Link: Useful information about
China, Hong Kong, Macau

Despite the fact that China has opened up for almost 20-30 years and is improving on almost every aspects, one still needs to be careful in venturing out on your own in particular during night time,  although incidents involving violent crime against foreigners are extremely rare, petty crime such as pick-pocketing is very common, in particular in crowded locations such as the border, bus or train station.

It's always a good idea to keep a copy of your hotel's address and telephone number, for instance, keeping a hotel's match box while traveling and in some extreme cases, your consulate's direct line will also come in handy (you never know!) as most police do not generally speak much other languages.

Also, try to ascertain the time and costs required for the taxi from friends or with the staff of the hotel or club beforehand. 

Always leave your passport, valuables and small amount of cash with the hotel's safe (you'll need this spare money if you get mugged).

Taxi are cheap and abundant, you can pay by the meter* on shorter trips (less than 30 minutes ride).  But if you take a longer journey - get the staff of the hotel or club to negotiate a set fare before getting on, sometimes you can save up to 20 - 30%.  

Pen and paper would also be useful if you intend to negotiate the fare personally (some of my estimates are in the review), also show the address of the club before you get on and if he is uncertain where the club is, change another one! you have no obligation to play merry go-around with him. 

Alternatively, you can use the Hotels or Clubs' Limo Service (mostly Japanese cars), they are usually better maintained and cleaner but would cost 20 to 30% more than taxi.

Also, some would offer discounted green fees up to 20 - 30%  to groups with 8 players or more, during promotion or 'Trial Play'  so it's a good idea to give these clubs or call a local golf agency such as ourselves before you plan your trip. 

Visitors must have a valid passport & visa for China. Visas can be arranged at any major point of entry, but are easily obtained (in 1 working day) at travel agencies in Hong Kong. Applicants must provide 2 passport-size photos, passport (valid for at least another 6 months) and a fee, which varies according to processing time (1-3 days). Extensions can be arranged within China from local Public Security Bureau stations. Heavy fines are levied with expired visas.

Finally, don't forget to get & fill up one of those "Entry Form" when you arrive at the border before queuing up if you transit from Hong Kong, otherwise you'll have to go back to the queue again.

While tipping caddies is optional but a small tip of about 50-100 RMB (about 7-15 US) will be appreciated for each caddy with 'standard' service for both walking course or course with electric cart in China, I tend to tip a little more on a walking course (my bag is on the heavy side...) or happy with their service.

Tipping caddies in Hong Kong is a little more between HK$100 or 150 (15 to 20 US.)

Renminbi (RMB) is China's currency, which comes in coins and 2, 5, 10, 50 & 100 notes, do keep an eye out for the increasingly common counterfeits when you shop from vendors.

Unfortunately, Renminbi is not a fully convertible international currency yet and only limited amount of people accepts RMB in Hong Kong & Macau so only exchange what you need.