1.
Q: Do I need a Visa to enter China?

A: Most Likely 
However China has made huge moves to be very open to foreign visitors! 

The following European passports can now enter China
without needing a Visa and stay for up to 15 days:
France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain

Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan also do not require Visas to enter China for up to 15 days.

US passport holders do require a visa.
However the process has become even quicker for approval!
Typically they are processed and approved in under a week.

China requires visitors from some certain countries to provide a written invitation or documentation of the event or tourist activity from a Chinese contact. If this proves to be the case for you, don't worry, my Chinese business will handle all the needed documentation to invite you to China.

Please also do your own research and contact your country's Embassy of the People's Republic of China and be sure to submit your visa application a month in advance at minimum.

See the following links for additional information and resources for visa application:
• Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application(Updated in February, 2024)
• Embassy Visa Application Resources
• Chinese Visa Application FAQs
• Recently Added Visa-Free Countries


2.
Q: Will my cellphone work while in China?

A: Yes, but
Your carrier's roaming cell coverage will turn on when you land!
However if your plan does not include a travel coverage plan, it may be expensive based on your usage.

• (e)SIM
Most phones will allow an (e)SIM rental service, i.e. not actually replacing your SIM card.
These are very cheap and easy to use.
See here for an example : Airalo
(Note this does everything except provide you with a phone number! See below)

• SIM card, physical 
If you need or want an actual phone number to use to make calls while not connected to WiFi (and not using your cell provider roaming service), you will need a Chinese SIM card.

These you can easily buy a head of time from places like Amazon, here
Or you can buy when you land in China, but be aware you will need to provide your passport details to purchase a SIM card in China to comply with KYC laws there.

• Rent a Chinese Phone
You can also rent a whole phone if you like at places like here 

3.
Q: Do I need a VPN?

A: Possibly 

While it is true "The Great Firewall" exists which blocks most notable Western sites/apps, (e.g. all Google products, Facebook, Instagram...)
There are very easy and legal work arounds.

If using a foreign roaming plan, that is all you need, nothing will be blocked, however loading speeds may be slow.

If you are using any of the above options for Chinese wireless and/or connected to Chinese WiFi you will encounter the Chinese Firewall blocking sites.

You can also use a VPN safely and effectively to bypass any restrictions whether you are connected to Chinese WiFi or not.
I personally use ExpressVPN as an example.

4.
Q: What if I do not speak Mandarin Chinese?

A: Don't worry!

Compared to the rest of China, Shanghai is the easiest for foreigners.
Much of the city is also written in English, such as street signs, and many in service type jobs have basic english skills.

We will also have extra translators along with us throughout the trip.

But you may want time by yourself, so I also suggest downloading the translation app 'SayHi'.
You can set any language you would like to translated into Mandarin, both written and spoken.

5. 
Q: Will my credit cards work? Do I need to exchange money for Chinese Cash? Do they take US Dollar?

A: While this is an all inclusive event and you won't be pulling out your wallet for much, you will probably want to buy souvenirs and definitely want to try the street food!

• Credit Cards
Be sure to check with you credit provider first to be sure, but major ones like AMEX, Visa, and Mastercard will work just fine in China.
 
• Cash, paper money, tips, etc
China has largely moved away from using cash and even credit cards in nearly every aspect.
Chinese people nearly exclusively uses their cell phones for all transactions, using apps like WeChat and Alipay.
Even street food carts prefer payments by WeChat by scanning a store QR code.
 
All major retail stores will take credit cards, cash, or Apple Pay.
For very small places, gift stands, street food, etc, without having WeChat you will want some cash on hand.

No one will transact in cash USD, all payment in physical cash must be in Chinese Yuan.
 
6.
Q: Which airport should I fly into?

A: Shanghai as two international airports: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)

Hongqiao (SHA) airport is very close to the hotel so if you can, fly into this one.
However most flights coming from the West fly into Pudong (PVG).
Pick either one that fits your scheduling and ability, we'll make sure you're taken care of getting to the hotel from either.

7.
Q: Is China safe?

A: 100% Absolutely 

From an American perspective, it is shockingly safe.
In the Western Media they paint China like it is North Korea, this couldn't be further from the truth.
No place is a utopia, but on nearly every level I have experienced China to be safer than America or Europe, especially from a tourist's experience.

Not to mention we will primarily be in the most affluent areas Shanghai has to offer.

8.
Q: When should I schedule to arrive?
 
A: Hotel check in time is 2:00pm and check out time is 12:00pm

On the first day, September 5th, no official event activity will occur until after hotel check in time to allow every one the opportunity to arrive and relaxingly check in.
 
9.
Q: What if I stay longer?

A: Great!
While the event ticket only applies to the listed features above through Sept 5-9, some of you may wish to come earlier or stay later.
 
I myself and a few other attendees have already arranged to be in Shanghai a few days before and after the event. You are welcome to connect with us during that time or if you plan to do more exploring by yourself or significant other, I will be available for any recommendations or needed help.
 
10.
Q: Will anyone be able to help with reminders or advice on Visas etc?
 
A: Yes.

Once you have booked your event ticket you will be added to a Telegram group with other attendees.
We'll be discussing travel plans, event reminders, and more during the time leading up to the event

Refund Policy:
Due to the nature of booking this event and securing attendance at the multiple venues, there is a no refund policy once booked. However we do know health emergencies, acts of god, etc come up, in these cases do reach out to us and we will do our absolute best to help in this regard.