Travel Help

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Passports

 

One of the first things that you will need to do (if you do not already have one) is to apply for a passport.  In order to send in the passport application, you need two passport photos. These can be taken at Walgreens or Wal-Mart.  (You will need an additional photo for your visa application.  We suggest getting it now.)

The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace, or change a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.  A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.  Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports.

New Application for a U.S. Passport

 

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries, and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and one Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within two weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel.  Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.

You can check the following website: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ to find the closest office or location to accept your passport application.  They in turn will send your application off.  Typically you will need to allow 8-12 weeks for a passport application to be processed.  We suggest you expedite your application and list the date you wish to travel being at least two weeks prior to actual travel date to allow time to apply for a visa.  Remember, obtaining your passport takes the longest amount of time. 

 

It is critical that you have your passport at least two weeks prior to your travel date.  It may be necessary for you to pay an additional fee in order to expedite your passport application or renewal process.

Tickets & Visas:

Christy Damas is our Director of Travel and is coordinating visas & flight reservations for China Connection.  She can be reached at 805-686-5283 (direct line), 817-709-8650 (mobile), or travel@chinaconnection.cc. Once you have obtained your passport, you will need to secure a visa through the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. or one of its consulates in the United States.  You will need the following:

Please remember that you may be requesting a business visa because of your treatment (a tourist visa is typically only good for 30 days).  This process can be expedited for a fee.  Christy will assist you in using the Perry International Company.  We also suggest that you overnight all forms and correspondence to insure rapid handling and prevent delays.  China Connection will send you all necessary visa application forms.  It will take 10-14 days to receive your visa from Perry International (3 days expedited).  They will return your passport and attached visa (inside the passport) by overnight mail.

It will be your responsibility to purchase your tickets from Christy or purchase them on your own.  We highly encourage travel direct to Beijing and spending the night before traveling in your destination city.  This allows you a good night’s rest and time to catch the flight without rushing.  Please be at the airport at least three hours prior to your flight’s departure.

NOTE: It is critical that you notify China Connection of your flight so that appropriate ground transportation will be arranged to meet you in China.

Medical Records

 

It is your responsibility to bring copies of pertinent medical information with you.  This includes initial admittance summary and discharge summary, x-rays (if pertinent to your current situation), current lab reports, and MRI’s.

While you are waiting for your passport and/or visa, begin the process of obtaining a copy of your medical records.  You will be able to carry them in your luggage to China.

REMEMBER:  It is most important to have a copy of your most recent health history, including any lab work.  This will give the doctors in China a much better idea of who you are as an individual.  Please try to limit the number of pages to 50 if possible. 

 

Medication & Other Medical Devices

 

You will need to provide the hospital in China with a detailed record of any and all medication that you are on and why.  Please take enough medication with you to last your planned stay.  We also suggest that you take anything else that you may need (example: adult pads or diapers if you suffer incontinence, braces or slings, walkers or canes, and anything else that you would use regularly).  If you have any questions, please speak with your U.S. Manager as soon as possible.

SHOTS

 

Because you are traveling to northern China you need not worry about extra shots.  You should always confirm that your tetanus is up to date, and you may wish to have a check-up with your personal physician before going.

Cancellation & Changes

Airfares are subject to different rules and cancellation fees; some may be non-refundable. To protect against cancellation charges, we strongly recommend consideration of purchasing Cancellation Protection and Travel Interruption Insurance.

LUGGAGE

 

On the international flights to China, you are allowed two bags 50 lbs each of checked baggage and one carry-on (per person).  Please remember that there is always an advantage in traveling light.  Remember too that most people return with more than they take – plan accordingly.

Flying, Wheelchairs & Customs

When checking in for your flight, give yourself plenty of time at the airport.  Most airlines suggest two hours.  Remember you are an individual traveling to a hospital for treatment.  Trust us when we say that even if you walk pretty well it is a long day of traveling and you will get tired.  It is also much easier passing through customs.  It reduces your time in line, and the airlines do a great job of making life easier.

Ask to use the restroom on the plane well before getting on and off!  It makes life easier; and if you let the flight attendant know ahead of time, it helps! Prior to arrival in China and again on your return to the U.S. you will get a customs declaration form.  If you have difficulty writing or do not write, ask the flight attendant to help you fill it out.

If you use a wheelchair you’ll be the first through customs.

The airline staff and the airport staff assigned to help you speak English and are a big help in Beijing China.

