Whether you are travelling to Hong Kong on business or as a tourist, there are some things you should know regarding local customs and traditions. You will still stand out as an ‘outsider’ but when you show the local people that you respect their customs, you in turn will receive respect from them. They will appreciate your efforts and will treat you with admiration. Here are five things you need to know when you are visiting Hong Kong.

1) Tax and Tipping: There is no sales tax in HK; however, be aware that there is a 5% government tax rate on hotels. Tipping is not customary but is becoming an expected habit from Westerners. Typically, be prepared to pay $10 (HK dollars) for porters at the hotel and $2 for each bag when enlisting the help of a porter at the airport.

2) Currency: The currency in HK is known as the HK dollar (HK$). The government issues the currency in notes of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100 and HK$1,000. It is best to check with your bank for the most up-to-date exchange rate, as it changes daily. As a general rule, it usually trades at approximately HK$7.8 to 1 U.S. dollar.

3) Tea Time: To fit in with the locals at a restaurant, you will want to tap two bent fingers on the table as an expression of thanks when you are served hot tea.

4) Restaurants: Most entertaining takes place in restaurants rather than private homes; it is customary to let your host decide what the meal will be; have a little bit of everything as it is considered rude to pass up on a dish.

5) Business Cards: These cards are given out as often as handshakes and you are expected to give one in return for every one that you get; Have plenty on hand.

Hong Kong has two official languages: Cantonese and English, so if you speak one of these, you shouldn’t have a problem getting around. There are also many places of worship so whether you are Christian, Jewish or Muslim you will be able to affirm your faith accordingly. Most hotels provide their guests with bottled water, although tap water is safe to drink. Check with your local customs laws before you leave so you know how much you are allowed to bring back. This usually depends on how long you’ve been away.

5 Tips to Follow When You Travel to Hong Kong is a post from: Traveling China

Thailand is for many people one of the favorite destinations. And the reasons are pretty much obvious. Even if tourism has really grown during the recent years, Thailand still offers some pretty much unspoiled territories, precious beaches and an amazing cultural shock that you will probably prefer to miss your plane back home rather than coming back to your everyday’s life. But to travel cheap to Thailand you really need to find out the right places or you will be abused as most tourists are.

Travel deals when it comes to flying there are many, as competence for Thailand is very high and in this case travel agencies are strongly fighting one with each other. This, in the end, lets us find some very good deals. The idea of the article is in a general way to encourage you to always look for this special offers in order to travel cheap to Thailand and to anywhere in the world, to never limit yourself to what you see on your first searches, but furthermore, and being aware that this is a limited time offer, I wanted to share with you for free one of my findings early this morning.

This offer is specially good for all Europeans, as departures are from London, and as I never get tired to say, you can reach London for 20 Euros the round trip with everything included with Ryanair. From there, with flights included and 14 nights in hotels in Thailand, you will get it for the price of 585 UK Pounds (813 Euros) I could kill myself for promoting offers like this for free, as I have no relationship with any travel agency at all, but certainly I am convinced that everybody should have the goal to help people, so here we are.

The way you can book in this case is not online, but online you will find a web-page that offers you the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand and a number in the UK that you can call to get more information. I haven’t tried, but I imagine that you will be able to make the booking by telephone.

Together the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand, this guys have other interesting things specially related with traveling to Asia, but also many other offers to other regions, as flights to Auckland for 934 Euros, which is by far the best offer I have ever seen in the market from Europe to New Zealand. Also you can find 21 days campervan plus the flights to Auckland for just 1152 Euros. Again, is the best offer I have ever seen to get to the region. All this offers are generally valid until the 15th of June 2008, but if you wait for the beginning of January, the new offers for the summer and the first September discounted vacations will begin to appear.

They are also offering many possibilities to discover Africa, including some Safari packages, for relatively low prices. Africa is not my area of expertise, so I won’t promise they have the cheapest option, but the numbers look pretty good compared to what I have seen up till now.

