SUMMER OLYMPICS 2008 – CHINA
Jul 18, 2008
by: AXA Assistance
SUMMER OLYMPICS 2008 – CHINA
Key information from AXA Assistance
Dr. Cai Glushak
International Medical Director | 
Dr. Olivier Eap
Regional Medical Director, ASIA |
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The 2008 Olympic Games are finally upon us and we at AXA Assistance would like to offer you important information to ensure your comfort and safety during your stay in China. We appreciate the concerns about traveling and working abroad, especially during such an extraordinary event. AXA Assistance wishes to help make your trip as memorable as possible. Please keep in mind that our Chicago office can assist you with any questions, concerns or emergency situations you may encounter. We hope you find this information useful and wish you a safe and exciting stay in China.
General Information
The 2008 Olympics will be held in China from August 8 to August 24, 2008. Beijing will be the host city for this international event in collaboration with other co-host cities. A total of 41 different events will take place throughout the 16 days of the Olympic Games.
Cities
- Beijing
- Qingdao
- Hong Kong
- Tianjin
- Shanghai
- Shenyang
- Qinhuangdao
Travel Assistance Services
The AXA Assistance team is always available to help both before and during your trip to China. AXA Assistance has made a complete situation assessment surrounding the Olympic Games to ensure we are in the best possible position to serve our worldwide clientele under these special conditions. There is no question that services and medical resources will be stretched in this region during the Games, however, through decades of such events AXA Assistance has always been able to respond to the needs of its clients and members during the Olympics.
Nonetheless AXA Assistance has taken special measures to anticipate members’ needs during these extraordinary weeks. Our 3 China-based alarm centers will have additional staff during the Olympic Games to receive calls and arrange services. They have arranged for additional medical consulting and other service providers for local needs as well as being primed for long-distance transportation demands in the event of an emergency.
AXA has identified the primary hospitals and medical providers who specialize in travelers’ medical needs. We have pre-established relationships with these establishments to facilitate medical care and payment issues.
Finally, a team of emergency physicians affiliated with the University of Chicago will be located in Beijing and will support AXA Assistance to address members’ needs when necessary.
Our US-based assistance coordinators will be on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to provide pre-trip information and to assist you in the event of any problems while you are overseas.
Prior to your departure for China our team is able to provide the following pre-departure information upon request:
- Passport, visa, and immunization/inoculation requirements
- Foreign currency exchange rates
- Weather forecasts and average seasonal temperatures
- Embassy and Consular referrals
- Information on local customs
- Business etiquette
- National holidays and standard business hours
- Travel advisories & customs information
- Local voltage information
Once in China, our office is available for assistance and information 24/7.
Security
Customs officials will be conducting more spot checks than usual to ensure security for the Games. China has trained 24,012 people for Olympics security and carried out 369 emergency drills, as well as sending 160 customs staff to the Beijing Capital Airport to assist with security checks. Additionally, the public has been reminded that they are not allowed to take long umbrellas nor any soft drinks, lighters or liquids into the Olympic stadiums during the Games.
As a whole, China has a very low crime rate; however there is a small incidence of street crime, particularly of a petty and non-violent nature. Police authorities are quite intolerant of street crime and swindlers, even when the victims are tourists – yet they cannot prevent all such incidents. Likewise, the police and courts are quite strict in dealing with tourists involved in petty crime, such as illicit money exchange – so it is highly advised that tourists abide by all local regulations (avoiding bribery and other non-violent offenses).
Tourists are obvious targets of petty criminals. It is illegal to exchange dollars for RMB except at banks, hotels, and official exchange offices (i.e. not individuals on the street). Not only are you likely to lose your money as a result, but detainment by police could result in months-long investigations and possible incarceration.
Violence against foreigners, while rare, is on the increase. Such incidents, though unusual, are more likely to occur in entertainment and nightclub areas, during bar fights and in atmospheres of nationalistic debate involving foreigners.
Transportation
Buses, subways, city light rail and taxis are widely available in Beijing. Taxis are called "chu zu che" in Beijing; the phrase "da di" is commonly used to mean "take a taxi."
