Business in China
1999 Summer Study Abroad
( Open to all majors )

» Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) »

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What is the temperature of Tianjin and Beijing during our visit period?

May and June in Tianjin and Beijing are quite comfortable for staying. The temperature in May is equivalent to our July and June is the same as August. However, it is quite humid in China during this season.

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What kind of clothes should I prepare for?

Two suits of formal dresses would be sufficient. More casual clothes (at least the quantity that would last for a week or so) are recommended for studying and tours. Comfortable shoes and plenty of socks are important. You may want to bring a thin coat. You may need it during windy day, early morning and late evening. Also, bring a suit of sport cloths for daily Tai Chi exercise and spot events.

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Where are we going to stay in China?

We will stay and eat at the guest house of Hebei University of Technology (HUT). This facility was specially constructed for entertaining foreign visitors and for use in executive training. The setting is equivalent to a good quality of hotel in China. Other university’s guest house will be arranged during our tours to Beijing and public guest house will be used during our visit to Cheng De city. Each room will be shared by two persons.

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Where can I wash my clothes?

Coin-operated washing machine is hard to find in China. For our convenience, HUT will provide us with a washing machine and drier during our stay. A small amount of fee will be collected for this services.

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Can I use my credit cards in China? How about travel check?

Credit cards are not yet popular in China. It can only be used in large hotels and large shopping centers. You will have problem of using travel check without first exchanging it to Chinese currency.

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How much money should I carry for my personal spending?

It depends. However, most items in China are inexpensive . For myself, I will not carry over $500. In my last trip, I spent less than $100 to bring enough gifts backs for family, friends, and myself.

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Where can I exchange China currency (Zen-Min-Bi)?

You can only exchange China currency at major Airports or authorized banks (not many) in China. HUT will arrange a local bank to provide currency exchange service when we arrive at the guest house.

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Is there any problem of using my electronic shaver in China?

The electrical voltage in China is 240V (not 120V). Yes! Most of portable electrical equipment will have no problem of use. Check your instruction manuals before bring them to China.

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Can I use my notebook computer in China?

Yes! But you need to have a special 3-plug adapter to use it. You can buy them here or after arrived at China (I will show you a sample during our pre-departure meeting). You will also be allowed to use the computer facility at HUT (not as good as what we have here).

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Is there any e-mail service I can use?

Yes! Hebei University of Technology will provide us with group e-mail service.

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Can I call home or friends from China?

Yes! But international phone call is not as convenient as here. You can only call home from the Business Center (1st floor, not room) of the Guest House. However, you can answer call at your room from your family or friends. The phone number to the guest house is: +86 (22) 265-39336 Ext (room number ). It is also much cheaper to call from the US.

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Can I drink the raw water from faucet?

No! Only the boiled (hot) or treated water provided by the guest house can be drink. You should not drink the raw water directly from the faucet. The Business Center will also have soft drinks for sale.

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What items would you recommend me to bring to China?

Well! A tough question. I would suggest you to bring the following items with you:

  1. A small bag for use during field trips or tours.
  2. A good camera or portable video camcorder (plus sufficient amount of films and tapes)
  3. Some tissues and paper towers (most rest rooms in China did not provide these items)
  4. Some small gifts for your Chinese team members/family.
  5. Personal items such as notepads, shaver, toothpaste, hair drier, etc.
  6. Some personal medicines (e.g., Tylenol, bandage, cream, etc.)
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What kind of Vaccination shot do I need?

Not really! However, for peace of mind, I do recommend you to take Hepatitis A & B shots. They normally cover by your insurance.

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Mail your comments to: chu@ist.psu.edu
Last Update: December 30, 1998