Resources
China Hotels.net - Discount China Hotels Online
Hotel information and reservations for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other major China cities. Lowest hotel rates guaranteed!
http://www.chinahotels.net
- Complete, sign, and date the form
- Send the following items to our Headquarters:
Sonic Tour
2099 S. Atlantic Blvd #P
Monterey Park, CA 91754
• The completed, signed, and dated Visa Application Form(s)
• The original passport(s) for all passengers needing China Visas
• 1 color passport photo for each passenger applying for Visas. Photo must be 2x2 with white background. No scanned photos.
• $170 per person for single entry Visa (non-refundable). Payment must be by check made payable to Sonic Tour.
* For non-American passport holders, please call our office at 888-266-8988.
- Additional reminders:
• Passport(s) must be signed
• Passport(s) must not expire within the next 6 months
• Request Visa(s) no sooner than 2 months and no later than 1 month prior to the departure date.
Travel Documents / Tickets
In general, all travel documents will be sent to you 21 days prior to departure via overnight delivery. If we obtained the entry visa for you, the passport will be sent with the travel documents.
Passport
All customers’ passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip. Please consult with your travel agent or Consulate if you have a non-US passport.
Visa
* No entry visa required for US passport holders going to:
Thailand - up to 30 days.
Japan - up to 90 days.
Hong Kong – up to 180 days.
Singapore – length determined at the discretion of immigration officer (normally 30 days).
* Entry visa required for US passport holders going to China, Cambodia, Vietnam and India.
* China:
$175 check for one single entry China visa. Duration is 30 days after entry, 6 months validity. Make check payable to “Sonic Tour” and mail original passport along with one passport size 2” X 2” color photo and completed China visa application form to Sonic Tour at least 45 days prior to departure. Mail original passport along with one passport size 2” X 2” color photo and completed China visa application form to Sonic Tour at least 45 days prior to departure.
* Vietnam:
$100 check for single entry Vietnam visa with validity of 90 days from the issuance date and good for a stay of up to 30 days.
Make check payable to “Sonic Tour” and mail passport copy along with one passport size 2” X 2” color photo and completed visa application form to Sonic Tour at least 45 days prior to departure.
* Cambodia:
$20 cash paid to Cambodia Customs upon arrival; valid USA passport, one recent passport size 2” X 2” color photo, and completed visa application form (available upon arrival).
* India :
Please apply for yourself directly with the appropriate embassy.
More information can be found at http://www.indianembassy.org
- We will keep your passport (with the entry visa) to be sent along with your travel documents. If you require your passport sooner, please enclose additional $25 check so that we can send it back immediately upon its return from the embassy.
- If you are applying for your own visa, a copy of your passport and entry visa should be sent to Sonic Tour. All document and tickets will be issued under your passport name.
- The visa fee is non-refundable for any reason and is subject to change at any time.
- Sonic Tour is not responsible when you are denied entrance for any reason at any foreign country, even if you have a valid passport and visa.
Miscellaneous Reminders
- Please keep an eye on your valuables at all time. Watch out for pickpockets while sightseeing.
- Bring name and phone number of an emergency contact.
- Read your itinerary and hotel information before departure. Leave a copy of your itinerary and hotel list with your family.
- For special requests (China domestic flight reservation, flight change & confirmation, Hong Kong & China hotel reservation etc.), please have all arrangements made with your travel agency before departure. Sonic Tour does not take any responsibilities for itinerary deviations or bookings made by other travel agencies.
- Individual domestic flights in China must be re-confirmed at the airlines office (of the departing city) 3 days prior to departure. Re-confirmation by phone is not accepted. Since you may not have sufficient time for re-confirmation after arrival in a city, Sonic Tour can help by arranging to have the ticket issued locally and re-confirmed.
- Three-person hotel occupancy means 2 adults sharing a regular double room with a child. No extra bed is added. Hotel rooms in China are generally smaller then those in North America. Hotel charges extra for adding a bed. Please take into consideration the comfort of your traveling party and the length of the trip when request a triple room hotel occupancy.
FAQ PAGE
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. When is the best time to travel?
The best time to travel in China is late-April to May and September to October as the weather is milder and you can avoid the rainy season which is usually June through August. Japan’s rainy season is generally between May and September; most people like to visit when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in late-March through April. For countries further south (Indochina and India), the best time is usually November through March when the temperature is more comfortable.
2. Are your tours guaranteed departures?
We do have tours that are guaranteed to depart with as little as two persons (as stated in our website and brochures). In order to maintain our low prices, we must have a minimum number of people in each group for the tours to depart. If the minimum number is not met by 70 days prior to the departure date, then the tour will be subject to cancel and your deposit will be fully refunded. The requirements for the minimum number of people vary by tour.
