Viking China

[coasters]

Miss Priss,

Just in case...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

For those of you who accidently erase or suffer a card malfunction... most memory card manufacturers offer free software that can recover many, if not all of the images on the card.

Assuming you have other cards, remove and safely put away the card you have problems with, (do not try to use it as it's possible to write over the images previously captured). When you get home, log onto the memory card manufacturer's site for info. about how to download and use the recovery software application.

Jerry

[Miss Priss]

Wit: I got the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ8 with the 12x optical. I've used the "burst" feature on the 4th and got lots of black sky, but the pictures I did get were good. I have also tried the sports mode on my dog in the woods. Good results there, too. I think I'm going to like it if I can remember to pop the flash instead of wondering why it doesn't work.

 

Penob - I can't wait to go. While reading our itinenary we found we would be spending most of the last day in Hong Kong before flying to Guillin, so we're planning additional trips. We're going to Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddah, using the Star Ferry, going to the Temple Street Night Market, and the Hong Kong Museum of History.

I will be happy to answer questions when I get home.

Marian:)

[Miss Priss]

Marlene: Thank you for all your advice. My friends who are going with us were frantic about the weights, etc. I was able to tell them that the CCers said not to stress out. I think the extra bag will come in handy. Thanks, too for the suggestion about the Great Wall. The less I have to drag around, the better, but I will stay open to "deals". I will be going on the left side of the wall, per suggestions:) I also have hong kong dollars, yuan and lots of ones and fives.

 

Jerry, thanks for the info on the cards. I took a class with my new camera and the instructor said the most important thing to remember was not to take any more pictures if you accidentally erased or suspect it's bad, because each time you do, you erase a previous picture, so your suggestion about putting it away right away is excellent.

 

I'm having a drink up in St. Regis' lounge now that I know it's there, and have 5 extra inches legroom on United thanks to CCers:D Marian

[westcoastcruiser]

:confused: Did anyone exchange US dollars for Chinese dollars before their trip? Was it necessary? I have read that we should bring $100-$200 in singles for tips but I do not recall reading whether it is necessary to take foreign money with us. Thoughts? Suggestion?

[coasters]

:confused: Did anyone exchange US dollars for Chinese dollars before their trip? Was it necessary? I have read that we should bring $100-$200 in singles for tips but I do not recall reading whether it is necessary to take foreign money with us. Thoughts? Suggestion?

Westcostcruiser...

We brought about $500.00 in US currency, most in one dollar bills. Used for souvenirs, tour guide tips, street purchases and water on the tour busses. Never had anyone refuse US dollars. Obviously how many dollars you decide to bring, depends on what you expect to spend. Using your US dollars eliminates the risk of vendors exchanging your larger yuan bills with counterfeit change.

Major credit cards were accepted at the hotels, nationally known restaurants (Outback, Starbucks, Ruths Chris, etc.) and on board the ship. The ship DOES NOT accept Diners club cards.

Travelers checks can be cashed at the hotel you stay at for the local currency. They are not as easily cashed as you might have come to expect in other countries.

Before departing on the trip, as members of AMEX, we exchanged $280 US dollars through American Express for Chinese yuan. If you are cardholders, there is NO CHARGE for the service, the only fee is for delivery of the funds. (Postal, fedex etc.) You can avoid the delivery fee if are close enough to visit an AMEX office that offers the currency exchange service.

Our Viking escort did prefer that any gratuity be in yuan - if at all possible.

Jerry

[Minnesota Nice x II]

.

Our Viking escort did prefer that any gratuity be in yuan - if at all possible.

Jerry

 

Jerry-

 

I was thinking about how much money I should exchange today as well. I plan on primarily bringing American dollars but wanted a small amount of Chinese currency. This is the first time, however, that I recall seeing the reference to escorts preferring yuan.

 

So, that changes my thinking somewhat. Do you know what folks were tipping the Viking escort on average? I know Viking suggests a gratuity but I also know that others have commented about throwing a little more into the pot for the excellent service. Suggestions, please?

 

D&D

[gofish]

We took no Yaun with us to China. At the airport baggage claim we used one of the ATM s and got $200 dollars worth for our cabs and other needs. We also used ATMs at the hotels and a couple of times on the street in front of a bank.

We tipped our guide more than the Viking recommendation in dollars.

