Sanya what to take with you. O. Hainan, what a tourist needs to know. How much does food cost in restaurants?
When packing a suitcase, we think that we take with us only the essentials, but practice shows that half of the things remain languishing in the travel bag. But upon arrival, it turns out that really useful items were left lying around at home. Below I will tell you about what things you should take with you to China, and what you can safely leave at home without loading yourself with unnecessary ballast.
When entering the country you must present a passport and a tourist visa. To obtain a visa, you must contact the Chinese Consulate, providing a valid passport and an application form with a photo.
We wrote in detail about the types of Chinese visas, the time and cost of obtaining permits in the article about. There you will also find the addresses of Chinese consulates in major Russian cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk.
If you have an urgent invitation to China, the visa can be issued at Beijing airport (in this case, you will be given a single-entry visa).
In addition to all of the above, to travel to China you need to have a number of other documents with you: medical insurance, vouchers for transit services and, of course, a ticket.
If you intend to rent a car or a broom, then take your driver's license with you.
But it should be borne in mind that the roads in China are constantly crowded with cars, so it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy a quiet ride. In addition to cars, on Chinese roads you can find a huge number of motorcyclists and cyclists, who often create emergency situations.
Money
You can take rubles, dollars and even euros for your trip. It is not at all necessary to exchange money for yuan in advance, because even in small cities there are exchange offices.
If we talk about the cost of living in this country, it is not so low, but still cheaper than in Europe.
Bank card
Check all the details regarding servicing your bank card in China. For example, Alfabank in some cases blocks the ability to carry out withdrawal operations. You may need to write a corresponding application at your bank branch before your trip.
In some banks, the number of funds withdrawn during the day is strictly limited, so It’s safer to take cash with you.
Bank of China is one of the twenty largest banks in the world
useful links
Below I provide links to reference information for different cities, where you can find out: local time, addresses of local bank branches and ATMs, emergency phone numbers, addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, international dialing codes, postal codes, maps and other useful information.
- Help about Guangzhou
- Information about Dalian
- Safe tourism in Sanya
- Information about Harbin
Wardrobe
No need to load your bags with a myriad of clothes. It is enough to take with you a few T-shirts, shorts, a change of underwear, trousers or jeans, a sweater and a jacket. Today, there are virtually no hotels left that do not have a laundry service, so there will definitely not be any problems with laundry. You can also use the laundry service located outside the hotel (it will even be slightly cheaper).
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes. It will be relevant for visiting various excursions and walking the streets.
Various little things
Be sure to take your camera and charger with you. If you are a fan of high-quality photographs, then take a DSLR, but a point-and-shoot camera will be quite enough to capture the most beautiful places.
Oh, by the way, don’t forget your mobile phone charger.
Hair dryer and iron
Most hotels (from 3 stars and above) have a hairdryer. But to know for sure, it is better to clarify this when booking a room. As for the iron, there is no need for it - all things are ironed in the laundry. Instead of an iron of the same weight, it is better to buy souvenirs.
Hygiene products
Soap, shampoo and shower gel are provided in almost all hotel rooms. Towels are also provided, so you don't need to take them.
Take a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and washcloth with you (although there are hotels that have all this, but it’s better to check when booking).
Cosmetics, perfumes, etc. – optional. But remember that it is better to leave everything unnecessary at home.
Hotel bathroom with everything you need
Medicines
Of course, you should not take with you all the medications that could potentially be useful - there are pharmacies in China too. But you should take essential medicines, for example, activated charcoal and analgin.
Things to pass the time
A favorite book, magazine, crossword puzzles - all this can be relevant when flying or tedious travel between cities. But you shouldn’t take a whole library with you; most likely, you won’t have much time to read.
If you cannot do without books, then it is better to take an e-reader or download an e-book reader to your mobile phone.
Waiting room in Shanghai metro
A fumigator (mosquito repellent) wouldn't hurt while on vacation; I recommend that smokers take cigarettes with them (it was unusual to smoke Chinese equivalents of my cigarettes). For a comfortable flight, especially with children, take an inflatable headrest.
I guess I'll end the list here. The most important thing is not to forget your passport and money at home; all other accessories can be purchased upon arrival. Remember: don’t load your suitcases with unnecessary ballast, take only what you need!
For many residents of Europe and America, China seems like another planet with its own laws and traditions. This country seems to us to be a place so strange and different that sometimes it even becomes scary, so those who are planning to move to China want to take with them 5 suitcases of such familiar and familiar things. Today I will try to tell you what to take with you to China and how to reduce this volume to a minimum. China, indeed, differs in many ways from Russia and other countries, but you can easily find some things here too.
So what must be taken with you to the Celestial Empire:
1) Unsurprisingly, the first item on my list will be Black tea. If you prefer to have a cup of tea with breakfast or dinner, then it is best to stock up on it in advance. In China, it is customary to drink green tea, which here, for reasons unknown to me, is quite expensive. If you set your mind, you can find black in stores like Walmart or Carrefour, but most likely it will be bagged Lipton. I took two small packs of Greenfield custard with me and this lasted me more than half a year, although I drink tea quite often. The tea is light and usually does not take up much space.
2) The next point is very important - make sure that you always have medicines, 
which you need. In China, medicine can seem very strange, as they prefer to take antibiotics even for the mildest cases, like a common cold. Naturally, all tablets in pharmacies will have instructions in Chinese, and you are unlikely to be able to find brands you are familiar with. Honestly, in China it’s better to try not to get sick, so our popular remedies like Theraflu or Fervex are sometimes very helpful. Pay special attention to those medications that you take according to your doctor's prescription. And also makes sense take with you to China vitamins and dietary supplements that you are used to taking.