In any case, just feel free to take a look at their page and you will find out which offer adapts best to your needs if you are planning to travel Asia, Africa or the South Pacific from Europe.

Travel Cheap to Thailand is a post from: Traveling China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The earliest sections of the Walls were built between 220-206 BC buy the very first Emperor of China. Most of what we see today though was built during the Ming Dynasty which lasted from 1368 to 1644. In total the wall stretches for a colossal 5,500.3 miles. It’s not surprising then that the wall has become such a tourist attraction.

For any holiday to China a trip to the Great Wall is a must. There are a number of different tours of the wall taking in different sections. One of the most popular is the tour from Beijing which allows you to walk along this historic landmark while also getting to enjoy the delights that the capital has to offer.

While the wall exudes a timeless charm about it the surrounding scenery changes with the seasons. Visiting at different times of the year will give you a very different experience.

In spring the Great Wall will be surrounded by the newly green trees and plants with the extra advantage of having far less tourist you see in the Summer and Autumn months.

During the summer months flowers burst into bloom and leaves cover the mountains as the Great Wall meanderings its way through the lush undergrowth like a silver dragon.

During the Autumn months the mountains become a patch work or oranges, gold’s, browns and amber creating some stunning views. Another bonus is the weather as you can escape the heat of the summer while avoiding the cold of the winter.

During the winter the mountains and even the wall itself becomes covered in snow making for a very pretty scene. On the downside the weather will be cold but you will have fewer people to share the wall with.

With the Great Wall just a number of amazing sights to see in China a tour of the country will probably be your best option. This way you will be able to take in the awe inspiring sight of the wall as well as many of the other highlight this fascinating country has to offer.

A Tour of the Great Wall of China is a post from: Traveling China

For some people, battery is the most important energy source that they can use it for many purposes. Electronic tools are using battery as the most important energy source to make it work. However, when the battery is going to low, you can use replacement battery as a temporary energy source while the first battery is charged. There are also many types of battery that available in the market. Acid battery model is one of the most used batteries for transpiration.

One of the most compatible replacement batteries that you can find it in the market for universal power is UB12120. This battery is rechargeable and sealed in lead acid meets of battery. This high quality of battery can be used in many purposes such as car power source, factory power source, or even for your home electricity power. If you want to buy this product, you can visit the website at BatterySharks.com.

This universal battery provides the high quality power and high quality of durability. You can buy this battery in affordable price at $24.70 and save your money up to $4.30. If you are interested or even want to know more about the product, you can directly visit the website or contact the website on 1 (800) 657-1303

High Quality of Power and Durability of Universal Power Battery is a post from: Traveling China

Прокат автомобилей Запорожье is the best solution that you can have if you visit Kiev. Прокат Aвто is the right rent car service that provides many luxury car and advanced car with the latest model. There is service of renting a car with driver and without driver. If you want to drive it by your own, you can have the option of renting a car without driver.

People who rent a car in this company are not only tourist, but also local tourist who wants to use to try the latest product of some branded car. You only need to rent and fill the gas for the car and the other technical service of car service is handled by the company.

The Best Rent Car in Kiev for Domestic and Foreign Tourist is a post from: Traveling China

If you have never been to China then you can count on being surprised by all the tourists attractions you can find in China. You should know that there are a lot of wonderful tourists attractions in China so we highly recommend you visiting China sometime in your life. Within this article we are going to tell you some information on the tourists attractions of China. If you are debating on going to China then this is the right article to read.

If you are interested in History then you may want to go to China to see The Great Wall. When you get a chance to be up close to The Great Wall you will say it is like viewing a colossal dragon. The truth is that The Great Wall of China seems to be the most appealing attraction to many individuals. This is mainly because of its historical importance and how it is built. You will find The Great Wall of China north-east of Beijing in Simatai.