 

 

Meeting at the Beijing airport

Someone from China Connection will meet you at the airport.  They will have a China Connection sign (see picture)  and you will be wheeled there after you collect your luggage and go through customs.

STAY IN THE WHEELCHAIR UNTIL YOU ARE DELIVERED TO THE CAR FROM THE HOSPITAL!   If you are traveling with the group, you will be escorted through customs and then to an awaiting van or bus.

**UNLESS YOU NEED A RESTROOM -- THEN TELL WHOEVER IS PICKING YOU UP BEFORE LEAVING THE AIRPORT!

Transportation to the hospital:

Keep in mind that you will be met at the airport by the China Client Manager.  They will transport you from the airport to the hospital in Tianjin.  This trip takes one and a half to two hours under good traffic conditions.  Once you arrive at the hospital, you will be given a chance to settle in.  Depending on the time of day, you will order something to eat.

Weather:

What are the highs and lows during the year?

Weather is similar to what is experienced in the Midwest.

The website below is to the weather channel; search for Tianjin, China.

http://www.weather.com

Clothes: 

How many changes of clothes would you recommend taking?  Should I take a jacket or sweater?  How about rain gear?

Do not over pack and take too much.  Remember, you are a patient staying in a hospital.  You will have access to hospital patient attire. You will want at least one nice outfit to go out in, and you may have some time to sight see as well.  Take clothes that you will wear and consider the seasons you will be there.  Do not over pack; you are not here to be fashionable.  This is a hospital and you are here for treatment. 

Hair care: 

How do you get a hair cut?

There are beauty shop’s in the hospitals. Just speak with one of the nurses or translators to arrange an appointment. 

Electronics: 

How many plugs are in the room?  Do voltage converters work OK (especially for your laptop)?  What items should I bring over and what should I buy there?

You have several outlets in your room.  Most all laptop computers have converters built into their transformers.  If in doubt, check where you bought it or at a major computer store like Best Buy or CompUSA.  You may purchase a cheap converter package at         Wal-Mart: a TravelWise International Converter Set (pictured at right) for about $25.  Although it offers a high setting for hair dryers, I do not suggest using it for that.  Plan on purchasing an inexpensive hair dryer in China ($15) for use there.  We suggest only using your converter to charge batteries for your camera or razor.

Communications

 Laptop

What do you do to get your laptop hooked up and ready to go?  What about the power hook-up (220 V.)?  What things can be/need to be done here at home?  What do you do to get dialup access or whatever?

You will have access to a network line that will be set up within 48 hours of your arrival.  The best thing you can do in advance is make certain that your online address book is up to date or have a word document with all your e-mail addresses.

If you have a laptop computer, you may want to use e-mail.  Laptop computers usually come with a power converter built into them that will adapt to the 220 current.  The hospital has outlets that will accommodate a standard two-prong plug.  I encourage you to bring a digital camera if you have one.  It is fun to take pictures and send them back to friends and family.  Just remember to send small pictures (100 k or less) so that it is faster.  I also have audio books on my laptop that I listen to as well as music.  (If you are looking for a good source for audio books, visit audible.com or apple.com/itunes.)  MP3 players are great if you have one.  It really helps to pass the time.

Direct online computer to computer access is free at skype.com and computer to phone is cheap.

Telephones:

Phones: Is there access to a phone line in the room?  How do phones work in China?  Do you have a phone number for the hospital?  What are the specifics of dialing in to the hospital from the U.S.?  Would you recommend a small value phone card to dial from the hospital to back home in case of a need to call home (i.e., the laptop isn’t setup yet but want to tell family we arrived OK, etc.)?

You can make calls from your room, but it is more expensive and requires a phone card bought in China.  CCGH suggests your family and friends use a calling card purchased in the U.S. that is specific for calling China.  Many companies are easily available online.  Your family and friends can buy a $10 calling card that gives them anywhere from 500-800 minutes of time.  It is about two/three cents per minute.

Another popular method of communicating is using SKYPE which is a computer to computer talk or can be used from a computer to call a phone.

Money

The basic unit of Chinese currency is the Yuan, which equals 10 Jiao, and one Jiao equals 10 Fen.  The current exchange rate:  Check exchange rate because rates fluctuate.  Yuan come in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1; 50 Fen and 10 Fen.

ATM’s are located throughout the city and can be used with a Visa debit card.