3) Probably many people are interested in the issue of food: Is it worth taking with you to China? Food or can they be bought locally? I wouldn't steal any of the food, as you'll find many things here or can order them on Taobao. The only exception could be some kind of delicacy, without which, you know, you will be very sad during your first time in China. For example, it could be a few bars of Russian chocolate or a packet of condensed milk, or gingerbread, in a pinch! I brought some bread with me because I knew that there were problems with baking in China, and this was important for me. I ordered buckwheat on Taobao, oatmeal can be bought in any supermarket. You are unlikely to find cottage cheese here, but cheese and milk are definitely sold in large supermarkets. True, dairy products here are quite expensive, but you won’t take three kilograms of cheese with you? :) In general, everything is at your discretion and taste preferences, but do not overdo it with the weight of your luggage.
Hello everyone, my dears! Today I will try to answer the question: how much money should you take with you to Hainan Island? And I will share information about where it is most profitable to change money.
Of course, it all depends on what you are going to do there: whether you will attend excursions, massages, etc. How many and what gifts are you going to buy?
In this article:
How much money do you need and for what?
On our first trip (in 2011), we went on many excursions, visited many places on our own, had massages 4 times, often used taxis (since we lived far from the center), bought clothes, equipment and much more. On that trip, not counting the purchase of travel packages, we spent about 10,000 yuan in 14 days for two of us.
This time we decided to give up excursions, massages and expensive purchases. Our budget was distributed between three main areas:
- food (the largest expense item),
- gifts and shopping,
- travel
We spent 2200 yuan on all this in 7 days. Of this, food costs accounted for approximately 75%.
That is, we expected that for one day for two we would need 300 yuan. And this was enough for us to visit cafes/restaurants, eat fruit for breakfast/lunch/dinner, buy gifts and travel by bus to neighboring bays or markets.
But first things first.
1. Hotel deposit
The hotel is the first place where we started spending money in Sanya. Upon check-in, we were asked to leave a deposit: 5000 rubles, 500 yuan, 100 dollars or 100 euros.
It is most profitable to leave 500 yuan.
They say that it was possible to book these funds on a card, but this was not possible with our cards. So we left the deposit in cash.
This pledge later came back to haunt us, and we almost left most of it in Chinese hands. As it was, you can read in the article how the Chinese are deceiving Russian tourists.
My advice is this: add the amount of the deposit to the main amount of expenses, since you will not see the money left until you check out of the hotel.
That is, if you expect to take 300 yuan per day with you for 7 days, then you need to take with you:
2100+500=2600 yuan.
2. Food
As mentioned above, 75% of expenses on the second trip are food.
We ate a lot. I wanted to try everything, visit every cafe and saturate my body with fruits, of which there are plenty in Hainan.
Our meals were structured approximately as follows:
- Morning: breakfast at the hotel (included in the price of the tour) + fruit (in the room).
- Day: lunch in a cafe, at the market, in eateries + fruit (taken with you) + dessert (ice cream, pastries).
- Dinner in a cafe/restaurant + popsicles (required!) + dessert (fruits, juices, sweets).
We bought fruits in advance, so we always had them in stock.
Where we ate, how much it cost, and what kind of food we liked - . In it I talk about cafes, restaurants, markets, grocery stores and more.
3. Gifts and shopping
Now I will list what gifts we bought and how much it cost.
- Fruits: large mangoes - 6 pcs, pineapples - 4 pcs - 80 yuan
- Mango and coconut candies in boxes 4 pcs, in bags 3 pcs - 28 yuan
- Canned coconut juice 3 cans - 11 yuan
- Children's toothbrushes with toys 4 pcs - 20 yuan
- Various types of tea - 150 yuan
- Water bottles 2 pcs - 25 yuan
What things did we buy for ourselves during our vacation?
- Flip-flops - 15 yuan
- Sun umbrella - 18 yuan
- Sunscreen cream – 15 yuan
- Sunburn cream - 35 yuan
Where you can buy relatively inexpensive gifts, and in general about all the supermarkets and shopping centers that we managed to visit, I will write a separate article.
4. Transport costs
Let's start with buses.
A bus ticket in the Da Dong Hai and Sanya Bay areas, as well as between them, costs 2 yuan per passenger. If you are going to travel from Da Dong Hai Bay to Yalong Bay (a 40-minute journey), the fare will cost 7 yuan per passenger.
A taxi has a base cost of 10 yuan, the rest is calculated by the meter and depends on the distance. For example, one average trip around the city cost us 16 yuan.
Read more about transport: how to pay and how to explain where you need to get to in this article.
5. Excursions and tickets
The most expensive excursions are offered by hotel guides.
For example, for three excursions (monkey island, hot springs and park) you will have to pay approximately 700 yuan per person.
You can meet guides on the street, their prices are slightly lower. If you go on your own, for example, to the same sources, it will be even cheaper.
6. Other expenses
There are plenty of places in Sanya where you can leave your money. Here are a few more points that may be useful to you:
- rental of soft sun loungers under an umbrella - 25 yuan,
- lockers for storing valuables on the beach - 20 yuan for 6 hours,
- rental of a scooter for 1 day - 100 yuan,
- Rent an umbrella at the hotel with a deposit of 100 yuan.
Of course, you can easily do without all this.
Where is the best place to change money?
It is best to exchange money in advance, back in Russia. Just Google which banks in your city offer RMB.
In our case it was the Asia-Pacific Bank. Exchanged at the rate: 1 yuan = 8.93 rubles. I know that there is a Bank of China in Moscow, perhaps the rate there is even more favorable.
If you did not have time to exchange money in Russia, you can do so upon arrival at any Bank of China branch. For example, at this branch located across the street from the Pineapple Shopping Center.
The rate is also acceptable, we withdrew cash at a price of 1 yuan = 9.3 rubles.
The most unfavorable rate was that of all the other money changers: guides and hotel staff. 1 yuan will cost 10 rubles.