[gofish]

We walked from the boat to the Wal Mart store and there were several banks with ATMs that our group used.

When we left the boat we requested that our charges were in Yaun on our credit card and got a better rate from our bank then Viking was offering.

[Minnesota Nice x II]

We took no Yaun with us to China. At the airport baggage claim we used one of the ATM s and got $200 dollars worth for our cabs and other needs. We also used ATMs at the hotels and a couple of times on the street in front of a bank.

We tipped our guide more than the Viking recommendation in dollars.

 

Thanks GoFish. I'm looking forward to receiving our Viking package to see our itinerary and the planned excursions. That should help me "guestimate" gratuities we will need along the way. We're nearing the 3-week before departure mark.

[Minnesota Nice x II]

I don't know if the following link will remain active but the Wall Street Journal had an article on the front page of yesterday's paper about new dangers that are beginning to emerge on the Yangtze because of the dam: landslides, water pollution and suggestions that the dam could contribute to the very flooding it was built to prevent.

 

"The emerging issues at Three Gorges illustrate this rapidly industrializing country's effort to control its environment and how the attempts to overcome them can worsen the problems." The debate goes on. . .

 

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118824657324010144.html

[coasters]

Jerry-

 

I was thinking about how much money I should exchange today as well. I plan on primarily bringing American dollars but wanted a small amount of Chinese currency. This is the first time, however, that I recall seeing the reference to escorts preferring yuan.

 

So, that changes my thinking somewhat. Do you know what folks were tipping the Viking escort on average? I know Viking suggests a gratuity but I also know that others have commented about throwing a little more into the pot for the excellent service. Suggestions, please?

 

D&D

 

Our Viking Escort was delightful and his service outstanding. He was with us 24/7 on the 15 night portion of the Cultural Delight package and tended to every want and need of the 34 in our group.

Those who we queried all said that they would be adding to the recommended $3-5 dollar per day (PP) ... we gave him the equivalent of US $225.00 (in yuan) as we still had yuan, and it was his preference.

As he resides in China, the yuan is more convenient, requires no exchange fee, and is stronger than the US dollar. All good reasons...and of no consequence to us.

The tipping guide on page 22 (of ours) Viking guide is what we used, on few occasions, as this one, we added to their suggested tip.

You'll love the trip!

[emileg]

When we went to China in 2004, we brought with us about 100 $2.00 bills. Because these are rare, but legal tender, they are much appreciated as tips. Just ask the head teller at your local bank branch to get them for you. They need a few days to a week heads up to get the bills from the Federal Reserve.

[Minnesota Nice x II]

When we went to China in 2004, we brought with us about 100 $2.00 bills. Because these are rare, but legal tender, they are much appreciated as tips. Just ask the head teller at your local bank branch to get them for you. They need a few days to a week heads up to get the bills from the Federal Reserve.

 

It's a good thought. I never see a $2 bill anymore so I wonder if they'd worry about them being counterfeit?

[Minnesota Nice x II]

Our Viking Escort was delightful and his service outstanding. He was with us 24/7 on the 15 night portion of the Cultural Delight package and tended to every want and need of the 34 in our group. This is one trip that I don't think I'd want to "guide" myself so I'm happy to reward good service!

Those who we queried all said that they would be adding to the recommended $3-5 dollar per day (PP) ... we gave him the equivalent of US $225.00 (in yuan) as we still had yuan, and it was his preference.

As he resides in China, the yuan is more convenient, requires no exchange fee, and is stronger than the US dollar. All good reasons...and of no consequence to us. This helps a great deal; I'd like to show my appreciation without creating a hassle for them. After all, I'm sure the guide can make or break the trip. Good traveling companions can make all the difference. The tipping guide on page 22 (of ours) Viking guide is what we used, on few occasions, as this one, we added to their suggested tip.

You'll love the trip!

I'll admit that this trip was a little outside my comfort zone but the message board has helped alot and I feel confident with Viking. I'm really glad that we can go before they complete the filling of the reservoir and before all the changes are made because of the upcoming Olympics. And, it's only 2 weeks from this Saturday (mistakenly wrote 3 weeks earlier). Yikes!

[Cheesi]

Interesting comment about tipping in the local currency. Hadn't thought of that. How did you raise the topic with the guide if I might ask?