3. How many people will be in my tour group? China Premiere Series vacations are limited to 20 people per group. The average group size for China Deluxe, Asia and Europe vacations is 32 guests.
4. What is the average age of the people traveling with Sonic Tour? We have a wide range of clients from children to seniors. The average age of guests who take the China Premier series are generally higher (in their 40s or 50s) than those who chose to take the China Deluxe series.
5. Will there be shopping on my trip?
To meet your shopping needs, certain shopping stops during the tour have been arranged by the local handling agency for your convenience. Sonic Tour’ guides are ready to assist you with your shopping requirements. Please keep in mind that the items you purchase while on tour are your responsibility. If the shops allow returns, you will need to ship the items across the Pacific for return.
6. Will I have some free time while traveling?
Most of our tours will give you some free time in the major cities. If you would like more free time to explore, we will be glad tohelp you extend your stay in the beginning or end of the tour.
7. Can I make some modifications to the itinerary?
You can add extra nights or extensions to other cities in the beginning or at the end of your tour. Modifications in the middle of a pre-packaged vacation are not allowed. Should you wish to change the tour itinerary, you may consider doing a customized or private tour with us instead.
8. Can I request special meals?
Meals provided on tour are based on local cuisine and menus. We can generally assist guests in communicating special requests to airlines, hotels and restaurants, but they are not guaranteed. Please advise these requests at time of booking and note that certain surcharges may apply.
9. Can I bring a wheelchair on my tour? You may bring a fully collapsible wheelchair on tour. You must be traveling with a companion who is physically able to assist you. We regret that Sonic Tour’ staff cannot assist with getting on/off vehicles, walking, dining or other personal needs. Motorcoaches and other transfer vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair ramps.
RESERVATIONS
1. How do I make a reservation?
You may call us toll-free at (888)266-8988 and a tour consultant will be happy to help you book your Sonic Tour vacation. Our regular office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-6pm PST. You may also contact us by sending an email here.
2. How late can I book?
If you make a reservation less than 60 days prior to departure, you will incur a $50 late booking fee. Flights are based on availability so you may also incur airline surcharges.
3. When is the deposit due?
A deposit of $300 per person is due within one week (7 days) from date of booking unless it is a late booking. For late bookings, full payment is due at the time of booking once availability is confirmed.
4. When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due on or before 60 days prior to departure. For late bookings, full payment is due at the time of booking once availability is confirmed.
5. Can I pay by credit card?
We accept credit card payments by MasterCard or Visa only. You must fill out the Credit Card Authorization Formand send it to us along with a copy of your picture ID and the front and back of the credit card.
6.What is your cancellation policy? Cancellation The following fees will be assessed per person accordingly when you cancel your reservation:
* $100: 120 or more days prior to departure.
* $200: 60 - 119 days prior to departure.
* $300: 30 - 59 days prior to departure.
* $500: 15 - 29 days prior to departure.
* $1000: 3 - 14 days prior to departure.
* 100% Tour Fare: Within 48 hours prior to departure (including no shows on day of departure).
Written notice of cancellation must be received by Sonic Tour either by mail, fax, or email. Oral cancellation by phone will not be acceptable. In addition to the above stated cancellation charges, if ticket for airlines, cruises or trains have already been issued or final confirmation has been received at the time of cancellation (regardless of number of days prior to departure), the traveler will be assessed an additional airline, cruise line, or train cancellation penalty and service charge pursuant to the supplier's rules and regulations. Sonic Tour reserves the right to issue airline tickets immediately upon receipt of your tour deposit. Written notice of cancellation must be received by Sonic Tour either by mail, fax, or email. Oral cancellation by phone will not be acceptable. In addition to the above stated cancellation charges, if ticket for airlines, cruises or trains have already been issued or final confirmation has been received at the time of cancellation (regardless of number of days prior to departure), the traveler will be assessed an additional airline, cruise line, or train cancellation penalty and service charge pursuant to the supplier's rules and regulations. Sonic Tour reserves the right to issue airline tickets immediately upon receipt of your tour deposit.
7.Can I purchase my own international air?
You may arrange for your own international air for vacations that allow “land only.” Please consult our sales agents to find out which vacations qualify.
8. Can I use my mileage to upgrade to business class?
Unfortunately the contracts we have with the airline companies do not allow for upgrades using mileage.
9. Can I book more than two people in a room?
Depending on the tour, we can accommodate triple rooming. Please consult a sales agent for more details.
