Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tuberculosis (TB)
This is a rare disease in travellers that's contracted after prolonged close exposure to a
person with an active TB infection. Symptoms include a cough, weight loss, night sweats
and fevers. Children under the age of five spending more than six months in China should
receive BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccination. Adults are rarely immunised.
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is contracted from contaminated food and water. Symp-
toms include high fever, headache, a cough and lethargy. The diagnosis is made via blood
tests, and treatment is with specific antibiotics.
Environmental Hazards
Air Pollution
Běijīng is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Although the government improved
the situation prior to the 2008 Olympics and kept certain measures in place after the
games (eg restricting car use), those with chronic respiratory conditions should ensure
they have adequate personal medication with them in case symptoms worsen.
Water
Don't drink the tap water or eat ice. Bottled water (but check the seal is not broken on the
cap), soft drinks, alcohol and drinks made from boiled water (tea, coffee) are fine.
Internet Access
Hotels
Most midrange and top-end hotels provide broadband internet access as standard
for travellers who have brought laptops with them (although some charge a daily rate);
many also have wi-fi areas, which are usually free of charge. Most youth hostels have
computer terminals, but levy a small internet charge (around ¥10 per hour). Often they of-
fer free access for a limited period (usually 30 minutes). Almost all hostels have free wi-
fi.
Internet Cafes
Internet cafes (
wǎngbā
) are generally easy to find, although some are
tucked away down side streets and above shops. They are generally open 24 hours. Stand-
ard rates are ¥3 to ¥5 per hour, although there are usually different priced zones within
each internet cafe - the common area
(pǔtōng qū)
is the cheapest. Rates can also vary de-