I hope this article helped you roughly estimate how much money you will need for your vacation. If you still have any questions, be sure to ask in the comments, I will try to answer them.
That's all for today, have a nice holiday everyone. Bye!
Sincerely, Elena.
You need to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before departure. Be aware of the free baggage allowance and surcharge for excess baggage. Tickets indicate local time. To board the flight you need:
- Go through customs inspection and fill out a customs declaration. If the amount of money you are exporting is less than $3,000 per person and you do not have items that must be declared, then you do not need to fill out a declaration. When filling out the form, do not forget to indicate the entire amount of foreign currency that you took with you. Keep the customs declaration until your return to Russia.
- Check in for your flight at the check-in counter and receive your boarding pass. The check-in counter number is located on the central display opposite your flight number. All questions about your seat number on the plane can only be resolved at the check-in counter.
- Go through border control in any booth.
- Board the plane through the gate number indicated on your boarding pass.
Passengers on international flights undergo customs, passport and security control, after which they await departure in the sterile area of the international airlines gallery. When going through security checks, you must present your passport and boarding pass.
When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to undergo phytocontrol / veterinary control.
Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections
In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 prohibited from transporting on board the aircraft by passengers in checked baggage and in things carried by passengers, the following dangerous substances and objects:
Allowed to transport on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, subject to the required conditions, the following items and substances:
- in checked baggage in cargo and luggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to luggage during the flight:
- crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cutlasses, scimitars, broadswords, swords, rapiers, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting knives, knives with ejectable blades, with locking locks, simulators of any type of weapon;
- household knives (scissors) with a blade length over 60 mm; alcoholic drinks containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of no more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - no more than 5 liters per passenger;
- liquids and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content by volume of no more than 24%;
- aerosols intended for use for sports or household purposes, the release valves of the cans are protected by caps from spontaneous release of the contents in containers with a capacity of no more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - no more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
- in things carried by passengers:
- medical thermometer - one per passenger;
- mercury tonometer in a standard case - one per passenger;
- a mercury barometer or manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the sender's seal;
- disposable lighters - one per passenger;
- dry ice for cooling perishable foods - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
- 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
- liquids, gels and aerosols classified as non-hazardous: in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml (or equivalent capacity in other units of volume measurement), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.
Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml are not accepted for transportation, even if the container is only partially filled. Exceptions to transportation include medications, baby food, and special dietary needs.
Liquids purchased from duty-free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft must be packaged in a securely sealed plastic bag that allows the contents of the bag to be identified during the flight and has reliable confirmation that the purchase was made at airport duty-free shops. or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding or during the flight.
The administration of the airport, airline, or operator has the right to decide to introduce additional measures to ensure aviation security on high-risk flights, and as a result prohibit the transportation of the following items in the aircraft cabin:
- corkscrews;
- hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
- knitting needles;
- scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
- folding (without lock) travel, pocket knives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.
Upon arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport
- Upon arrival at Sanya Airport, you must go through passport control (present a foreign passport).
From April 30, 2018, a new rule for passing border control at Sanya Airport is in effect.(Hainan Island, China, international terminal). All tourists aged 14 to 70 years who fly to the island on direct charter flights on a visa-free list will additionally undergo the following procedures:- Fingerprinting;
- Biometric facial photo.
If a tourist refuses to undergo this procedure, the airport border control has the right to deport the tourist. All costs of deportation are borne by the tourist. - Receive your luggage. The monitors above the baggage belts indicate the flight from which baggage will be issued at this belt.
- At the exit from the airport building, go to a TEZ TOUR representative and find out the number of your transfer bus. To do this, name the hotel where you will be staying. The hotel name appears on your voucher.
Our representatives wear yellow shirts with blue ties and blue trousers/skirts. - Go to the parking lot, find the bus you need for transfer, check in with the TEZ TOUR representative accompanying the bus, saying your name, put your luggage in the luggage compartment of the bus.
- Listen carefully to the information that the accompanying person (transferman) will provide on the way to the hotel. Also, the accompanying person (transferman) will inform you about the time of meeting with your hotel guide.
Upon arrival at the hotel
- Go to the TEZ TOUR counter to meet the hotel guides.
- Fill out the registration card in English.
- Hand over your passport and voucher (1 copy out of 3) to the hotel guide (after check-in you must pick up your passport).
- Wait for check-in. Check-in at the hotel is at 15.00. Upon check-in, you will be given room keys.
- After checking into your room, review the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to which services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on the table or bedside table).
Meeting with the hotel guide
The time of meeting with the hotel guide will be informed to you by the accompanying person (transferman) on the way to the hotel. At the appointed time, you must approach the hotel guide, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. To the meeting, take with you your passport, voucher, and return flight ticket.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact your hotel guide or the hotel reception. The guide’s coordinates (photo, name, mobile phone) and the hours when the guide is directly at the hotel are indicated on the TEZ TOUR information stand in the hotel lobby.
The day before your flight home
- Go to the reception and check if you have any unpaid bills for additional services (use of a minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have any debts, pay them.
- In the evening, go to the TEZ TOUR information stand or the hotel guide and check the departure and departure times from the hotel. To do this, you need to know the number of the return flight you are departing on.
Check out from the hotel
On the day of departure, you must vacate your room by 12:00, hand in your keys and towel cards.
You can leave your luggage in the hotel storage room.
To avoid various complications, please do not be late and arrive at the transfer at the specified time.
Arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport for departure
- Upon arrival at the airport, go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated (the counter numbers will be additionally given to you by the attendant (transfer person) on the bus on the way to the airport).
- Check in for your flight (provide your passport and ticket).
- Drop your luggage at the front desk.
- Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number and time for boarding the plane (on the boarding pass the gate is indicated by the word GATE, the time - TIME).
- Go through passport control (provide your foreign passport and completed migration card for departure).
