Persistance Of English

Things To Know Before You Visit Japan
PASSPORTS & VISAS
All visitors to Japan must have a valid passport. Citizens of 26 countries including USA and Canada are permitted three month visa-free visits.
VACCINATION
Proof of vaccination is not required unless you come from an infected area.
CUSTOMS
Bona fide travellers may bring into Japan the following duty free items: three bottles ofliquor; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 57 ml of perfume (2 oz.); two watches (in current use counted); gifts and souvenirs with a value not exceeding 200.000 Yen. All plants and vegetables with soil are prohibited.
DEPARTURE TAX
2, 040 Yen at Narita, 2, 650 Yen at Kansai, 945 Y at Fukuoka.
POPULATION & LANGUAGE
Japan has 125 million residents. The official language isJapanese. English is taught in schools from the 7th grade on.
TAXIS
Cruising taxicabs are plentiful in Tokyo and other large cities. Taxis, which display a red light in the lower right corner of the wind-shield as you face it, can be flagged down on the street (except in the Ginza area, between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., on weekdays, taxis can be taken only from taxi stands).
TELEPHONES
As one of theworlds leading financial centres, Japan is connected to international telephone, telex and satellite communication systems, so you can contact virtually any city in the world.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES & CREDIT CARDS
You will need your passport when you cash your travellers cheques. Most foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be changed at banks, money changers, hotels, and major retailoutlets.
BANKING HOURS
Banking hours are normally 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am to noon on Saturdays.
CLOTHING
Casual attire will suit in most cases, but coat and tie are normally required in first class western cuisine restaurants in the evening.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Japanese medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dentists, many of whomare trained overseas. Some hotels have their own clinics but these are closed at night, on Sundays and holidays. In an emergency, contact the hotel management. For an ambulance, dial 119.
TIPPING
Most hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill. Tip more only if you feel the service has been outstanding. Gratuities are welcome but not expected.
Taken from:http://www.goway.com/asia/japan/ja_beforeyougo.html

China
Planning a trip to China is an exciting adventure in itself. There are a lot of different things to think about before you go, and some things that you have to do before you even set foot in the airport. For many countries, American citizens don't need a visa, but you will need to get one in advance before taking off for China. Visas are just one ofthe many things for which you'll want to prepare. Read on to uncover more helpful preparation tips.
Passports and Visas
You probably already know you need to have a valid passport for visiting China. But you also need an appropriate visa. Visas are issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate general serving your area. You can deal in person with the embassy or consulate, or you can ask your travelagent to manage the process for you. Special visa agents can also arrange your visa for you (for agents, google search "get china visa") but these services will cost extra on top of the $50 visa itself.
Health Concerns
You've heard about SARS and Avian Flu. You're concerned, but there's no reason to cancel your trip to China! Taking precautions while visiting any new place is a good idea andfinding out the latest on what's happening in the area is the smart thing to do. The US Center for Disease Control doesn't require any vaccinations before you go to China, but they do make some recommendations. There are also some basic items you'll want to take with you just in case you have a run-in with a bad dumpling!
Money Matters
When I first started traveling, the travelers' check was THE...