You may not believe it but in the Forbidden City there is a Palace Museum that has 9999 buildings inside it. To many people throughout the world the Palace Museum is really amazing. When you go to China you will become spellbound by all of their tourist attractions. You will find a lot of neatly decorated rooms. A regal hall that can be found in a city called Kaifeng has a Dragon Pavilion and it is also a nice tourist attraction of China. They built this dragon on a pretty high marble terrace that was thirteen meters high.

Also if you are interested in History you should consider visiting Beijing, China. Beijing just so happens to be the capital of China and it has a 3,000 year history. Five rivers are going through Beijing and many individuals like to look over these rivers because they are very peaceful. In Beijing you are going to find a lot of entertainment. If you like museums then you can count on running into some museums in Beijing. If you have a family and you want to go to a park then you can find a park in Beijing. It seems like Beijing has it all. In Beijing you are going to find stores that are up to date. You will also find a Traditional Medicine shop that first came about in the year 1669. If you like opera performances then you can even go to those in Beijing.

If you take a eight hour train from Beijing you will come into Datong, China. In Datong you will find your fair share of Buddhist statues. If you are into Buddhist statues then in Datong you will be able to find them in all sizes and shapes. There are over 51,000 Buddhist statues in Datong all together. This is only a couple of places that are great to visit in China, there are many many more places that are great in China.

Tourists Attractions of China is a post from: Traveling China

Hong Kong hotels are some of the most expensive accommodations in Asia. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find any budget or affordable hotels at all. For the most hotel choices for a traveler on a budget or just anyone looking for a decent place to stay without breaking the bank, head for the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong.

The Kowloon peninsula is Hong Kong island’s gateway to mainland China. There is an efficient and affordable train system running up and down Kowloon with stations positioned throughout the popular districts in the area. You can easily travel back and forth to each other by Hong Kong’s classic and iconic ferry boats across the Hong Kong Harbour or by train through a tunnel beneath the harbour.

By staying in a hotel in Kowloon you will be in a strategic location for the best shopping, eating and nightlife with ways to easily explore all parts of Hong Kong. And by staying in Kowloon you’ll have plenty of accommodation choices to choose from as well. But here’s a warning in advance. Most hotel rooms in Hong Kong are small and most cases it doesn’t matter whether you are staying at a 5 star hotel or a cheap place.

The best place to stay in Kowloon is close to a major avenue called Nathan road which runs through several popular districts called Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Mongkok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. Nathan road is also referred to as the “Golden Mile” that will dazzle you with it’s sights, sounds and smells. Much like Broadway in New York City, Nathan road is the spine of Kowloon and when you find it you’ll never get lost.

One of the best budget to affordable hotel in Kowloon is the BP International Hotel located in shopper’s paradise district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It is run by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Boy’s Scouts association and offers guests clean rooms and good service. The BP is located right on the northern tip of Kowloon Park right next to Nathan road. Since the hotel is 25 floors high you can get a really good view of the city, park and hotel. A room at BP will set you back around HK$650 (low season room rate). The room rate does not include breakfast though, however there are many affordable places to eat nearby, even a McDonald’s restaurant.

Another budget hotel worth looking at is located a bit further up in Mongkok district. It’s called the Largos Hotel. Just like the BP the rooms are small but comfortable and good for a night’s rest. Rooms here cost around HK$600 (low season rate) and is a good option close to the Mongkok train station and the ever popular street markets stalls open every night nearby.

Now if room space is a big concern and you have a serious case of claustrophobia yet can afford to spend just a bit more then the Prudential Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui district should be your first choice. The Prudential is one of those rare hotels with big rooms and bathrooms. A superior room can fit two twin beds, a large desk and a lounge couch. All for HK$900 per night. And it’s also in a convenient location with a train station entrance below the hotel with plenty of places to eat and shop within walking distance.

Even though hotels in Hong Kong are considered expensive they are still booked full most of the time, especially during the low season. And it’s a good idea to not visit during October (the conventions in town) and February (Chinese New Year’s). Room rates during those time can double and even triple in price.