- Proceed to the departure hall, where you will wait for the boarding announcement for your flight.
Helpful information
Medical service
To receive free medical care, you must contact the telephone numbers specified in the insurance company's medical policy. When visiting medical institutions without a referral from an insurance company, the tourist pays for the services independently.
Vaccinations are not required for travel to China. You should not drink tap water. Drink guaranteed safe water and drinks (boiled water, drinking water and drinks in factory packaging). Be sure to wash raw vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid food of questionable origin, even if it looks attractive and appetizing, such as food prepared by street vendors. Do not eat meat that has not been heat-treated.
Traditional Chinese medicine has its roots in ancient times and is an independent system that includes a theory about the occurrence of diseases, diagnostic methods and treatment methods. There are four main methods of diagnosis: inspection, auscultation, questioning and palpation.
As for the treatment itself, currently there are the following main methods. Firstly, this is the use of medicinal products of natural origin: 80% are of plant origin, the remaining 20% are of animal origin and minerals. Next comes acupuncture and moxibustion. In addition to exposure to needles, cauterization or warming with wormwood is also used.
Famous clinics in Sanya Yukang, Garden of Longevity, Taiji.
First aid kit
Before your trip, prepare and take with you a first aid kit, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time searching for medicines and eliminate the problems of communicating in a foreign language; in addition, many medicines may have different names in different countries.
General information on China
Political system. Political structure of the People's Republic of China - Communist regime.
Time. The whole country lives according to Beijing time, being located in five time zones. Time difference with Moscow: in winter + 5 hours, in summer + 4 hours.
Language. The official language is Chinese. The generally accepted writing system is Chinese characters.
General information about Hainan Island
O. Hainan is a huge tropical island located in the very south of China. Hainan is washed by the waters of the South China Sea. The average annual temperature is +24°C, the amount of precipitation per year is 1500 mm. The climate of Hainan Island is mild, tropical, and summer reigns on the island all year round. In summer, the daytime temperature is usually around 33 degrees.
The true pearl of the island is the year-round resort city of Sanya. Most hotels and recreation areas are located in the city's three main bays - Yalongwan (Dragon Bay), Dadonghai (Great East Sea) and Sanyabei.
Visa
Entry into China is carried out on the basis of a visa previously issued at the Chinese Consulate or on the basis of a group visa-free list.
Time
The time is 4 hours ahead of Moscow.
Mains voltage
Mains voltage 220 V.
Tips
Tipping is not accepted in China, but nevertheless, in a restaurant it is enough to leave change. For drivers and maids, it is enough to leave a purely symbolic amount.
Customs
The amount of imported foreign currency is not limited. When importing an amount of more than $5,000, you must declare this in the customs declaration. The amount of yuan transferred across the border should not exceed 6,000 yuan. Duty-free import of 600 cigarettes, alcoholic beverages not exceeding 1.5 liters, and jewelry is allowed for personal use.
Items prohibited for import:
- weapons and items imitating weapons;
- explosives;
- drugs and psychotropic drugs;
- pornography;
- religious literature with extremist content, political materials, audio and video materials related to racial discrimination, terrorism, and military topics;
- materials that may harm China's politics, economy and culture.
- canned food (meat and fish)
- meat (fresh, dried, frozen, sausages, frankfurters, poultry, etc.)
- fish (dried, smoked, etc.) and seafood
- vegetables fruits
It is prohibited to export historical documents, valuable objects and works of art, as well as paintings and graphics without a store receipt confirming the legality of the purchase, or an export permit from the Chinese Administrative Department for Cultural Property under the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China.
Power Bank (charger) with a capacity of more than 10,000 Amp (amps) cannot be exported from China. We recommend not to bring these chargers with you, as customs may not allow/seize the Power Bank upon departure from the country.
Money
Yuan (CNY) (1 yuan = 10 jiao = 100 fen). Banknotes in circulation are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 yuan. The yuan exchange rate is set by the state. In colloquial speech, when denoting prices, “kuai” is also used instead of the word “yuan”, and “mao” is used instead of “jiao”. Yuan is circulated in the form of paper bills and coins.
Within the PRC, the circulation of foreign currency and settlements in it are prohibited. Foreign currency exchange is carried out at branches of the Chinese Bank (Bank Of China), which are available at all airports, hotels and large stores. Currency exchange in markets and streets is not recommended due to the increased risk of currency counterfeiting. Major credit cards accepted are American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. However, many expenses within the country, including transport, are paid only in cash.
Please pay attention when paying by cardMasterCardmay have problems!
The shops
State stores are open seven days a week from 9:30 to 20:30, private stores from 9:00 to 21:00, and often even longer. Markets usually open at 7:00 (some even at 4:00) and are open until 10:00-12:00.
Unit of weight in China - 1 jin = 0.5 kg, the price of the product will be given to you exactly for 1 jin.
In large state stores and grocery stores, prices are fixed. You should bargain in the markets. Even if there is a price tag on the product, this is nothing more than a “guideline” indicating the order of the cost of the purchase. The choice of souvenirs is huge, but many of them are of low quality. Chopsticks, beautiful porcelain, cups, lacquer boxes, seals and scroll cases can be bought at every turn. Hangzhou and Suzhou are famous for their excellent tea and silk. Real antiques are usually sold only in state stores and are expensive. When purchasing it, you must obtain an export permit from the seller.
What to bring from Hainan Island:
- Pearl. Pearls are the pride of Hainan Island. Hainan pearls are a variety of the most famous "Nanzhu" pearls, which means southern pearls. It is generally accepted that the best pearls are mined in the South China Sea, which washes the island of Hainan.
- Tea. Rare and elite varieties of tea grow on the island; in teahouses you can try different types of tea, learn about the art of brewing teas and buy various types of medicinal tea.
