially for new-to-market items, although product pictures are a good alternative if you can't bring samples. And finally, after your meetings with the Chinese, it is a nice gesture to offer small company-related or "USA" mementoes (such as pens, caps, paperweights or mugs).

Transportation

* Traveling in-country: Air travel within China is possible only on Chinese-owned carriers or via special charter. Flights on Chinese airlines cannot be booked through U.S. travel agents. These must be arranged by your business host, if you have one, or by China International Travel Service (CITS), which has a U.S. office in Los Angeles (Tel. 818-568-8993 or 818-568-8997; Fax. 818-568-9207).

Once you are in China, you can book in-country flights in person, through CITS or by an authorized travel agent. Most major hotels will provide ticket purchasing services for guests for a fee but may not be able to purchase tickets until three days in advance of a flight.

Always re-confirm all flights a day or two in advance.

Domestic air service within China is improving rapidly but still is not up to international standards in such areas as on-time departure and in-flight meals.

If your business travel takes you outside the major cities, you may find your destination is not accessible by air or that the few flights available are sold out. Train travel (usually overnight) is another option for completing your itinerary. If you travel by train, book a "soft sleeper," the highest class available in China. Each soft sleeper compartment is a small room for four with double bunk beds. The four travellers sit together on the lower two bunks until bedtime.