HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL TO THE CENTER IN BEIJING

University of ChicagoCenter in Beijing

20th floor, Culture Plaza
No. 59A Zhong Guan Cun Street Haidian District

Beijing 100872 People's Republic of China

Passport and Visa for US citizens

  • All U.S. citizens need a valid passportand a valid Chinese visa to enter and exit China. Chinese law requires you carry your passport and visa with you at all times.
  • CIBT ( can assist with passport and visa application processing – consider the concierge service if you are not familiar with the application process or need expedited processing.
  • Travelers may also work directly with the US Department of State to obtain a US passport and with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Chinese visa.
  • Visas are not available upon arrival - if you do not have a valid passport and visa upon arrival you may be immediately deported- the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in China cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.
  • As a precaution, carry photocopies of the bio-data page of your U.S. passport and the pages containing the Chinese visa and Chinese immigration stamps.If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Chinese government.
  • You must register with the police within 24 hours of your arrival into China. If you are staying at a hotel, the staff will automatically register you. However, if you are staying in a private residence, you should take your passport to the local police station to register.

Health and Travel Advisories

  • The below two websites provide health advisories and information regarding recommended vaccinations and other medical precautions:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/)
  • World Health Organization (
  • It is recommended you schedule an appointment with your doctor at least 30 days before departure as some vaccines may require a period of time before becoming effective – bring a detailed itinerary and copies of previous immunizations to your appointment.
  • The US Department of State website ( provides information on current travel warnings and alerts as well as helpful country information for all foreign destinations.
  • It is recommended you enter your travel and contact information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( information makes it easier for consular officers in U.S. embassies contact you and your loved ones during an emergency —including situations where your family or friends in the U.S. are having difficulty contacting you.

Medical and Travel Insurance

  • Prior to departure, you should review your benefits plan to confirm whether or not your medical insurance provides coverage for basic medical care during your time abroad. Carry proof of coverage with you during your travels.
  • The University provides Business Travel Accident Insurance( at no cost to you. Any purchase of additional insurance coverage needs to be approved by the sponsoring department prior to purchase.

Emergency Assistance

  • The University works with International SOS (ISOS) ( to provide assistance services to faculty, students and staff travelling overseas on University sponsored travel. ISOS can assist in the event of a life threatening medical emergency, natural disaster or political unrest. Please note coverage is not meant to cover non-life threatening medical emergencies. You need to be prepared to pay for non-covered services. ISOS can also assist you if you need information on local medical facilities, lose your medication, or need emergency translation or interpreter services for medical or security concerns. Always carry the ISOS ID card with you while traveling internationally. In the event you are unable to access electronic devices, you will need the account number to access services. You can download the mobile phone application ( From Beijing, dial 001-215-942-8478. Call collect if necessary. The Risk Management website contains additional information,

Travel Arrangements

  • Tower Travel Managementis the University’s preferred travel agency and offers 24-hour, worldwide reservation assistance. From the US, call 866-625-6491 and from abroad, call collect 001-682-647-0061. When calling for reservations, provide access code S*75V1 so the travel counselor can access your reservation. Due to the complexity of international travel, travel reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. (
  • Non-stop flights from O’Hare into Beijing International Airport (airport code PEK) typically take about 14 hours. Non-stop flights are very limited so book your reservations as far in advance as possible. Flights departing Chicago in the afternoon land in the afternoon the following day. Return flights to O’Hare typically leave late afternoon and arrive in Chicago the same afternoon after a 13 hour flight.
  • United Airlines fares to Beijing provide up to a 15% discount off most refundable fares when booked through Tower Travel. Tower Travelcan also check for a lower fare on any airline through their relationships with airline ticket consolidators. Air China, a code-share partner of United Airlines, is China’s largest airline. It is highly recommended you use the agent-assisted booking method with Tower Travelat 866-625-6491 rather than using the GEMS Online Booking tool due to the complexity of international travel.
  • Livery service is highly recommended when traveling throughout China. Reserve your airport car services prior to your departure. BostonCoach reservations can be made via using account # 90932 or call 800-672-7676.
  • Taxis are plentiful, reliable and inexpensive in Beijing. Request the hotel front desk write down your destination in Chinese characters to provide to the driver. Also, all hotels provide small business cards with directions to the hotel in Chinese characters. Take one and keep it with you to show your taxi driver when returning to the hotel.
  • For another local experience, try riding the Beijing subway. It’s quick, safe and inexpensive and offers English language signage. The Center is located on two major subway lines.
  • The following hotels are suggested accommodations: Peninsula Beijing – Luxury hotel located 9 milestothe Center; Crowne Plaza –Luxury hotel located less than 1 mile to the Center; Friendship Hotel – short walk to the Center – for those looking for a more Chinese experience.

Miscellaneous Information

  • Water– Drink bottled water only. Do not use tap water, not even to brush your teeth.
  • Power Adapter - Check to see if your electronics and small appliances are dual voltage i.e. 220 to 240 volt; 50 hertz. If not, you will need a voltage converter. You will also need to bring an adaptor plug to fit the outlets, though most hotels can loan you a plug. The electrical outlets at theCenter can accommodate an American style plug without an adaptor but they supply the higher 220 volts. Review the IT department’s website to ensure you remain connected to the office and your family
  • Currency –Renminbi is the official currency of China and the yuanis the basic unit of the Renminbi. One yuan is subdivided into 10 jiǎo and a jiǎo in turn is subdivided into 10 fēn. Renminbi banknotes are available in denominations of .1, .5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 and coins in .1, .5 and 1.Thus some denominations exist in both coins and banknotes.Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers are located in most big cities and airports. A good way of getting currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank. A useful currency convertor can be found at
  • GEMS Credit Card – The GEMS card is a valuable tool for payment of travel services and accepted by hotels internationally. If you don’t have a GEMS card, check with your department to learn if you can apply for a card. Be aware the card cannot be used at ATMs or at currency exchanges for cash advances.
  • Personal Credit Cards - It is advisable to call your credit card company before you leave to let them know you will be using the card internationally so the card is not closed due to suspicious use. Ask the credit card company if your card is set up for ATM usage and cash advances at a currency exchange. Your hotel can advise the location of an ATM that accepts out of country credit cards.
  • Tipping - At restaurants, tip between 5-15%, if the tip has not been included. Hotel bellboys and maids appreciate tips as well. It is unnecessary to tip when taking a taxi or hiring a car
  • Time Zone - China does not observe Daylight Savings Time (DST) so Beijing is 13 hours ahead of the Central Time Zone from March – November but 11.5 hours ahead November – March.
  • Weather – Average Highs and Low Temperatures: January 36/15; May 81/57; September 79/59

International Travel Tips

Before you depart, review the following information on topics such as hotel safety and personal conduct.

11/17/2014