- Silk. Gifts purchased here for your loved ones and friends, be it silk clothes, silk bed linen or always fashionable silk paintings, will be remembered for a long time, because the art of silk has been alive for more than one millennium.
- Crystal. Crystal in Hainan is rightly called the third treasure of the island after pearls and tea. The island has the largest deposits of rock crystal in China. Hainan crystal is considered the purest, so it is used to make jewelry and even glasses for glasses. Crystal carving is highly valued. For example, the sarcophagus of Mao Zedong was made from Hainan crystal.
- Shark oil. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Japanese doctor discovered a special substance in shark oil - squalene, which can act as a natural antibiotic. In addition, scientists have discovered that shark oil contains another important compound - aloxyglycerides, which have a powerful effect on the immune system. Among other things, shark oil is the best supplier of valuable vitamins A, E, D - these are vitamins that fight age-related changes in the body. They improve vision, skin and hair condition, strengthen blood vessels and bone tissue.
Hotels
Mandatory deposits in hotels in China (on the day of arrival)
When checking into most hotels in China, tourists may be charged a cash deposit for the safety of the contents of the room and minibar. Upon check-out from the hotel, the deposit is fully refunded to tourists. Payment of the deposit is due on the day of arrival. The deposit can be made either in cash or blocked from a bank card*. Visa, Mastercard, Maestro cards are accepted.
*Attention! In the case of a bank card, when the hotel unlocks funds, the transaction does not take place immediately and in some cases can last 30 days (the funds are returned to the owner’s account within a month).
Please note that you are not allowed to bring your own drinks into the hotel restaurant.
It is not allowed to take food taken from the buffet outside the restaurant.
Beaches
All beaches in Hainan are municipal; when choosing a hotel, pay attention to the description; not all hotels have their own beach area with free sun loungers and umbrellas.
A tan. It is better to sunbathe before 11 am, otherwise you risk overheating and sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can ruin your entire vacation. Use protective creams with high UV protection. Do not neglect hats when staying in the sun for a long time
Transport
The main means of transportation in China are bus and taxi. To get around the city it is better to use a taxi. There is a “TAXI” sign on the roof of the car, and payment for 1 km of travel is stamped on the glass; payment is made according to the meter readings. Taxi fare for less than 2 km is 10 yuan, then 2 yuan for each kilometer. During holidays, the fare increases by 5 yuan.
The bus is the most economical mode of transport, bus routes provide connections throughout Sanya and its suburbs.
Main route buses:
- Bus No. 2: East Station - Dadonghai - City Center - College
Dadonghai Square - Xiazhi Department Store - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Hall (Shidai Hai'an Bar Street) - First Market Crossroads (Sanya International Trade Square) - Yifang Department Store - Public parking (pedestrian street) - City People's Hospital - Mingzhu Department Store - Nongken Hospital - Bus No. 15: Yalongbei Bay - Dadonghai Bay - City Center - Sanyabei Bay - West Station
Yalongbei Bay - Sea World Club Hotel - Yalongbei Square - LiuPan Village - TianDu Village - Nonsha Village - OjiaYuan Village - East Station - Dadonghai Bay - Palm Hotel - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Committee (Bar Street) - Ganmen Village - Practice Middle School - Company People's Insurance - Taixing Hotel - Central Asia Hotel - Chinese Medicine Hospital - Shuili Building - Public parking (pedestrian street) - Red Soltsy Restaurant - TianDu Hotel - Chinese Bank - ShenYi Hotel (Sanyabei Bay) - ZinWei Hotel - Hospital 425 - Friendship Street - Nongken Hospital - West Station
Rent a Car
Since international driver's licenses are not valid in China, car rental is only possible with a driver. This is all the more convenient because driving in China is, to put it mildly, specific.
Culture
Behavior rules. China is a country with centuries-old traditions and culture, so it is better not to violate social and religious norms so as not to offend the locals.
- You cannot photograph military, strategic sites and government buildings, as well as people, without first asking their permission.
- In China, it is not recommended to argue about political topics, especially about Mao Zedong, student unrest, etc.
- It is impossible to express dissatisfaction with the culture and history of China, and also to show disrespect for them.
- You can't litter, you can be fined for it.
- You should not show aggression or irritation towards the Chinese.
- Most Chinese people treat tourists kindly, so be prepared for the fact that many locals will greet you and perhaps even point their fingers at you - react to this calmly.
- It is not allowed to touch a woman or take her arm.
- It is not customary to open the door for a woman or give her a seat, because... Women and men have equal rights in China.
- You should refrain from smoking in hotels, parks, squares and on the street; drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in these places.
- You should take food from the plate with chopsticks silently.
- You need to suck in the noodles noisily - this is what all Chinese do, this shows how tasty it is for you.
- You cannot stick chopsticks (or utensils) vertically into a bowl of food - this is reminiscent of incense being smoked in a temple, and therefore evokes thoughts of moving to another world.
- Under no circumstances should you string pieces of food onto chopsticks - this will offend every Chinese person.
Phones
Upon arrival in China, it is most profitable to buy a local SIM card, because... calls will cost less than if you call from the hotel. Cellular communications are widespread in almost the entire territory of China. When purchasing a SIM card, you should make sure that the selected tariff plan has international roaming. In addition, it is better to ask the seller on the spot to activate it, because... doing this yourself can be difficult without knowing Chinese. You can buy a SIM card at the offices of China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom. You can also purchase cards for international calls with per-minute payment.
To call Russia, you need to dial 007 (Russia code) + area code + the phone number you need.
When dialing a Chinese landline number from your mobile phone, you need to dial: + 7 + 86 (China code) + area code + the phone number you need.
