ESSENTIALS
DATES October 21-November 2, 2008
FLY DATES
  Depart USA to Beijing Depart Shanghai to USA
October 2008 10/21 (arrive 10/22) 11/2
DEPOSIT A deposit of $750 per person is required at the time of registration.
FINAL PAYMENT Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is payable by personal check. Credit card charges for final payment are assessed a processing fee.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS A visa is required for entry into China for American and Canadian passport holders. For current costs and to download forms, we recommend using Zierer Visa Service. To Speak directly to ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly with an Chinese Consulate in your area. For information, google the Chinese Consulate nearest you (e.g. Chinese Consulate New York). You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.

SHOTS

 None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.

INT'L AIRFARE

United Airlines, Korean Airlines, Japan Airlines, China Airlines are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
MINIMUMS All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 15 participants. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 12 participants.
TOUR RATES - 11 luxury hotel nights and 27 meals included
October 2008 Land Price Intra-tour Air (3 flights) Total Per Person
Double $4795 $670 $5465
Single $6495 $670 $7165
All intra-tour airfares are quoted in economy class. A very limited number of Business or First Class seats may be available for $950 per person. These will be on request basis.
Additional Hotel Night Charges
BEIJING REGENT HOTEL
$415 per room, per night
SHANGHAI RITZ CARLTON
$437 per room, per night
INCLUDED
Tour rates are per person in U.S. dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted for Tour Deposit. Final payment is payable by personal check. Final payment by credit card is assessed a processing fee.
Tour Rates include accommodations as listed in the itinerary, intra-tours flights (a $400 value), entertainment, special meals, air conditioned, motor coach, van or sedan transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, local guides and drivers. Mineral water on busses and at meals.
Arrival and departure transfers are included for those who purchase international air through Coda International Tours. Separate transfer costs will be charged to those who are not ticketed by Coda International Tours. Participants are required to provide Coda Tours with complete international flight details at least 2 weeks prior to the schedule tour departure date.
Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. The meal codes are: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; R=Cocktail Reception. Participants with specific dietary requirements must inform Coda Tours at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs where possible. Most meals taken as a group are pre-ordered. Local cuisine is given preference over Western choices.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare is not included. Coda Tour will be happy to assist with business, first or coach class airfares . If you are planning to use Frequent Flyer Miles for an upgrade or free ticket, we highly recommend booking your tour at least 7 months prior to departure.
Passport and visa expenses (if required). Please check our Travel Documents requirements for this trip. Always double check that your passport will remain valid for at least 6 months past your return to the U.S. and that you have sufficient empty pages in your passport to accommodate visa and entry/exit stamps. Always carry a copy of your passport packed separately from your travel documents and leave a copy with someone at home.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance which is highly recommended to protect your travel investment in the unlikelihood you would need to cancel or return home early. We recommend Travel Insured International and will send you an application form with confirmation of your trip. You may check the rates for insurance on their website at www.travelinsured.com. We also recommend insuring any expense for airline tickets issued prior to the determination if a tour is guaranteed to operate. We cannot assume responsibility for losses incurred due to the cancellation of a tour.
Gratuities to porters, waiters and hotel staff are included. Gratuities to local guides & drivers are not included.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable) and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
EXTENSIONS
HONG KONG
Please see our EXTENSION PAGE
AFTER YOU ARRIVE
WEARING Light cotton fabrics are best. T-shirts, khakis, shorts, jeans and similar casual wear will be best for daytime touring. Our hotels are among the best hotels in the China, so in the evening you will want to dress casual/chic for dining in the hotel & restaurants. A jacket is not required.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES AVERAGE RAINFALL
    Beijing Shanghai Hong Kong
High Oct 66 81 66
Low Oct 45 56 49
Inches Oct 0.2  0.1 0.1
EATING

Your journey to China will include a balance of western-style menus and regional fare. Chinese food is typically served family style and is intended to be passed and shared. Rice is the basis of Chinese meals. Water is included with meals. Some meals will be served in hotel restaurants where cleanliness is good and service is attuned to the international traveler. Some meals have been scheduled for popular local restaurants.
SPENDING

The currency used in mainland China is called the Yuan and this currency cannot be purchased outside of China. You will have an opportunity to purchase this currency at the airport upon arrival or at the hotel in Beijing. There are ATM and cash exchange machines located throughout China that accept most major bankcards, but they may be difficult to locate in some instances. Most guests find it easiest to exchange money at the hotel cashier’s desk. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. Most hotels will convert U.S. dollars to local currency. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted. It's a good idea to carry U.S. dollars in small denominations (1's or 5's) for small purchases. It will make bargaining and paying for local handicrafts much easier.

The island of Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency. You will have plenty of opportunities to purchase this currency at the Beijing and Hong Kong Airports. ATM and cash machines are everywhere on Hong Kong, and you will not have any challenges using a credit card.

Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM or credit card at locations abroad. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted.

To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
RECHARGING The electrical current in the hotels in Asia is 200/240v, AC. If you plan on bringing electrical devices with you, it is suggested that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set, although it may not be necessary as all hotels have pre-adapted outlets for razors, as well as hairdryers/. The following adapter plugs are used in China.

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A PRETTY FACE

Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tour Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tour Director at the start of your tour.
 

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