Hong Kong Hotels – Where to Stay in Kowloon is a post from: Traveling China

Many travelers shop in Asia because they often find better bargains there. It is true that honest salespeople abound in Asia. But like elsewhere, there will always be a few ‘sales-predators’ who try to overcharge misinformed tourists.

If you paid $5 for a $2-scarf, your only damage would probably be some teasing from your travel companions. But if you were to pay $600 for a $300-camera, would you still remember your Asian vacation fondly?

Here are 3 steps to identify a sales-predator and counter his sales tactics. These are especially useful if you plan on getting big ticket items.

1. Create a list of desired models, and check their prices back home.

Just how does one get ripped off while shopping in Asia? Well, simply turn up without knowing the specific items you want, or their market prices. Unethical salespeople love tourists who walk into their shops and ask vague questions like:

a. “Do you have a point-and-shoot camera that is …?” or

b. “Could you recommend a portable hard-disk …?”

Sales-predators know they could mark up prices on these customers, who are unlikely to know if they are being overcharged. So knowing what you want and the market prices helps. Do your homework. Before arriving in Asia, check the prices of items online or at your neighborhood store.

2. Bargain on your territory, not on the salesperson’s.

The moment a sales-predator knows that you have done your research, his next strategy is to take the ‘battle into his territory’. How does he do this? He will say something like, “Well, we have finished selling that model, but let me show you something much better …!”

At this point, you ‘enter his territory’ because you may not know the market price of the item he is going to show you. And if you like the item enough, he might just quote you a price to his advantage.

To counter this, go down your checklist and ask if he sells the next item on your list. If he repeatedly says he doesn’t have the items you want, it is time to leave the shop. There is always another shop down the road. So don’t feel the pressure to say ‘yes’ too quickly.

3. Identify the ‘upsell’ strategy and don’t fall for it.

Often, after a price has been agreed and the payment imminent, the sales-predator will try to ‘increase his margin’. “You know, we’ve got a fantastic pair of woofer speakers that go superbly with your MP3 player,” he would say. “Let me show you how nice they sound.” He whips up some audio equipment, mutes all other devices in his shop and plays a hypnotic tune using the device you have just agreed to buy.

If you really, really like the add-on, by all means buy it. But take it from me: the add-on is likely a brand you have never heard of and marked up quite substantially. Beware of this upsell tactic. If the item is truly that great, nobody will need to try so hard to sell it.

I have been burnt before and I know that dishonest salespeople are capable of doing the things mentioned above. But now that you have got the inside story, go and beat those sales-predators at their own game. Then pay it forward by sharing your wisdom at online forums. You can make shopping in Asia a wonderful experience. For yourself and for those visiting after you.

Asia Travel – 3 Ways to Counter Dishonest Salespeople is a post from: Traveling China

China is a fantastic country to travel. There’s quite simply a huge abundance of things to see and do during your China trip. With all its ancient history and Asian culture it’s a travellers dream. Get you cameras at the ready as you won’t take your finger of the trigger throughout your China travel experience.