Useful phones
- International Help Desk (English): 115
- Police and rescue: 110
- Fire department: 119
- Ambulance: 120
- Traffic police: 122
- Information service for foreigners in critical situations:
in Shanghai 8-10-86-21-6-439-06-30,
in Guangzhou 8-10-86-20-8-667-74-22
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Holidays in Hainan can be called paradise without exaggeration. The island is located at the same latitude as the Hawaiian archipelago, for which it is called “East Hawaii”. The climate in southern Hainan is mild and tropical. Almost all year round the weather is very favorable for relaxation (neither cold nor hot) - 25-30 °C. The beach season here lasts at least 10 months - from March to September. The sea water temperature ranges from +24 to +31 °C and is pleasant for swimming. Direct charter transportation to Hainan Island is now open for our tourists. The flight from Moscow takes about 10 hours, so today we will tell you about the intricacies of traveling to Hainan, about all the little things that you need to remember when planning a trip to this amazing island. Why should you go to Hainan?
Beautiful, green, environmentally friendly island. The island ranks second in the world for clean air after Cuba. There is only one plant in Hainan, and it is located in the provincial capital, Haikou, in the north of the island. Apparently, it is not for nothing that the largest number of centenarians in China who have crossed the threshold of their 100th anniversary live in Hainan; Year-round resort. It is always warm here, Hainan is located in a tropical zone, so tourists never complain about the weather and enjoy a wonderful vacation. The South China Sea compares favorably with the ocean - it is very calm and warm, has a flat bottom and a sloping slope. A few tens of meters from the shore is quite shallow and there is no current, which is ideal for families with children; Many kilometers of wide beaches with white sand; Direct flight; Simple visa-free entry to Hainan Island or easy registration of an individual visa or a visa upon arrival at the airport; An excellent hotel base for every taste and budget - from budget 2* hotels to luxury 5* hotels of famous world brands. At the same time, all hotels are distinguished by cleanliness, comfort, and a high level of service; Opportunities for sports include surfing, fishing, as well as walks along the beautiful embankments, jogging along the coastal strip; in addition, one of the popular leisure activities here is golf; the local course is considered the best in the world; The island is extremely popular among divers who come to Hainan at any time of the year. Thanks to the low level of water pollution, the absence of strong currents and good visibility (up to 20 m), admiring the corals, underwater rocks and caves that surround the island is a pleasure! A huge selection of excursion routes, both pedestrian and more distant. It’s easy to organize excursions yourself or contact tour operator guides or local travel agencies; Don't forget about traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal hot springs. There are many different centers of traditional Chinese medicine in Hainan, including those where world-famous doctors work. Absolute safety on the island. There is practically no theft here, no one will ever offend or scare you here; Delicious cuisine and abundance of seafood; The opportunity to plan your vacation within a wide range of budgets - from the most modest to the most luxurious. And even on the most modest budget, your vacation will still be wonderful and of very high quality. So, let's go to Hainan!Flight on a charter flight -
Flights are operated 1-3 times a week on Boeing 767-300 aircraft, economy class flights with the ability to book superior seats in advance (for an additional fee from 200 to 1500 rubles per seat). The flight takes about 10 hours. Customs regulations in China - According to Chinese law, the luggage of passengers entering and leaving the border must undergo customs inspection. Wristwatches, radios, tape recorders, cameras, video cameras and other things can be brought to China for personal use only. The import and export of: pornography, weapons and ammunition, explosives, drugs and poisons, any fruits, plants, birds and eggs, as well as radio transmitters is prohibited. Audio and video recordings, books, cassettes and CDs may be seized by customs officers to evaluate their contents to ensure they do not contain pornographic, political or religious material. The export of historical documents, valuable objects and works of art, paintings and graphics (including calligraphy works by local artists), as well as items of decorative and applied crafts made of semi-precious stones is carried out with a store receipt confirming the legality of the purchase, a certificate or export permit from the Chinese Administrative Office Department of Cultural Relics. Customs allows for export reasonable quantities of raw materials and finished Chinese medicines purchased during a stay in China and intended for personal use, on the basis of a sales receipt and a bill of lading for currency exchange. The amount of imported foreign currency is not limited. When transporting foreign currency in an amount exceeding $5,000, you must declare this in the declaration. The volume of exported currency should not exceed 5,000 US dollars or the amount declared upon entry into China. The amount of yuan carried across the border should not exceed 6,000. Note: Visa and passport control -
Russian citizens wishing to visit Hainan Island can choose any of 3 options: 1. Free group visa(stay period no more than 21 days!): Conditions for including tourists in group visa-free lists: Passport control in this case is only possible with a foreign passport. The officer scans your passport, checks for visas from other countries, and checks with the data on the group list. They don’t make any mark on the passport, they don’t even put a stamp! 2. Individual visa on arrival(stay period no more than 14 days!): Attention! Tourists who have visited Turkey and Egypt since the beginning of 2014 and stayed in these countries for more than 30 days (need to be counted for each country separately from 01/01/2014 to the present), as well as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan are not issued an INDIVIDUAL visa will. Upon arrival, these tourists will be deported. The exceptions are children under 15 years of age and tourists over 60 years of age.
List of documents required to obtain a visa on arrival in Sanya: In this case, passport control takes a little longer: 3. Individual Chinese visa, issued in advance at the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in the Russian Federation. If you already have a visa in your hands, then there is no reason to worry. Everything is fine.
Estimated time for group transfer from Phoenix Airport, Sanya Note: actually, going through passport control, collecting luggage and meeting the guide does not take much time, about an hour, but (!!!) as a rule, there will be a group of friends on your bus who will apply for a visa upon arrival. This event is long and takes about 2 more hours. Therefore, dear tourists, prepare in advance for a long wait and be mentally prepared that at least 3-3.5 hours will pass from the moment you land until you check into the hotel.
