Hotels in China

[Adrian]

Hello,

Which hotels would you highly recommend I stay at in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Nanjing, Beijing, Nanning?

I am looking at a budget 3 star hotel. Something reasonable at around $300 RMB a night.

What is the law stating brining Chinese girls to my hotel? I have a few friends that I like to give them gifts I bought but can these girls stay at my hotel? Is there any law that says you can't?

What is the duty free limits and other restrictions China has. How much money can I bring in? What can I bring in and what can't I bring in?

Thanks.

[flameproof]

There are so many hotels in that price range. Hard to give any suggestion.

Girls in the room are usually no problem. But you will have to do some explaining when you come in a prostitution raid. Hotels usually have a "23:00 visitors deadline", which is usually not enforced.

As far as I remember you can bring in RMB6000, again, it's seldom checked.

I have heard they got tough on food imports though.

[Adrian]

Thanks for your reply. I just hope everything goes well in China. I know they can be pretty strict or what you can and can not do.

A 3 star raid wouldn't be subjected to a prostitution raid right? I hate prostitution. I just like this girl and she likes me so I will visit her. I just don't wish to get into any trouble while be over there.

I might bring in $2000 AUD in cash, about $1000 RMB (if I can get my hold on some, otherwise I'll probably have to exchange to some RMB at airport for taxi.

I do wish to import some relatively inexpensive jewellery like Opals, I'll be paying around $50 AUD for them each. Around $150 AUD total.

I will pack light as I will buy some clothes in China, I hope they have XXL size for men.

I do not think I will bring any food items into China apart from Listerine Pocketpaks....

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00013TQP6.01._PE46_.Listerine-Pocketpaks-Cool-Mint-72-Count._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I got some four-ply tissues incase I do find any toilets without toilet paper. I might bring a small torch along with me too. I will lock my suitcase and carry bag with padlocks. Is there anything else I should bring?

Thanks.

[johnd]

I got some four-ply tissues incase I do find any toilets without toilet paper.

If you find any public toilets with toilet paper, let us know!

[flameproof]

Adrian

All your points sound very reasonable.

I probably wouldn't bring a padlock, that would be gone too and will just increase your potential loss. I would bring some sort of money poach for your passport etc.

[Magnum]

If you find any public toilets with toilet paper, let us know!

Does that mean most toilets in China do not have toilet paper? What do people do when in a resturant, at school, or when in public places?

[flameproof]

Magnum, now you know why it's uncommon to shake hands in China.

[md1101]

lol.. just make sure you always bring some tissues with you. and if you find yourself without you can usually ask for some from the restaraunt... they may or may not make you pay. just make sure you dont realise there is no toilet paper when its too late.....

[johnd]

People normally carry little packs of tissues for such occasions!

But here's a top tip: if you're ever caught short on the street then head for the nearest McD, KFC, or upmarket hotel. Alway clean and with paper! IMO, it's the only thing McD is good for.

[badr]

I recommend going over to http://elong.net and using that for hotel reservations in those cities. You will get a decent enough deal and be certain that there's a room waiting for you in the appropriate are of town.

registration is free and you don't have to pay until you physically show up in the hotel.

[Adrian]

I have had a look at elong...how about ctrip? Those two looks very similiar, are they own by the same company? Which one is better/more reliable?

Thanks.

[mr.stinky]

Adrian, please search the posts, do some research. i'm afraid you're not ready for china!

i don't know about AU, but in the us, china was portrayed in the media as a stalinist regime,

relying on old, grainy 1950's b&w video, or shots of tiananmen tanks.

you said "I know they can be pretty strict or what you can and can not do." so far, i

haven't noticed this. in fact, they are about as strict, sometimes less so, than in texas.

i've never (in 6 months) had any trouble with 'the authorities,' and have been able to do

pretty much what i please. the only contact i've had with public security is registering

my residence (which i also had to do in germany), and the local traffic cops that say

'hello' as i pass by.

i've stayed in hotels with girlfriends, never had any problems. most don't even ask for

my identification. (smaller towns in yunnan) never heard of a prostitution raid here, but

could be different in shanghai.

don't expect to find XXL clothing that fits. i bought an XXXL track suit that would be

an M in the real world. just bring whatever you think you'll need.

bring a small padlock, you'll feel better. it'll be taken along with the bag, but at least

things won't disappear from your bag in hotel rooms or on trains.

bring any medications you may need: aspirin, antihistamine, diarhea/tummy pills.

and always, always carry some tissues. you can pick up little packs of tissue at the

many little soda/snack vendors. toilets are simply not stocked. in an emergency, go

to a cheap noodle shop. they usually have a roll of TP on one of the tables as napkins.

and be very aware that chinese standards of privacy and sanitation are not the same

as ours. public toilets truly do earn the name 'toilet.' be ready to use a 'squattie,' don't

expect doors on the stalls....if there are stalls, and don't be surprised when the other

guys check out your wedding tackle.

[Adrian]

haha thanks for the insight mate. Keep it coming, yet, Im not sure what to expect, I am a flexible guy though and I do realise some things might not be as good as it is in Australia (or America is your case).

If you feel the need to share any more info then please do so, whatever you have please share with me so I can be fully aware of everything I would need to know.

Thank you.