Now this list could go on forever but if I had to choose, here would be my top ten travel experiences in China.
The Great Wall of China- This has to be number one really – an essential ingredient of any China trip. It’s one of China’s most iconic landmarks and it defiantly does not disappoint. One of my all-time best China travel moments was sitting on the edge of the Wall watching the sun set in to the mountains in the distance. Star gazing at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe – The skies in Xiahe are truly spectacular as you can see millions of stars. Looking out for a shooting star as the monks chant with wafts of insence in the air is altogether a great China travel experience. The Karst Mountains in Yangshuo- Scenery doesn’t get much better than this. Towering limestone formations dominate the landscape and create one of China’s most beautiful locations. This is something that you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your China trip. Hong Kong’s Skyline- One of the best that I’ve seen from my travel in China. The city even puts New York to shame with the amount if skyscraper’s on offer. The view point at Victoria Peak is defiantly a must to really appreciate the beauty of the metropolis. Head up just before it gets dark and watch the city light up as the sun goes down – a magical China travel highlight. The Sera Monastery in Lhasa- Not necessarily the top attraction is Lhasa which is why it’s one of the best. Nestled away from the normal tourist route the original structures of the Sera Monastery date back to 1419 with halls decorated by beautiful scriptures written in powdered gold. Be sure to arrive before 3pm to watch the afternoon debating session between the crowds of monks, a really quirky experience that you won’t find anywhere else during your Tibet and China trip. Camping in the Ganya Grasslands - Camping in the surrounding areas of Xiahe was a brilliant experience and one that I would not normally think of to do during a China trip. Rolling green hills and blooming flowers all topped off with a few grazing Yak. Nature at its best. The “Impressions” Light Show in Yangshuo- “Impressions” was directed by Zhang Yimou who also created the Beijing opening ceremony. The show is set on the Li River itself with the Karst Mountains as the backdrop – a magical China travel experience. Expect spectacular music and a stunning light show. Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing -If you’re feeling hungry and a little adventurous take a walk down Wangfujing snack street and see what the Chinese like to tuck in to instead of a bag of peanuts. Scorpions, star fish, seahorses and giant beetles are all on offer with a side of chilli sauce! This is a China travel experience that you won’t forget in a hurry! Hiking the Dragon’s Bone rice terraces in Ping’an - Defiantly a place to get that postcard photograph. You’ll climb and descend through marvellous scenic areas where the staggered terraces shatter off in to the distance. The best time to visit is from December to April as the terraces are filled with water which creates amazing reflections on a still morning. Shanghai and the Bund- China’s biggest and most prosperous city oozes atmosphere with stunning colonial architecture and dusty ancient temples tucked between futuristic sky scrapers. It’s a great place to begin or end your China trip.

Top Ten China Travel Experiences is a post from: Traveling China

South sea pearls come from Leizhou City in China is famous far and near. Leizhou city is located at the middle of the Leizhou Peninsula. There is an abundance of the ocean resource, which has many different kind of fish, prawn, snail, and shell, clam shell and so on. Pearl is one of the ocean precious products.

The development of Leizhou’s pearl goes back to Han Dynasty. With the social development and the advance of technology Leizhou people began to culture pearls to instead of the traditional collection, including south sea pearl, freshwater pearl. Under the assistance of the scientists of South China Sea Institute, the success of the artificial incubation on pearls advanced the development of the pearl culture.

After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the pearl culture got a fast development. Collective culture, union culture and personal culture come over popular. The culture site increased from 16 to more than 600 during 1985 to 1988. At the end of last century, it was surprise at the development of pearl culture in Leizhou city. In 1990 the cultured pearl was total 2550 kilogram, which was 65% in the nationwide output. In 1992 the culture site increased to around 3000, located everywhere in Leizhou city. The total output was also increased by 75.30%. In 1993 the total output of Leizhou city was nearly two thirds in nationwide output.

The Pearl Village, Liusha, has around 2541 culture site and culture area over 2300 mu. Its total output can be half of the nationwide output, which also increases the income of the people there. The pearls from Liusha are high quality and well sold all over the world.

Along the quick development of the culture pearl, the pearl craftwork industry also develope quickly. Now there is around 25 shell pearl factory and around 56 pearl jewelry factory on pearl necklace, pearl bracelet, pearl earrings and so on. Those products well sale to many countries and districts such as Hongkong, Japan, America, England, Egypt, Southeast of Asia and so on.

Due to the best location of Leizhou Peninsula, rich ocean resource, definite instruction of Chinese Communist Party, Leizhou people adjust measures to location to collect pearls, culture pearls, process pearls, sale pearls, which finally makes the South sea pearl and Chinese pearl famous all over the world.

South Sea Pearl and Leizhou City in China is a post from: Traveling China