Enjoying the Culture 185Bookings
It is easy to find China hotel information online. One of the
more popular websites that allows you to shop for availability
is http://www.english.ctrip.com. Another easy way to find
a hotel in advance is through travel agents. Both China
International Travel Service and China Travel Service are
large organisations.
There are also a number of agents available at airports and
at or near main hotels. In addition to booking hotel rooms
for you, they can arrange airport pickup and local guides at
your destination. International hotels will take credit cards as
deposits; domestic hotels may require pre-purchase through
the agent, who will provide you a receipt to be presented
at the hotel when you check in. Room rates usually include
breakfast. Be sure and ask the agent when booking the room;
there are usually packages and deals available but they are
not proactive in offering them to you.
Travel Preparation
Immunisation
Check with your doctor to understand your country’s
immunisation recommendations for China. At a minimum,
you should be current with courses of diphtheria and tetanus,
hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese B encephalitis and polio.
Packing
Although better hotels have minor medical supplies available,
Western medicine is difficult to get in China. It is better to
carry a small amount of your own. You should prepare a kit
which includes aspirin or other pain reliever, antihistamine,
antibiotics (which are available over the counter at major
cities in China), an anti-diarrhoeal medicine like Immodium,
cold and flu tablets, insect repellent and eye care products
for contact lens wearers.
Women should also bring their preferred hygienic products
as those available in more remote places are quite basic. It
is best to carry your own supply.
Many hotels in China provide small containers of shampoo
and conditioner, soap and a toothbrush and toothpaste. All