Frequently Asked Questions
For November 2008 Trip

Thank you for your interest in the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Mission to China business tour, scheduled for October 26 – November 3, 2008, and presented by tour operator Citslinc, International, Inc. of Monterey Park, CA.

What follows are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions for those of you thinking about joining us. We will be adding more information as the trip gets closer, so check back periodically.

Do I need to be a member of the Santa Paula Chamber to go?
When do I need to commit?
What travel documents will I need?
Do I need Travel Insurance?
What is China’s weather like in October/November?
I want to investigate business opportunities in China. Is this possible?
May I travel outside of the tour group?
How much money should I plan on taking?
Do I need vaccinations?
What are the limitations on luggage?
What about tipping?
When will I receive the final details of the trip?
What are the Departure Details?
What about the plane and our flight to China?
What are the hotels like?
What will the food be like?
What is the daily schedule?
What clothing and personal items should I bring?

Who/What is Citslinc, International, Inc.?
Citslinc, International, Inc. is a tour company licensed to operate in the state of California (CST #2023512-40). It was established in 1995, and operates from Monterey Park, CA. Mr. Leo Liu, the President, has been arranging tours to China for over 15 years, and has partnered with Chambers of Commerce since 2001. His references are superb, and include solid reviews from many California Chambers, including those in Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria Valley, Arroyo Grande, Santa Barbara, Clovis and Chico.

Do I need to be a member of the Santa Paula Chamber to go?
No, but the cost of the trip is $200 less for Chamber members, their employees and friends, than for non-members. Everyone is welcome to join us.

When do I need to commit?
A non-refundable and non-transferable Deposit of $200 per person is due upon reservation. Last day for this Deposit is August 1, 2008. Limited space. First come, first served. Non-refundable and non-transferable Final Payment is due no later than September 1, 2008 (subject to change). Make checks payable to: Citslinc, International, Inc.

What travel documents will I need?
You will need a Passport and a Visa. You are responsible for obtaining your own Passport, and making sure it will be current and valid for the period of our trip (10-26-2008 through 11-03-2008).

You may choose to get your China travel Visa on your own, through the local Chinese Consulate (fee $130) or, if you prefer, Citslinc, International, Inc. will do it for you, for a fee of $145. The Chamber will assist Citslinc in this area, and forward your application to them. You will need 2 passport photos, your passport, the signed visa application (available on this website) and your $145 check, made payable to Citslinc, International, Inc. The deadline for Visa applications through Citslinc is September 1, 2008.

Do I need Travel Insurance?
Absolutely! You never know what might come up that would prevent you from going on this trip, and with all fees paid non-refundable and non-transferable, the insurance premium is a value.

What is China’s weather like in October/November?
From a historical weather perspective, we will be visiting China at the best time of the year. The average high in Beijing is 66°F in October, and 50°F in November. The average lows are 47°F in October and 32°F in November. The weather can change greatly from day to day. It can get very cold in the morning and evening, and be quite warm during the day. Rainfall during our stay would be unusual. Be sure to bring a heavy jacket, and dress in layers.

I want to investigate business opportunities in China. Is this possible?
Yes, there will be a reception one evening, after we return from a full day of touring, to meet and discuss business with local Chinese businessmen. Print out the Business Inquiry Form on this site, and return it to the Chamber, so we can arrange to have the appropriate people there. The reception will be arranged by Citslinc at no cost.

May I travel outside of the tour group?
No, you may not leave the tour to do your own thing. There are exceptions when there is allotted free time, and you will be advised when it is okay.

How much money should I plan on taking?
How much you spend is of course up to you, but in general you should plan on $300-$500 for miscellaneous items.

Do I need vaccinations?
There are no vaccination requirements at this time, but travelers should check with their own physician to learn of any recommended vaccinations or up-dated health-related news.

What are the limitations on luggage?
You may check two bags and carry on two bags. The checked bags may not total more than 70 lbs. The carry-on bags must fit in overhead bin or under your seat. Travel light and casual!

What about tipping?
Your bus tour guide will collect $25 from each traveler. This will cover the combined services of the tour guide, the bus driver and all hotel personnel. Unless you request special services, you should not expect to tip anyone else.

When will I receive the final details of the trip?
You will be provided with a Departure Manual showing your final Itinerary, the names, addresses and phone numbers of the hotels, all flight information, your bus number and color code, name badge and luggage tags (color-coded to match your bus), etc. approximately one month before we leave.

What are the Departure Details?
A charter bus will be at the Chamber’s Railroad Depot office (200 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060) on October 25th, the evening before we leave, to take us to LAX. You should plan to be there at 6:30pm. The bus will leave for LAX at 7:00pm SHARP! Our flight is scheduled to leave at 1:40am on the 26th, so we will be at LAX in plenty of time to check in, select our seats and get ready for a 12-hour flight. You do not have to travel to LAX with the group from Santa Paula. You may travel to the airport on your own.

What about the plane and our flight to China?
We will fly non-stop from LAX to Beijing on Air China, Flight #CA984, scheduled to depart at 1:40am on October 26th, 2008 (subject to change). We will cross the International Date Line, and land in Beijing at 6:30am on October 27th. You will be fed two meals on the plane. Drink lots of water and walk often.

After claiming your luggage and going through Customs, you will be met by your Chinese Guide, holding up signs with your Bus # and color code. Your busy tour will begin almost immediately, as you will visit Tian An Men Square and the Temple of Heaven soon after checking in to your hotel.

What are the hotels like?
We will be staying in excellent 4-star and 5-star hotels that generally would compare to Hilton or Sheraton. All have Western facilities and include hair dryers and internet service. You may also be provided with combs, razors, slippers, robes, scales, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps, hand lotion, shampoo and conditioner. If you bring electrical devices that need charging, you will need an adapter, available at Radio Shack or Circuit City. Bed accommodations are 1 King or 2 doubles. Three-in-a-room can be arranged, and the third bed will be a cot or rollaway. All hotels have western toilets.

What will the food be like?
Breakfast is always at the hotel, and is a combination of Chinese and American-style food, with a good selection. Lunch and dinner are family-style at local Chinese restaurants, and the offerings will be the same at both meals. 8-10 Chinese entrees will be served (rice, noodles, vegetables, fish, shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, fruit, soda, tea and beer.) It is much like what you would find in most Chinese restaurants here, and is quite good. The beer is very good, the wine is not.

What is the daily schedule?
     6am wake up
     7am breakfast
     8am bus departure
     By 8pm, back in the hotel.

What clothing and personal items should I bring?
Dress is very informal, and jeans are ok for all venues. Bring a warm jacket and dress in layers as there is no time to change clothes during the day. There is a lot of walking, especially at the Great Wall, so be sure to bring comfy shoes. Bring what you need, and don’t count on buying jackets or other clothing during our daily tours.

The air quality is very poor, so if you have any breathing issues, bring all medications you will need. Also bring anti-diarrheals such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Bring hand sanitizer, and use it often! Bring several packets of toilet paper, and always have it with you.

If you have allergy tendencies bring antihistamines and decongestants. You will not have opportunities to easily purchase these aids in China.
Bring all the contact lens supplies you will need for the whole trip. Not many opportunities to purchase, and you will not recognize the brands.
Bring lots of “ones” in US currency, as well as some fives, tens and twenties. Vendors do not always give change.

We will be up-dating and adding new info here periodically, so check back…