Taxi fare is 10 Yuan for the first 3 kilometers, and 2 Yuan for each kilometer and each 5 minute waiting period after that. There are additional fees after hours, for tolls, parking and return rides for the driver for distances over 15 kilometers.
Don't forget to take an invoice as you leave the taxi. This will help you identify the taxi if you've left items in the car or if you've encountered any problems.
Most drivers speak no English or other Western languages, so it is highly recommended to always have your destination information and telephone number written in Chinese on a handy piece of paper that you can show the driver. They will usually use their cell phone to confirm a location if there is confusion.
Beijing has an extensive public transportation network. Subway and City Rail with high speed trains running at intervals of 3 to 5 minutes are the fastest public transportation in the city. Public buses are the cheapest means of transportation, covering the entire city.
Please consult the following reference for information on fares.
Immunizations
Please consult your doctor regarding needed vaccinations; the following discussion is not exhaustive and may not address the details of your situation. The following reference contains more complete information.
Food, Water and Hygiene Precautions
Food and water-borne diseases are the number one cause of illness to travelers in China. Only drink bottled water, even for brushing teeth and making ice cubes (unless you are sure the water has been boiled). Milk and dairy safety cannot be guaranteed, but powdered milk is safe. All meat, poultry and seafood must be well-cooked and served while hot. Be cautious of foods served at roadside stands. Fruits with intact skins should be personally peeled just before consumption. Depending on the source some fish may contain biotoxins; these include barracuda, red snapper, grouper, amberjack, sea bass, and many tropical reef fish.
It is recommended travelers carry an antibiotic and an anti-diarrheal drug (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol) to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. Typical antibiotics prescribed are ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).
Avian (Bird) Flu: Avian flu cases are still being reported in Asia. There is little risk to tourists, especially in urban areas. However, travelers are advised to avoid contact with live fowl on farms or in marketplaces and to strictly adhere to good hand washing and hygiene practices.
Emergency Services
If you and/or your dependents have a medical or security emergency, please contact the local authorities to report your situation. In case of a local emergency, call:
- Ambulance/medical first aid: 120
Ambulances may demand payment before offering service; contact AXA Assistance to arrange ambulance transfers; we can advance funds to pay for these services. - Police-reporting service center of Beijing Bureau of Public Security: 110
- Fire alarm: 119
- Directory assistance for telephone numbers: 114
- Hong Kong:
- All emergency services: 999
- Directory assistance: 1081
If you do not feel the situation is urgent, you may call AXA Assistance and we will attempt to advise you and organize the service you need.
Outpatient Medical Services
(Please see below for a partial list of medical facilities)
There are essentially no office-based practices in China. Ambulatory services are offered in clinics associated with hospitals. Obtaining a scheduled appointment with a specific doctor is almost impossible in regular hospitals.
There are a handful of hospitals or clinics offering service in a Western style and who will schedule appointments in outpatient areas. AXA Assistance can assist in scheduling these appointments, but it is anticipated that demand will be high during the Games, so it is advised that you notify us at the earliest sign of problems and be prepared to be directed to a regular emergency facility, if the wait for an appointment is excessive.
In Beijing and Shanghai foreigners are often seen first by hotel doctors, arranged by contacting the hotel staff. They are usually supplied by major hospitals and are often convenient and faster, but the quality cannot be guaranteed. There is, however, no assurance they will speak English and it may be difficult finding a translator who can handle a medical conversation. In emergency cases, AXA Assistance can assist you with telephone translation services.
Services for foreign visitors can also be obtained at the VIP Wards of many hospitals. Typically, such facilities demand cash up front; AXA Assistance can help you in this regard with many clinics, however, be prepared not to find the niceties of a typical Western structure - this does not mean the medical care is poor; it is just no frills. Medical staff may not speak English, so it is best to bring an interpreter. Or contact AXA Assistance to help with translation services – by telephone or possibly in-person.
