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Taizhou Travel Resources

Taizhou Travel Resources

Taizhou Jiangsu, China Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Follow a sequence of events to handle your preparations effectively.

Chronological Planning Timeline

What to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week before.

1

Months Prior

Visa Application

Apply for your China visa. This process can take several weeks, so begin early.

International Flights

Book your major international flights into Shanghai or Nanjing.

Research Itinerary

Start researching attractions, activities, and potential day trips in Taizhou and Jiangsu.

2

Month Prior

Domestic Transport

Book domestic flights (to YTY) or high-speed rail tickets (to Taizhou Train Terminal).

Accommodations

Secure all your hotel or accommodation reservations in Taizhou and any other cities you plan to visit.

Travel Insurance

Arrange for comprehensive travel insurance. Consider World Nomads.

3

Week Prior

Confirm Reservations

Double-check all flight, train, hotel, and tour reservations.

Pack Smartly

Start packing, keeping climate and cultural considerations in mind.

Document Copies

Make digital and hard copies of all important documents.

Required Advance Bookings

Ensure these elements are secured before your trip.

Bookings Checklist

  • Visa: This is the most important item.
  • International and Domestic Flights: especially if traveling during peak season.
  • High-Speed Train Tickets: For inter-city travel, schedule these in advance.
  • Popular Hotels: Secure your preferred accommodations.

Pre-Trip Research

Thorough research informs your journey.

Research Areas

  • Climate: Understand climate patterns to pack appropriately.
  • Culture and Etiquette: Learn local customs to demonstrate respect.
  • Food: Research Taizhou's Huaiyang cuisine and specific dishes.
  • Transportation: Familiarize yourself with local transport (buses, Didi).

Home Preparation

Ready your home for your absence.

Mail & Pet Arrangements

  • Hold Mail: Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
  • Pet Care: Organize pet-sitting or boarding for pets.
  • Notify Family/Friends: Share itinerary and emergency contacts.
  • Secure Home: Ensure your home is safe and locked.

Financial & Digital Setup

  • Bank Notification: Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • VPN Setup: Install and test your VPN on all devices.
  • Mobile Payment: Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay.
  • Download Apps: Ensure all essential apps are installed.

Document & Mail Management

  • Document Copies: Make digital and physical copies.
  • Mail Collection: Arrange for someone to collect mail.
  • Trip Confirmation: Double-check all reservations.
  • Home Security: Turn off unnecessary appliances.

Pre-departure App Setup

Install and test your VPN, set up WeChat Pay and Alipay with your international credit card, and download essential navigation and translation apps Before you depart.

Arrival Checklist

These steps transition you smoothly upon arriving in Taizhou.

Initial Arrival Steps

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs:

    Have your passport, visa, and any required health declarations ready.

  • 2
    Collect Baggage:

    Retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim after arrival.

  • 3
    Customs Declaration:

    Complete any required customs declarations upon entry.

Orientation Upon Arrival

  • Local SIM Card:

    Purchase a local SIM card (passport registration required).

  • Currency Exchange/ATM:

    Withdraw cash or exchange currency; mobile payment dominates.

  • Connect to Wi-Fi/Data:

    Ensure your phone has internet access via SIM or Wi-Fi.

Currency Exchange & Initial Purchases

Airport Exchange

Exchange a small amount of cash at the airport if physical Yuan hand is preferred.

Mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay/Alipay) will constitute your main payment method.

Local SIM Purchase

Purchase a local SIM for seamless connectivity upon arrival.

Registering your passport is typically necessary for SIM card activation.

Immediate Needs

Consider buying water or a small snack upon arrival for comfort.

Most initial transactions are manageable with mobile payment applications.

Transportation from Entry Point

Pre-book: Consider pre-booking a Didi or taxi, especially if getting to a major airport like Shanghai or Nanjing.

Understand Routes: Research public transport routes (airport shuttles, metro to train station) to your accommodation if you plan to use them.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a hassle-free departure from Taizhou and China.

Souvenir & Shipping

  • Buy in Advance: Purchase souvenirs early to avoid rush.
  • Luggage Weight: Check airline limits to avoid excess fees.
  • Shipping: International shipping can be complex and expensive.
  • VAT Refund: China does not offer a general VAT refund scheme.

Timing & Return Prep

  • Airport/Train Station: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flight.
  • Domestic flights: 1.5-2 hours; high-speed train: 30-60 minutes.
  • Hotel Checkout: Arrange for a timely checkout from accommodation.
  • Confirm Flights: Double-check return flight details and connections.

Luggage & Possessions

Make sure all are secure belongings for your journey home.

Final Checks

  • All belongings packedConfirmed
  • No items left behindVerified
  • Outstanding bills settledCompleted
  • Important documents accessibleReady

Departure Logistics

  • Plan your route to the airport or train station.
  • Consider booking a Didi or taxi in advance for convenience.
  • Review mass transit options if preferred.
  • Allow extra time for potential traffic or unforeseen delays.

Final Checks

Confirm all flight details, pack all belongings, and complete hotel checkout.

Ensure no outstanding payments or items left behind before heading to your leaving point.

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