FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Information
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: To book a tour, we require a copy of your passport (and some special forms if you are traveling to Tibet – which we will send to you) for confirmation. A 50% deposit of the tour cost and the full amount of any local air or train ticket fees (if needed) are collected as a deposit. balance is payable one week before your trip begins.
Q: How can I pay for a tour?
A: Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or online payment gateways like WeChat, Alipay, and PayPal.
Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: We understand that plans can change. For information on our cancellation policy, including any potential refunds, please contact us directly. We aim to be as flexible as possible to accommodate your needs.
In general we follow these rules:
- More than 30 days prior to the scheduled departure date: No charge.
- 15 to 30 days prior to the scheduled departure date: 50% of the deposit will be charged.
- 14 to 0 days prior to the scheduled departure date: 100% of the full payment will be charged.
Q: Do you book the air or train tickets for me?
A: Yes, we assist with booking air or train tickets for a service fee. Please note that some train tickets (for example to Lhasa) can only be booked one month before departure. So please contact us to know for sure what time we need your information.
Tour Information
Q: What types of tours do you offer?
We specialize in group tours ranging from 1 to 20 days, primarily in China, but also in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Nepal. Our tours are guided by English-speaking staff, ensuring a fun and informative experience. We include comfortable accommodations (3 to 4-star hotels), some meals as specified in the tour itineraries, and all transportation, including airport pickup and transfer.
Q: Who can join your tours?
We welcome all kinds of travelers, from families and solo travelers to expats and first-time tourists. Our tours are inclusive, welcoming individuals of any nationality, religious background, and sexual preference. Everyone is welcome!
Q: What is the group size on the tour?
A: Our tours are small group experiences, typically ranging from 2 to 13 people, with an average of 3-6 participants per group. Like this, the guide can keep an eye on everyone and there is a big enough group for making some new friends!
Q: Can I customize my tour or add special requests?
A: While our tours are pre-planned, we’re happy to accommodate special requests where possible. Whether it’s dietary needs, accommodation preferences, or specific sites you wish to visit, let us know, and we’ll do our best to tailor the tour to your interests.
Safety and Accommodations
Q: What are common concerns of travelers, and how do you address them?
A: We address concerns regarding safety, food, accommodations, logistics, hike difficulty, and language or cultural barriers with thorough planning, comfortable accommodations, and English-speaking guides.
Q: Do hotels offer western toilets?
A: Yes, our selected local 4-star hotels feature private western toilets. In some remote areas with tents and guesthouses, public squat toilets may be available.
Q: Does the hotel offer western food/breakfast?
A: Most hotels we arrange for our customers provide a simple western-style breakfast along with other meal options to cater to a variety of tastes. But of course we always advise people to try the amazing Chinese options 🙂
Q: Which type of plugs are used in the hotels?
A: The voltage in China is 220V. Most hotels use five-hole sockets accommodating both two flat parallel pins (type A) and three flat pins (type I). So if you are coming from Europe or the US, please bring a transformer.
Q: What vehicle do we use for the trip?
A: It depends on the group size. We always consider your seating for comfort and safety, as well as to leave enough place for your luggage.
Health and Insurance
Q: Are your tours suitable for children or seniors?
A: Yes, our tours cater to all age groups. We design our activities to be enjoyable for children and comfortable for seniors. If you have specific needs or concerns, please let us know in advance so we can ensure the best experience for every traveler.
Q: Is travel insurance included?
A: Yes, travel incident insurance covering incidents and death during the trip is included. It’s compulsory for all our tours. However, we also recommend you obtain your personal travelers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Q: What should I pack for my trip?
Pack according to the climate and season of your destination. We advise against carrying too much luggage for comfort during the trip. Essentials include appropriate clothing, personal medicines, and preparation for altitude sickness or extreme heat, depending on your tour. Familiarizing yourself with the local culture and language is also recommended.
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, most travelers will need a visa for China. However, travelers from the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Malaysia, and Germany can enjoy visa-free entry for stays under 14 days in 2024 (until November). We recommend always checking the latest visa information with Chinese embassies in your home country or the Chinese embassy in the country where you are currently traveling. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned return date.
Q: Are there vaccinations needed for traveling to China?
No specific vaccinations are required for China, but we recommend preparing for climate variations and potential altitude sickness in high mountain areas.
Why choose Yellowbird?
Save time.
Traveling through China can be an administrative and difficult job! By traveling with Yellowbird you save time. We take care of all the hassle. Read more.
See more.
See the main local attractions of all the regions in China, and discover the small local secrets too! With Yellowbird, you see more. Read more.
Have fun.
Our tours are fun! We often hear this as a feedback from our customers. We attract fun groups of people and make sure our guides will make you laugh 🙂 – Read more.
Ask us anything
Your privacy is very important to us. We will never share your details with any third party.
Contact us
For instant support, scan our QR code to connect with us on WeChat. We pride ourselves on quick responses, so you can expect a prompt reply to any inquiries or concerns.
Please note that we always do our utmost best to reply as soon as possible to your questions. If you don’t get an answer from us within 48 hours, please try to e-mail or call us again. Kind regards, Jessie (owner of Yellowbirdtour.com)
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