Inpatient Medical Services
(Please see below for a partial list of medical facilities)
A number of Western-style medical facilities with international staff are available in Beijing. However, these “clinics” can usually handle straightforward medical problems. Complex and critical patients are transferred to major medical centers, which are usually well-equipped to stabilize patients. Many hospitals in major Chinese cities have “VIP wards.” These feature reasonably up to date medical technology and highly skilled physicians. Most VIP wards provide medical services to foreigners, often with English-speaking doctors and nurses (but not always). Travelers will be asked to post a deposit to cover expected medical expenses. A few hospitals (mainly tourist-oriented) in major cities accept credit cards for payment, however, credit cards and insurance are fairly new concepts in Chinese hospitals and you cannot count on them being accepted. In emergency situations, AXA Assistance can advance funds on your behalf, if authorized by your plan.
Do not expect the array of services you would receive in hospitals at home. Physicians and hospitals may refuse to supply foreigners with complete copies of their medical records. Ambulances are generally basic and staff has limited medical training. At times of limited ambulance availability, it may be more practical for seriously ill or injured foreigners to take taxis or other vehicles to the nearest major hospital. Beijing medical facilities are generally well-equipped to stabilize patients while we arrange your evacuation, if needed.
Repatriation
In the event that a medically repatriation is needed, AXA Assistance will make all of the required arrangements and monitor your care until you have arrived at your place of residence.
AXA Assistance Team – How to reach us
If you would like more information about our services, please feel free to contact us and one of our account managers will contact you.
Embassy/Consulate Information
United States
Beijing
The U.S. Embassy
No. 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie,
Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Tel: (86)(10) 6532-3431 (8:30-12:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m., Mon-Fri)
After hours (86)(10) 6532-1910
Shanghai
The U.S. Consulate General
Westgate Mall, 8th Floor
1038 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200041
Tel: (86)(21) 3217-4650
Hong Kong
The U.S. Consulate General
26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2523-9011
Argentina
The Embassy of Argentina in Beijing, China
11 Dong Wu Jie
San Li Tun
100600 Beijing
China
Phone: (86)(10) 6532-2142 / 1406 or 6532-2090 / 1852
Fax: (86)(10) 6532-2319
Brazil
The Embassy of Brazil in Beijing, China
27, Guanghua Lu - Chaoyang District
Beijing - 100600
Phone: (86)(10) 6532-2881 (9:00am-12:00pm, Mon-Fri)
Fax: (86)(10) 6532-2751
Canada
The Embassy of Canada in Beijing, China
Canadian Embassy
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100600 PRC
Phone: (86)(10) 5139-4000
Mexico
The Embassy of Mexico in Beijing, China
San Li Tun Dongwujie 5
Chaoyang 100600
Beijing
China
(86)(10) 6532-2070, 6532-2574, 6532-1717 & 6532-1947 (8:30a.m.-5:30pm, Mon-Fri)
Fax:
(86-10) 6532-3744
Hospitals and Clinics
This is only a partial list of medical facilities available in the cities hosting Olympic activities. It is strongly recommended you contact AXA Assistance before attempting to obtain services at these facilities, to better ensure smooth access and avoid problems with payment.
Beijing
Beijing United Family Hospital (24 hours)
2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-64333960
This is the major facility serving the expatriate community: with pleasant surroundings and many Western physicians; they transfer critically ill and injured patients to more comprehensive local hospitals.
