Expanding Reading(拓展阅读)

Expanding Reading(拓展阅读)

China International Trains

At present,China has international trains to/from Ulaanbaatar(Ulan Bator)in Mongolia,Moscow and Vladivostok in Russia,Pyongyang in DPRK,Hanoi in Vietnam,and Astana in Kazakhstan.Their tickets can only be bought at the departure stations.Some online agencies offer China international train ticket booking service for the trains from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar,Moscow and Pyongyang,and those from Nanning to Hanoi.

The international railways from China to Thailand,Laos,Myanmar,Pakistan and Nepal are under construction or planning.When completed,more international trains will be available to these countries.

Purchase an International Rail Ticket

Passengers could purchase tickets at the railway station directly.However,it is always difficult for passengers to purchase on the spot since they are needed urgently.Therefore,it is advisable to book through travel agencies which are commissioned to sell international rail tickets.The travel agencies may require relevant service charge.

Booking:International rail tickets can be booked by travellers themselves at designated ticket counters 30 days in advance;it is available 60 days in advance for group passengers(over six).A deposit of CNY100 per ticket is required but this will be returned to you when you actually pay for your bookings.After booking,individual passengers should pay in full 7 days ahead of the departure date;group passengers should pay for it 14 days in advance.Otherwise,the booking will be canceled automatically and the deposit will not be returned.

Purchase:Tickets are released 7 days ahead of departure date(14 days in advance for group passengers).A passenger's valid passport is required for ticket purchasing.You should obtain the visa to your destination(if required)before boarding,and a transit visa may also be required if the train travels through more than two countries.

For individual passengers,we suggest that you skip booking at designated counters at railway stations in person mentioned above,as the process may be a little difficult,especially when some staff do not speak English.Instead,we suggest that you book your tickets at least 7 days in advance with travel agencies like TCG.For those who like to make early travel plans,agencies are the best choices as they accept early booking.However,it is advisable for group passengers to make a reservation 60 days in advance.

Refund/Change an International Rail Ticket

The refund or change of tickets can be handled by yourself at the railway stations.

1.72 hours ahead of the scheduled departure:80%of the fare will be refunded.No service charge is refunded.

2.Less than 72 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time:80%of the seat fare or 20%of the sleeper fare will be refunded.No service charge is refunded.

3.Less than 3 hours after the departure:80%of a seat fare will be refunded but no fare will be refunded for a sleeper.No service charge is refunded.

Baggage Allowance

1.An adult is allowed to take at most 35kg of carry-on baggage for free while a child under 12 years old is allowed to take 15kg of baggage for free.The total of the length,width and height of each baggage can not exceed 200cm.The overweighted part has to be consigned,or a fine of CNY 100 per kilogram will be imposed.

2.The baggage consignment should be handled in the morning before the departure date in Beijing Railway Station International Train Baggage Consignment Counter(west wing of the station building).The custom office is closed on weekends,so passengers leaving on Monday should check their baggage in advance on Friday.

3.The consignment procedure needs the passenger's passport and ticket.To consign a bicycle,leave it unlocked and unpacked.

4.The consignment charge is CNY7.5/kg for the Beijing—Ulaanbaatar train.Each bicycle costs CNY150.The charge on Beijing—Moscow is CNY16.8/kg and a bicycle costs CNY200.The price is adjusted to the changes of international exchange rate.