Language - Most of the Chinese population speaks Mandarin, a dialect of Chinese called Putonghua. It is the official language of the People's Republic of China. Besides Putonghua, there are nine other dialects of Chinese, such as Cantonese, Manchu, Miao. In large cities, some employees of hotels, public institutions and the police can communicate in English or even Russian. However, it is almost impossible to meet a person who speaks any language other than Chinese. Advice to those who are worried - there is an international language - sign language. You can always show your imagination and show with gestures what you need. When asking about prices, just show the numbers on your phone. Overall, don't worry. The Chinese themselves try to make you understand them. Advice: Check-in to the hotel and hotel base of Hainan Island -
In every bay of Hainan there are hotels for every taste - from the most economical accommodation to rooms for the most discerning travelers. General information about the Hainan hotel base: 1. Upon check-in at the hotel (Check-in 14:00-15:00), guests are charged a cash deposit or the amount on the credit card is “blocked” per room per day to guarantee payment of additional expenses. The amount of the deposit depends on the hotel's policy, usually USD 100 per room per stay. 2. Hainan has hotels from both global and Chinese chains. When choosing a hotel of well-known international brands, for example, Sheraton, Hilton, etc., guests receive service at an international level. This includes the presence of English-speaking hotel managers, a selection of restaurants serving cuisine from several countries, and the quality of room service. The price of these hotels is higher than that of Chinese chain hotels. 3. Almost all hotels in Hainan have a large hotel area with swimming pools and parks. In Sanyabey and Dadonghai bays you can find city-type hotels without territory. These are areas with well-developed tourist infrastructure. Here, guests often relax outside of hotels. 4. Almost all hotels in Hainan have their own beaches. All are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. For hotel guests, use of the beach infrastructure is free. Outsiders are prohibited from entering hotel beaches. 5. Rooms are cleaned daily unless otherwise specified. 6. Check-out time is 12:00, check-in time is 14-15:00. 7. Tip: Store documents and other valuables in a safe. There is a safe either in the room or at the reception. 8. For family holidays, hotels that position themselves as family hotels are more suitable - they have children's rooms and shallow pools on their territory; Babysitting services are provided, and the restaurants have a children's menu. Now many hotels provide meals not only on a breakfast basis, but also half board, full board and all inclusive. 9. Animation. Even in 5* hotels operating on an all-inclusive system, there is no animation in the “Turkish-Egyptian” sense. The maximum of animation that hotels have: daytime animation is water polo in the pool, evening animation is evening programs and live music. 10. There are a lot of Chinese in hotels. 11. Electrical voltage 220 V. Sockets and plugs, as a rule, are of European standard. We recommend taking a tee and extension cord with you. 12. The rooms, as a rule, have tea and coffee sets, kettles, as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, comb, etc. 13. Internet in Hainan - almost all hotels provide guests with wired and wireless Internet access. As a rule, the Internet speed is good. The government is blocking many “anti-Chinese” foreign websites. 14. Once again about the deposit. Almost all hotels in Hainan have a deposit. Typically $100 per room per stay. Paid upon arrival. In front of you, your bills are put in an envelope, you are given a receipt, and the bills are put in a safe. When leaving, if you did not damage the furniture or use the services, the same bill will be returned to you by removing it from the envelope. You can pay the deposit in 3 currencies - dollars, euros, yuan, you can also use a credit card (but we do not recommend it, since this amount will be unlocked after 30 days). Climate in Hainan -
Hainan Island boasts wonderful summer weather all year round. Hainan is the southernmost island of the People's Republic of China with a subequatorial climate. It is rare to find cloudy weather here, since the sun shines about three hundred days a year, and in general only two seasons can be distinguished - dry and rainy. In winter, lovers of low temperatures prefer to come to Hainan. There is no obsessive heat during the day, the air temperature is kept within comfortable limits: +25°C, and the evenings and nights are cool: +14°C… +16°C. The water in the sea is warmed up just like the air - up to +25°C; in December and January, cold currents sometimes pass off the coast of Hainan.
Spring is the most favorable time to travel to Hainan, especially for those who love warm and not stuffy weather. During the day the air is warmed up to +25-32°C, and in the evening up to +21°C, so jackets and spring sweaters in the wardrobe will not be superfluous. On average, the water temperature in Hainan in spring reaches +28°C. Summer is the tropical rainy season - not the best time for a beach holiday in Hainan. At this time, there are strong waves and winds at sea, sometimes storms hit the coast, and at the end of summer even typhoons. The level of solar radiation also increases during this period, so even if you are lucky enough to experience good weather, you should not stay on the beach for too long, especially during midday. Temperatures can rise to +36°C during the day. Due to the increased humidity, a greenhouse effect is created - it becomes difficult to breathe, so excursions and long bus trips are not particularly popular at this time. The water temperature in Hainan in summer is kept at +28°C... +30°C. At the beginning of autumn, Hainan still experiences summer weather: during the day the air temperature in September reaches +30°C, dropping to +24°C in the evening. The sea water is still warm: +28°C, and it rains almost every day. The real tropical autumn here begins only in November, the air temperature drops noticeably: to +25°C during the day and +19°C at night, the sea water also cools slightly to +25°C. By the end of autumn, the amount of precipitation is reduced by more than half.
When is the best time to go to Hainan? In our opinion, the best time to holiday in Hainan is March, April, May, June and November. During these months, the weather on Hainan Island is warm, and the sea is warmed up to a comfortable temperature for swimming. This weather is perfect for both beach holidays and excursions. Swimming in Hainan -
The swimming season in Hainan lasts all year round. In no month does the sea temperature in Hainan drop below 20 °C. The sea temperature throughout the year ranges from +23°C to +30°C. The most favorable months for relaxing and swimming in Hainan are March, April, May, June, the second half of October and November. Time in Hainan - Beijing time applies throughout China. Time difference with Moscow: in winter +5 hours. Money and currency in Hainan -
Excursions are payable in cash only. Tipping in Hainan - It is not customary to tip in hotels and restaurants. If you leave them, you will offend the Chinese. Cuisine in Hainan - On the island of Hainan, various styles of Chinese cuisine are widely represented, differing in the method of preparation and the types of spices used. Here you can try Cantonese dishes, probably the healthiest of those listed, as they are steamed or boiled just a little. Shanghai cuisine will surprise you with its famous Peking duck, smoked and seasoned with a special marinade; Sichuan and Hunan cuisine are known for their very hot and spicy taste.