10. What is a single supplement?
A single supplement is the additional cost for travelers who would like to stay in a single room. This is an additional cost on top of the tour fare, fees and taxes.
11. What if I’m traveling on my own? Can you pair me up with another single traveler?
We do not currently offer a share program. If you are a single traveler, you must pay the additional “single supplement” price of the tour to have your own rooms throughout.
12. Can I do a private group? How much more will it cost?
Yes, we can arrange for a private group. Prices for a private group vary based on the tour you will take. Please contact a sales agent for more information and a price quote.
13. If I have a large party, can I get a discount?
Yes, for every twenty people, the twenty-first person goes for free (taxes not included).
14. Can I extend my trip?
Yes, you can add additional nights or extend to other cities at the end or the beginning of your trip.
15. Can I make a customized package?
Yes, please contact our sales agents for more details.
Preparing for your Trip
1. Do I need a passport?
Yes, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip.
2. Do I need an entry visa?
A visa is needed for all US citizens entering China and Vietnam, obtained prior to arrival in those countries. For all other citizenships, please consult with the consulate of the country you are visiting.
3. Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for your trip with the exception of anyone traveling from or via an infected area. However, we do recommend that you consult your physician prior to departure.
4. What are the luggage restrictions?
Please visit our Know Before You Go page for details.
5. What type of clothing should I pack? Do I need formal attire?
Please visit our Know Before You Go page for details.
6. Where should I have my currency exchanged?
You may exchange your money for local currency at the hotel you are staying. Please check the Know Before You Go page for details regarding money matters.
7. Can I select my airline seats before departure?
In general, seating assignments are provided upon check in for your international flight. Whenever the airline being utilized allows us to assign seats, we will ask for your preference at the time of booking.
8. What are the electrical requirements for the country I am visiting?
The electrical system in Asia and Europe operates at 220 volts so a converter is needed to operate a normal 110-volt American appliance. Also, electrical appliances will also require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs.
9. When will I receive my tickets and/or documents?
We typically send out travel documents to you or your authorized agent approximately 21 days prior to departure.
DURING YOUR TRIP
1. What if I miss a connecting flight and miss part of my tour?
Please call the emergency number listed in your documents to advise us that you have missed your flight. We will work with the airline and the land operator to accommodate this interruption.
2. What if I become ill and cannot continue my tour?
Please advise your travel guide, who will contact the land operator to help arrange for your return. If you have travel insurance, the flight costs and unused portion(s) of the tour may be reimbursed to you.
3. Is it safe to drink the water in the country I am visiting?
While many of the countries you visit may state that their tap water is potable, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase and drink bottled water while on tour. Bottled water is readily available at the hotels and from convenience stores.
4. Is there a hairdryer in the hotel rooms?
All the five-star hotels we use will have hairdryers, an iron and a safe in the room. Hotels in more remote areas (such as Lhasa and Turpan) have such items available upon request from the hotels' housekeeping team.
5. Is laundry service available?
Laundry service is offered, for a fee, at the hotels you will be staying in as well as on Victoria Cruise.
6. How do I keep in touch with people back home?
It is best to leave a copy of your itinerary with the hotel contact information with your loved ones at home. If you wish to call them while abroad, you may purchase a calling card at the hotel you are staying. You may also purchase a pre-paid SIM card if your cell phone is a Tri-Band phone and has been unlocked for international use. Your guide can help you with this purchase.
7. Will my tour guide speak English?
We pride ourselves in staffing the best team of English speaking tour guides in China. All of our tour guides are fluent in English, are college educated and hold accreditation from the Chinese government to conduct tours.
Travel Insurance
You may purchase travel insurance 60 days prior to your departure date.
http://www.travelguard.com/
Foreign Consulate Offices in Los Angeles
AUSTRALIA
611 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004
(213) 469-4300
CANADA
300 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 687-7432
CHINA
501 Shato Pl.Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 380-2506
FRANCE
8350 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90211
(213) 653-3120
GERMANY
6222 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 930-2703
ITALY
12400 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 300 W. Los Angeles, CA 90025
(213) 820-0622
INDONESIA
3457 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 4F Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 383-5126
JAPAN
250 E. 1st St.Suite 1401Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 624-8305
KOREA
5455 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 1101 Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 931-1331
MALAYSIA
350 S. Figueroa St.Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 621-2991
MEXICO
125 Paseo De La Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 624-3261
PHILIPPINES
3460 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 387-5321
SPAIN
6300 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 1436Los Angeles, CA 90048
(213) 658-6050
THAILAND
801 N. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
(213) 937-1894
TAIWAN
3731 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 389-1215
