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Health and Safety

Will I need vaccinations before visiting China?

Currently, there are no vaccination requirements for entry into China. However, we suggest you consult with your doctor regarding any specific recommendations they may have.

What happens if I get sick in China during my tour?

In most cases, local medical facilities and medical staff will handle your immediate health needs. As some tours operate in remote areas, distances to health care facilities may be long, involving air travel. It is likely you will be asked to pay for such services upfront, securing compensation from your health care insurance provider. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance.

Can I get my prescription drugs refilled in China during my tour?

Possibly - depending on the prescription and the city in which you're touring. However, we strongly suggest you travel with an ample supply of prescription drugs you may be taking to avoid having to interrupt your time in China to tend to prescription drug needs. Furthermore, we recommend you keep any prescription medicines in your carryon luggage and that all prescriptions remain in their original, marked containers.

Are regular, over-the-counter drugs available in China?

Yes. But to avoid taking time from your tours to shop for aspirin or pain relievers, bring along small bottles (in their original containers) of aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers, decongestants, anti-inflammatories and other common, over-the-counter drugs.

What else should I know regarding my prescription drugs?

Bring a quantity sufficient at least for the duration of your tour. Leave drugs in their original containers. It's also a good idea to bring a written list of medications (name, dosage and times taken) in case you lose any drugs or medications.

Is China a safe place to visit?

Yes. Compared to most Western countries China is a relatively safe country to visit particularly when traveling as a group. However, we suggest you take normal precautions: keep valuables in sight at all times, don't wear (or even bring) expensive jewelry, and travel only with small amounts of cash.

What to Pack
Travel with light packs. Make your packages as simple and compact as possible. Carrying a light pack will ease your trip, make it more comfortable and let you fully enjoy the pleasures of traveling.

Materials/Documents
• Never forget your valid visa and passport, your identity card, as well as maybe some of your certificate photos and other important documents or materials needed for your travel. Put them into a sturdy and waterproof bag and have them readily available.
• Some paper, a pen, notebook and memo book could be handy. Remember to bring a phone/address list of your families, relatives and friends in case of an emergency.
• Make a card on which there is your personal information, including your full names, nationality, home phone and address, in case you are ever in trouble.

Clothes
• Take leisurewear which will keep you relaxed and comfortable when you travel, like jackets, sportswear, jogging shoes and playsuit. Bring several T-shirts and cool pants. Do not forget to bring sunglasses, suntan oil, and a summer hat. 
• Include some clothes for formal occasions you may need to attend, such as meeting with governmental officials, banquet, etc.

First-aid Kit
• Prepare some drugs for routine and emergency use, including antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamine, Aspirin, vitamins, acetaminophen, essential balm, anti-allergic preparations, remedy for dysentery and diarrhea and antacid for indigestion.
• Take along your case history (medical record) and put it into your first-aid kit. That may be helpful when you go to see a doctor.

Personal Effects
• Bring your credit card for shopping and individual spending in hotels, etc.
• Take digital camera with memory cards and batteries. 

There is no need for your backpack to be heavy and chock-full. Everything you need can easily be purchased in China. You will get good quality at the right place. Make your trip easy and comfortable.

Departure Day

All the delegates should meet at the check-in counter for NZ89 at Auckland International Airport at no later than 21:15 Saturday 9 June 2007. Visa-stamped passports and purchased air tickets will be handed to relevant delegates at the meeting. It is your obligation to show up in time to avoid making all the other delegates waiting for you. Keep in mind that your delay in checking in may not only jeopardize your trip to China, but also frustrate the organizer and all the other delegates. 

Expenses

As one of the sponsors of this meaningful trip, International College of Auckland is pleased to pay all the expenses incurred in China, i.e. air fares, rail and bus fares, 5-star hotel room bills, and meals for all the delegates. Please be advised, however, that international airfare (Auckland-Shanghai), all the individual and private expenses, e.g. hotel telephone and facsimile bills, hotel laundry, hotel entertainment, hotel healthcare, hotel beverages and shopping expenses, etc. (if any) shall be borne by each and every delegate himself/herself.