We do suggest you bring cash to exchange or your Visa Debit Card to withdraw cash from an ATM while in China. At most places we will be visiting, traveler's checks will not be accepted.

Your largest amount of money spent, I expect, will be in the fashion market. This is where you can have all your fashion wishes come true. You can have almost anything you want custom-tailored for under $200. Bring pictures or magazine clippings of what you want and the tailors will make it happen.

I'll say this... the average middle class Chinese employee makes less than $1000/month and eats out at least twice a week, pays bills, has fun, supports his family and can take a vacation at least once a year.

If you bring $1000 to last you for two weeks... You would feel as if you were "Hollywood Rich". Almost nothing would be impossible.

If you are now already, "Hollywood Rich" you have the option to shop at such places as Cartier, Luis Vuitton, Bally, etc.

Shanghai turns into a different place at night. As you will notice when Shanghai's lights come on.

No night is "dead" in Shanghai. The city's two million foreign residents and even more visitors come out to play every night. There is something for every taste; world class restaurants, live jazz, hip hop clubs, irish pubs, karaoke, or just a nice walk around the city's attractions to view the spectacular lights.

If you bring a cell phone that has SIM card capability, we can help you get a Chinese phone number. This will allow you to reach us (Tyree and Jason) for help during times in the trip where we may not be near.

The price for talk time to last you during your trip will be less than $10.

#1 - DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER!!!
#2 - If you cannot use chopsticks, bring your own plastic forks.

Real Chinese food is nothing like what we have in America... ITS BETTER!!! Of course, certain restaurants have strange food choices on the menu as well. We suggest you have an open mind and try some new dishes that I'm sure you will never see again outside of China.

"Street food" is very popular throughout China, Shanghai and Beijing are no exceptions. These tasty treats/ quick meals normally cost less than $1. Street food varies all over and the variety is plenty! Try them all!

For those not so adventurous, KFC and McDonald's are also very popular with Chinese people and restaurants are almost everywhere. You will also be able to shop at western style supermarkets if you choose to prepare your own meals.

Bathrooms in most public places are utterly disgusting. If you think you will not be able to deal with this. I'm sorry, I suggest you do not come.

Other than urinals, most toilets in public places are glorified "holes in the floor" see example.

Places such as western restaurants, clubs and bars, and hotels have the toilets we are all used to.