faq
2008 BEIJING Games FAQs |
Does the trip include Airfare?
Unfortunately, none of our packages include airfare. We are currently working with several Chinese partners who will be able to offer airfare to Beijing next August. We suggest using online sites such as www.sidestep.com in the meantime.
What’s the cancellation policy? Are there refunds?
We require a 50% non-refundable booking deposit. For this reason, we
strongly encourage you to be 100% sure when making your Beijing reservations. There
are no cancellations and/or refunds. Packages are transferable, however.
Where can I get Olympic tickets?
Ordering tickets depends on which country you live in. Every region has
its own ticketing process. We are not a ticket company. Upon request, we may be able to assist groups with their tickets needs, but we suggest that you try using the Official Ticket Company for the USA, Co Sport.
Why go with Ludus?
Ludus offers a fun and practical way to experience the Games in Beijing. We are not your typical tour company. We hate tour buses and you won't catch us leading groups of people around with umbrellas. We offer affordable alternatives to the Summer Games. Olympics
What is a Ludus Tour and what should I expect?
Ludus Tours offer a young and energetic staff. You're more likely to walk and use public transportation than you are to be on a double-decker tourist bus.
Does your company offer Beijing add-ons (i.e. pre and post Games trips to Hong
Kong, etc.)?
We are working with several local Chinese companies in order to offer side trips to Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, etc. Please contact one of ours sales reps in order to learn more.
Does Ludus offer trip insurance?
We work with several partners in order to offer our clients trip insurance. It’s
important to read the fine print on trip insurance and make sure you understand what
it involves, what’s included and what exceptions are made. You
can read more about trip insurance here.
What is the slogan for the Beijing Olympics?
"One World, One Dream"
Where can I find the schedule for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games?
Where can I find a list of the Olympic Venues for each sport?
Where can I find a metro map for Beijing?
Download
the current Beijing Metro Map
Which sports will be events at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games? How many sports total?
The 28 competitive sports of the Beijing Olympics include:
Aquatics-Swimming
Aquatics-Diving
Aquatics-SynchronizedSwimming
Aquatics-WaterPolo
Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Boxing
Canoe/KayakFlatwater
Canoe/Kayak Slalom
Cycling
Equestrian
Fencing
Football
Gymnastics--Artistic Gymnastics
Gymnastics--Rhythmic Gymnastics
Gymnastics--Trampoline
Handball
Hockey
Judo
Modern Pentathlon
Rowing
Sailing
Shooting
Softball
TableTennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Triathlon
Volleyball
BeachVolleyball
Weightlifting
Wrestling
How many athletes will compete at the Beijing Olympics?
Approximately 10,500 athletes are expected to participate in the Games.
Where can I purchase event tickets?
This is the official ticketing website: http://tickets.beijing2008.com; you must purchase event tickets from the official ticket provider in your country. In the U.S., the company is Cosport.
When will the event tickets be available/delivered?
June 2008
What is the best way to get around Beijing for transportation?
You can get around Beijing by taking the bus, the subways and the light rail. Taxis are also available. The cheapest price for a taxi ride is 10 yuan and the if your journey is over 3 km, the taxi ride is 2 yuan per kilometer. It’s best to hail a taxi from the street and not in front of a hotel for the best rates. $1 = about 7 Chinese Yuan.
Once in Beijing, which emergency numbers are good to know?
Medical first-aid: 120
Police-reporting service center of Beijing Bureau of Public Security: 110
Fire: 119
Directory of telephone numbers: 114
What is the offcial currency of China and what is the exchange rate versus the U.S. Dollar, the GB Pound, etc.?
The currency in Beijing is the RMB; it has ten surface values, including:
100 yuan, 50 yuan, 20 yuan, 10 yuan, 5 yuan, 2 yuan, 1 yuan, 5 jiao, 2 jiao
and 1 jiao.
In Beijing, you can exchange your national currency to RMB at the Bank of China
(the offcial bank of China). The exchange rate often varies according to the
market conditions and the following exchange rates are just a reference:
100USD=770RMB
100 EUR =1040RMB
100GBP=1500RMB
100 AUD=640RMB
100 CAD=685RMB
100 NZD =570RMB
Credit cards: credit card machines are available
at many places like the large shopping malls or large restaurants in Beijing.
However, cash is what is accepted at the small stores and restaurants.
What is the weather typically like in Beijing in August?
Count on it to be hot. The mornings and evenings can be cool, but during the day it will probably be dry and hot. Be sure to pack accordingly for your trip and include: sun-protection articles like hats, cool clothing, sunscrees and sunglasses.
Which electric power is common in Beijing?
The power available in Beijing is 220 volts and the sockets are the two-phase circular holes, two-phase flat holes and three-phase flat holes.
Which common items are found in the bathrooms at most hotels?
The hotels in Beijing usually provide you with disposable toiletries, slippers, bath towels and sanitary articles. They are very standard in terms of Western Hotels. Most hotels will have a laundry service as well.
Which are the necessary steps in order to obtain a tourist visa for Beijing?
You need to submit the visa application to the Chinese embassy or consulate
in your own country. All of the Chinese embassies in the foreign countries
will properly handle your visa application within the specified working days.
You may come to watch the Olympic Games and/or travel through China. In either
case, you should apply for the tourist visa. The visa applications may be submitted
by the applicants themselves (or handled by their consignees according to the
principle of voluntary will). You can download the visa application to send in here.
These are the materials needed in order to apply for Chinese
Visa:
(1) A passport which has a valid period of no less than six months following
the date of submission, and a blank page for the visa.
(2) One Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China; it must be
filled clearly with true, authentic and complete information and must be signed
by the applicant.
(3) One recent, full-faced and bareheaded passport photo (a snapshot, a photo
copy or digital photo printed on regular paper will not be accepted).
(4) Other related application materials according to the purposes for your
trip to China.
(5) Other materials related to the visa application, deemed as necessary by
the visa officer.
(6) When collecting the visa, the applicant shall pay the visa fee and the
special rush or rush service charges (if chosen).
What is the main culinary dish of Beijing?
Peking Duck