 

We actually did get some Yuan in advance. We leave Phoenix 9/19 and arrive in Beijing 9/20/07, so we'll have an extra day in Beijing before our trip - Roof of the World - officially starts. We have made arrangements with a private guide to see some sights not included in the itinerary. Even though everyone says it's easy to get around Beijing, we've enjoyed having guides in the past and opted to try it there also. She did quote in Yuan. Will be taking U.S. Dollars too of course and credit card. Like I told my husband, IF we have dollars left over, not like we can't use it when we get back!:D

[MSEm]

We will begin our trip in Hong Kong for the Viking River Cultral Delights Tour. We fly from Atlanta on Nov 1 for Hong Kong.

Questions:

Will we have the same tour leader from Hong Kong to Beijing?

Should we exchange money in Hong Kong for tips for bus drivers and River Vessel crew? Can ATM be easily found in Hong Kong or at the HK Airport?

Can we easily obtain money at the ATMs in hotels in Beijing for our tour guide?

My credit card company only charges a 1% exchange fee to withdraw money directly from our account.

Also should we have the River Vessel account charged in Yaun?

 

Anyone on the Nov 4 Shanghai to Beijing Tour? If so please let me know.

 

PS CHINA HAS INCREASED THE VISA COST by $50 Per person

[MSEm]

We paid the extra $75 to get custom air flights from Atlanta to Hong Kong and Beijing to Atlanta. We will fly United from Atlanta to San Francisco to Hong Kong. Return is Beijing to San Francisco to Atlanta. This kept us out of Chicago the day before Thanksgiving. That flight was cheaper than the Atlanta/Chicago flight. We will spend the night before in Atlanta and the night we arrive back in the USA in Atlanta before we contiue on to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

[MSEm]

I just ordered a book and a Map of the Yangtze River Cruise.

Site also has Russian River Cruise Book.

After opening the link, I had to "More" on the Yangtze China Book to order book, then click on "Cruise Equipment or Necessities" to get to the map order.

You can pay by credit Card or PayPal. Trying to get to the map link by other ways did not work. If you see the company phone number wright it down. I also sent a Fax requesting the map and book becuase of problems getting back to order the map.

http://www.russiabyriver.com

[coasters]

We will begin our trip in Hong Kong for the Viking River Cultral Delights Tour. We fly from Atlanta on Nov 1 for Hong Kong.

Questions:

Will we have the same tour leader from Hong Kong to Beijing?

Should we exchange money in Hong Kong for tips for bus drivers and River Vessel crew? Can ATM be easily found in Hong Kong or at the HK Airport?

Can we easily obtain money at the ATMs in hotels in Beijing for our tour guide?

My credit card company only charges a 1% exchange fee to withdraw money directly from our account.

Also should we have the River Vessel account charged in Yaun?

 

Anyone on the Nov 4 Shanghai to Beijing Tour? If so please let me know.

 

PS CHINA HAS INCREASED THE VISA COST by $50 Per person

 

MSEm

We did NOT have the same tour leader for the entire trip. Some in other groups may have. We traveled the opposite route, with Guilin and Hong Kong being the extension and where we had the change in leader.

 

IMPORTANT - Hong Kong (uses HK dollars) and China Mainland (uses RMB or yuan) as they DO NOT use the same currency, exchange only what you think you will need in each.

Our hotel in Hong Kong conveniently exchanged US dollars to HK dollars, I cannot recall the fee. As stated earlier on this post, I used my American Express benefit to exchange US dollars for Chinese yuan before leaving. The service was free, the only cost was for shipping.

The river vessel settles your bill ONLY in yuan, (at daily currency conversion rates posted). My American express converted the charges to US dollars at a more favorable rate than posted at the front desk when we checked out.

Also, the ship does not accept Diners Club or Traveler's Checks for settlement.

Jerry

[coasters]

Interesting comment about tipping in the local currency. Hadn't thought of that. How did you raise the topic with the guide if I might ask?

