Losing or having your belongings stolen can be extremely frustrating, and it will make the process of retrieving important documentation much easier if you are prepared. Before departing, you should put together a “lost passport/documents kit.” You should make photocopies of items such as: credit cards, birth certificate, the first page of your passport, and the page containing your visa. Make sure to keep these photocopies separate from the actual items and, for additional safety, leave extra copies with someone in the U.S.
A: Nanjing is infamous for its hot summers and is called one of the hotpots of China. In the summer, the weather is hot and humid, and in the winter it is moderately cold. Thus, students coming for the semester will experience Nanjing’s different extremes, and should pack clothes accordingly. Generally, flights from the US to China allow for two bags of up to 70 pounds each. However, you should check with your airline to ensure that you understand luggage restrictions and fees.
A: Band-Aids, antibacterial ointment, and medicine to treat headaches, upset stomachs, and allergies can be extremely useful while traveling. Once you arrive in Nanjing virtually everything is available for purchase, including numerous foreign food products, so there is no need to bring them with you. Students will find clothing less expensive in China. Purchasing a guide book on China such as Lonely Planet or Real/Rough Guide Series offers great background and cultural information. Overpacking can cause frustration during travel, so it is usually best to pack light.
A: No vaccinations are currently required to enter China. We do recommend that before you come to China that you visit your local health clinic and be sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. In addition to routine vaccinations, it is recommended to receive Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccinations for travel to Asia.
A: The best way to take out money in China is by using an ATM/Visa card. There are numerous ATMs in Nanjing, so it is not necessary to open a bank account with a Chinese bank. You can also bring cash to China and convert it to Chinese Yuan.
Before you leave the U.S., find out how much your bank charges for international ATM fees. ATM transaction fees are usually about $5.00, however many large U.S. banks have partner Chinese banks where you can withdrawal money free of charge. For both credit cards and ATM cards, verify with the issuer that you can use the card internationally, and notify your bank that you are leaving the country. Credit cards are not as widely used in China as they are in the U.S., and many places do not accept foreign credit cards. It is advised that you do not plan on relying on your U.S. Credit Card for spending in China.
A: Traveling in China is extremely affordable, safe, and convenient. Many students take advantage of these factors and explore China’s countless destinations, many of which can be easily traveled to for a weekend trip from Nanjing. EI Institute staff members can gladly assist you in making travel plans.
A: EI Institute staff will assist students in purchasing a SIM card and phone (many options for less than $40) upon arrival in Nanjing. The phones are pay-as-you-go, and depending on the amount the person uses the phone, charges generally range from $10 to $15 a month. EI Institute staff members are always a phone call away in order to assist students with problems, questions, and translation needs.
A: China runs on 220v as opposed to the 110v in the U.S. Most laptop computers are made to run on both 110v and 220v. For other electronics without the capability to run on 220v, you can buy a frequency converter before traveling to China. Most electronics can be purchased in China, usually for a cheaper price than in the U.S.
A: EI Institute contracts with Inext insurance to provide a wide range of medical services for students, which is included in the overall price of the program. For more information go to: http://www.inext.com/inextweb/guestpages/features/index.html.
In addition to the insurance included with the program, some students' individual health insurance plans might include coverage while overseas, so check with your particular insurance company.
A: The cheapest way to call home from China is by using a program like Skype or Talkster. Calling computer to computer is free, and calling a landline or cell phone from a computer is reasonably priced. Go to www.skype.com to download Skype or http://www.talkster.com/ to download Talkster. Calling cards are comparatively more expensive and can be more difficult to use in China if there is no English menu.
A: China is generally a very safe country, with petty theft being the most common crime. The rate of violent crime is very low, especially towards foreigners. During your orientation in China, EI Institute staff will provide you with detailed information on safety in Nanjing.
A: Nanjing offers a large variety of different Chinese restaurants and many foreigners often become enthusiasts for the local cuisine. On the other hand you can also dine at a wide selection of foreign restaurants and buy groceries at the foreign goods store.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact EI Institute staff at info@eiinst.com