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Thread: 1001 questions from a newbie China traveller

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[quote=GUEST93996,358427]Hello, I have done a number of trips with my husband to China. We don't know Chinese. We have had no problems but I do plan before. The Lonely Planet guide book has the places in Chinese and that is helpful. Always have your destinations (hostels, sightseeing, places to go) written down in Chinese, you can always ask people in the hostel to write it down for you. Otherwise it can be difficult, although Chinese people are very friendly and helpful and there will always be someone around knowing a bit of English - if you get lost approach young people, I have found that well dressed young men or women are the best bet. They sometimes know how to read and write English but they don't speak (I have been told it is the way English is taught in school). 300 GBP will be plenty, especially if you travel by train/bus/metro (the metros are signed in English - very convenient way to get around but avoid the rush hour). Food can be very cheap or very expensive, depending on the restaurants you choose, but that will be fairly obviuos and there are always menus with prices (usually in Chinese). If you like coffee be aware that coffee is an expensive luxury item and it may be worthwhile to brin instant coffee from Europe. Entrance fees can be quite high, the major once can cost 100-250 yuan/person (you can check out on this TCG for the exact prices). Of course smaller temples may even have no entrance fee, and parks are usually free and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Something to be careful about are motorcycle or rickshaw taxis, they can ask for ridiculous prices so be sure to decide on a price before the ride. The normal taxis have a taximeter and in 99% the drivers are honest, but avoid any driver approaching you (go to the line and wait or get a taxi off the street instead), they are not to be trusted, although they will probably cheat you 10 yuan or something. I am sure you will like China - it is a wonderful country and there is so much to see and experience. Have a nice trip![/quote]

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