 

We actually did get some Yuan in advance. We leave Phoenix 9/19 and arrive in Beijing 9/20/07, so we'll have an extra day in Beijing before our trip - Roof of the World - officially starts. We have made arrangements with a private guide to see some sights not included in the itinerary. Even though everyone says it's easy to get around Beijing, we've enjoyed having guides in the past and opted to try it there also. She did quote in Yuan. Will be taking U.S. Dollars too of course and credit card. Like I told my husband, IF we have dollars left over, not like we can't use it when we get back!:D

 

Our Viking escort was asked by one of the couples we were traveling with on the bus about tipping - if he had any preference.

[WIT]

We will begin our trip in Hong Kong for the Viking River Cultral Delights Tour. We fly from Atlanta on Nov 1 for Hong Kong.

Questions:

Will we have the same tour leader from Hong Kong to Beijing?

 

MSEm: We had the same group leader from Beijing to Hong Kong. He was 54 year old Ruiqi (pronounced Ree-chee) Wang, Viking's most experienced guide. After Shanghai, about half of our group flew home and folks from other groups (including Jerry) joined Ruiqi and us for Guilin and Hong Kong.

I would say that your HK guide will probably do the entire tour, but if your group is over 40 or so, some of you will have a different guide for the remainder of the trip. Everybody LOVES their guide, I am sure you will also.

WIT

[Minnesota Nice x II]

For blisters, there is a fairly new product that you might just want to slip into your luggage. Not sure who makes it (maybe Bandaid), but it is a clear stick that you rub on your sensitive areas where your shoes rub -- toes, heels, etc. It acts as a barrier to keep your shoes from rubbing. I use it all the times, works great. The principle is the same when hikers use stick deoderant on their heels. Probably made of the same stuff.

 

Cathy

 

Doing some last minute "product" shopping and finally found the above at Walgreen's. [i had looked at Target with no success.] It's in with the corn and callus remover products and is called Slik Stik (Miracle Anti-Blister Stick) and it does look like a tiny deodorant stick. Good for corns, calluses and blisters. Apply before symptoms or irritation.

 

I've broken in my shoes for the trip but this will assure extra protection. Thanks for the suggestion, Cathy.

[MSEm]

I know I will need to have some pants to send to the laundry. What is the turn around time for laundry on the VR vessel or in the hotel?

 

If I remember correctly I should take the following:

Sugar free sweetner, sugar free cocoa or individual crystal Lite"

Should I take Decaf coffee?

Thanks for the help.

[Cheesi]

I've seen a few posts about carry ons for the intra China flights in my searching, but still a little concerned about this area. How severe are the size/weight restrictions? Thinking of each of us checking a 26" bag (1 ea) and carrying on a 21" rollaboard.

 

Anyone recall the name of the airline used for the intra-China flights?

 

Also I gather from reading the posts (number of buses from a ship) that the tourist to tour guide ratio is pretty large - 30 or so to 1? Is that correct? Seems a lot for one guide.

 

Comments appreciated. Thanks, Pat

 

Leaving Phoenix 9/19

[WIT]

I've seen a few posts about carry ons for the intra China flights in my searching, but still a little concerned about this area. How severe are the size/weight restrictions? Thinking of each of us checking a 26" bag (1 ea) and carrying on a 21" rollaboard.

 

Anyone recall the name of the airline used for the intra-China flights?

 

Also I gather from reading the posts (number of buses from a ship) that the tourist to tour guide ratio is pretty large - 30 or so to 1? Is that correct? Seems a lot for one guide.

 

Comments appreciated. Thanks, Pat

 

Leaving Phoenix 9/19

Pat - First of all, why carry all that stuff when you can ship things easily? The concierge at our Shanghai hotel (Portman Ritz-Carlton) provided a large box to hold 4 silk duvets, a bronze flame dragon, various porcelain pieces, & various inexpensive gifts. The Silk Factory in Suzhou would have also shipped for us but for the same price we added a bunch of other purchases. Everything arrived in good condition a few weeks later. Had we not shipped we would have purchased a couple cheap carry-ons & lugged them along. Many in our party had two or three carry-ons and had no problems with weight restrictions. Note that when you leave China you may check two bags which DO have to each be under a specified weight and they WILL limit the number of carry-ons. So at the end you must still make it all fit into two bags or ship the stuff.

 

Our intra-China flights were on various airlines like Cathay, South China, & West China Airlines. Seat were larger, planes were new and clean, airports all new.

 

I think the guide ratio is based on what constitutes a comfortable bus load. Everybody loves their guide.

WIT