But among all this diversity, there are dishes that if you visit Hainan, it would be an unforgivable omission not to try them. Firstly, there is the Hele crab, which has won the love of gourmets with its tender meat and golden caviar, steamed and served with a sauce with garlic and vinegar. Secondly, this is, of course, stewed lamb, and sometimes Dongshan goat meat, which has a special aroma, served with a spicy sauce. The next dish recommended for tasting is boiled Jiaji duck, with thin skin and unusually juicy meat, and finally, Wenchang chicken served with a spicy sauce of ginger and sesame oil. Choosing where it is better to eat in a hotel restaurant, or in street or seaside cafes, must be based on culinary preferences and wallet.
Another advantage of eating in China is huge portions and the ability to take leftovers with you in special containers, which is practiced everywhere and is not considered shameful. However, seafood lovers should remember that it is better to enjoy the gifts of the Hainan waters in coastal restaurants - the products here will be much fresher and tastier than in the same restaurants in the interior of the island. Usually in such places there is a large aquarium in front of the entrance, from which they catch their favorite lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and various fish. However, to avoid misunderstandings, you should ask to weigh the selected fish and write down its weight on the order form to avoid overpayment.
The island of long-livers Hainan stuns the average tourist with an abundance of exotic fruits. Only desperate daredevils can try some of them, but coconut milk and all the dishes derived from it are definitely worth tasting. Coconuts are found everywhere here in huge quantities, and the pleasant taste of cool coconut milk is so lifesaving on a hot afternoon. Estimated cost of food in cafes and restaurants in Hainan:
Alcohol in Hainan - There are no problems with alcohol on the island. It is sold in small shops, large supermarkets, and specialized wine stores. Prices are the same everywhere. Shopping in Hainan - Shops are open from 08.00 (09.00) to 20.00 (22.00), some until 01.00. Crime and Law Enforcement in Hainan - Crime in Hainan is zero. A rare case of theft, but the body kit and petty fraud are possible. For example, they give you change, but the bill is actually of the wrong denomination. They should give you 5 yuan, but they give you 5 jiao (that’s half a yuan), since there is a five on it. Be careful. Buying fruit on the street can add weight and sell more expensive goods without a price tag. About the local police - they are very strict here. Don't think that if you commit even a minor violation of the law such as shoplifting, you will get away with it. Not at all. Here is a real story from March 30, 2017. A female tourist was caught by the police in stealing goods in a shopping center. The result was 15 days of arrest and deportation. Photography in Hainan -
It seemed to us that there were no special restrictions on photography in Hainan. Everyone takes pictures and takes pictures of each other, and also strives to take pictures with you. So take pictures of whatever and however you want, Transport in Hainan -
Buses in Hainan are the most budget option; transport runs from 7 am to 11 pm. The buses are clean and air conditioned. There are often no conductors on buses; there is a special box hanging next to the driver where you deposit your fare money. Don't even think about riding as a hare! The bus is equipped with a camera so that “Big Brother” will be watching you throughout the trip.
As for a taxi, it is not so easy to catch one, even on the Sanya waterfront. In other places, and especially from 17:00 to 20:00, it becomes even more difficult, since this is rush hour, many are returning from work, and all the taxi drivers are busy, but sometimes I got the impression that taxi drivers are not working at all at this time. There was a case when we were completely unable to catch a taxi and had to walk for about an hour. And it is also difficult to find a taxi early in the morning. As for payment, if you go by the meter, then the system is as follows: 8 yuan is charged immediately for landing, and this is at the same time the cost of the first two kilometers. Every next kilometer is another 2 yuan on top. If the driver did not turn on the meter when boarding, then point to it, making it clear to the driver that you agree to go only according to the meter; if he refuses, then it is better not to get in, in order to avoid further conflicts and omissions. Rental of cars, motorcycles, bicycles -
Unfortunately, to rent a car or motorcycle, you must have a Chinese license. Road traffic and pedestrian crossings -
In China, turning left/right on a red light at an intersection is not a traffic violation, so please pay special attention to the vehicles making the turn when crossing the road. Health and hygiene in Hainan - Be sure to wash your hands before eating. Sharks and jellyfish, snakes and scorpions in Hainan - There are no dangerous sharks that still swim to the shore. When swimming in coastal waters, there is no risk of shark attack. In general, there are sharks in the Hainan area. The last attack was recorded in 2003. A shark attacked fishermen 800 meters from the shore. Jellyfish are rarely brought by sea currents or storms. There are no dangerous jellyfish in these waters. Souvenirs of Hainan Island -
Of course, in first place is Chinese tea. There is also local Hainan tea. If you are a tea gourmet, be sure to buy the best three teas. Puer, Tiguanin, Dahongpau. Chinese traditional medicine in Hainan -
There are three leaders of Chinese medicine in Hainan: Clothes in Hainan -
There are no dogmas or strict requirements for tourists; they are free to walk and dress as they please. And, in general, the local residents of Hainan are very friendly, hospitable and sincere towards guests, they will gladly give advice and help with advice. How much money should you take with you? If we are talking about an economy option, then 100 yuan per day is enough for rest and food. Of course, if you are planning a full-fledged shopping and restaurant trip, then you can spend a lot here. We recommend taking at least $100 - that's about RMB 650 for a week's trip per person. This is an economical option. The rest is up to you. There is where to spend and on what. Other useful tips |