Beijing International Medical Center (24 hours)
1\F Yansha Xiezilou, Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-64651561
Beijing Vista Clinic (24 hours)
1/B Kerry Center Shopping Mall, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-85296618
Peking Union Medical College Hospital (24 hours
No.1 Shuaifu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-65296087
Major tertiary care center recommended for complicated patients
Shanghai
Parkway Health Medical Centers
1) 2/3 Floor, 170 Danshui Rd, Lu Wan District
2) 203-4 West Retail Plaza, 1376 Nanjing Xi Rd, Huang Pu District
3) Tomorrow Square 4th Floor, 389 Nanjing Rd, Huang Pu District
4) 2258 Hong Qiao Rd, Hong Kou District
Tel: +86-21-64455999
Shanghai United Family Hospital
1) 1139 Xian Xia Lu, Changning District
2) Shanghai Racquet Club, Ground Floor Clubhouse, Lane 555,
Jinfeng Lu Huacao Town, Minhang District
+86-21-51331900
Shanghai Hua Shan Hospital
12 WuLuMuQiZhong Road, JingAn District
Tel: +86-21-62489999
Designated by the Chinese government to receive patients directly from the stadium Tianjin
Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (24hour)
Please contact AXA Assistance for assistance with this facility
Qingdao
Hospital of Qingdao City (24hour)
Please contact AXA Assistance for assistance with this facility
Shenyang
Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University
Please contact AXA Assistance for assistance with this facility
Dalian
The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
Please contact AXA Assistance for assistance with these facilities
Qinhuangdao
The No.1 Hospital of Qinhuangdao (24hour)
Please contact AXA Assistance for assistance with this facility
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital
40 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong
+852 3651 8888
There are many excellent hospitals in Hong Kong, which is the primary destination for evacuation from mainland China. AXA Assistance can help select the best facility for your needs.
Immunization Requirements
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity. Side-effects, which are generally mild, may include soreness at the injection site, headache, and malaise.
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers, with the exception of short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels, such as business travelers and cruise passengers. Side-effects are uncommon and may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, rash or hives.
Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Anhui Province, due to a recent outbreak. Meningococcal vaccine has few side-effects. Mild redness at the injection site may occur. Young children may develop transient fever.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term (1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially in the evening, during shorter trips. At the present time, it should also be considered for any travelers to Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces, including Yunching City. Japanese encephalitis has been reported from all provinces except Xizang (Tibet), Xinjiang, and Qinghai. It is especially prevalent in southern China (an outbreak was reported from Guangdong Province in June 2003). Transmission is from May to September in the north and April to October in the south.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers who will have intimate contact with local residents or potentially need blood transfusions or injections while abroad, especially if visiting for more than six months. It is also recommended for all health care personnel. Side-effects are generally mild and may include discomfort at the injection site and low-grade fever. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) occur rarely.
Rabies vaccine is recommended only for those at high risk for animal bites, such as veterinarians and animal handlers, and for long-term travelers who may have contact with animals and may not have access to medical care. Side-effects may include pain at the injection site, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
Any animal bite or scratch should be thoroughly cleaned with large amounts of soap and water and local health authorities should be contacted immediately for possible post-exposure treatment, whether or not the person has been immunized against rabies.
All travelers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, including:
- Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (recommended for all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.)
- Measles vaccine (recommended for any traveler born after 1956 who does not have either a history of two documented measles immunizations or a blood test showing immunity. Many adults who had only one vaccination show immunity when tested and do not need the second vaccination. Measles vaccine should not be given to pregnant or severely immunocompromised individuals.)
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (recommended for any international traveler over one year of age who does not have either a history of documented chickenpox or a blood test showing immunity. Many people who believe they never had chickenpox show immunity when tested and do not need the vaccine. Varicella vaccine should not be given to pregnant or immunocompromised individuals.
Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, but is not recommended or required otherwise.
Transportation
Public buses are the cheapest means of transportation which cover the entire city. The starting fare of public buses is 1 Yuan in the city and 2 Yuan in the suburb areas. It is also a good idea to buy a Public Transportation Card which charges a starting fare of 40 cents per trip. You need to pay a deposit of 20 Yuan and prepay a certain amount to use the Public Transportation Card just like any Beijing citizen. When you leave Beijing, just return the Card at any card sale counter and the deposit will be refunded to you. The Public Transportation Card can also be used in Subway and City Rails but no discount on the ticket fares will be given.
Beijing Subway fares vary on different lines. Single trip on Line Batong is 2 Yuan, single trip on Line 1, Line 2 and City Rail Line 13 is 2 Yuan, the transfer set ticket between Line 13 and any city line is 2 Yuan, and the transfer set ticket between Line Batong and any city line is 2 Yuan.
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