FAQ

• The chance to experience authentic Chinese life and culture
• Homestays are less expensive and more comfortable than a hotel
• Host families have convenient methods of transportation to Olympic venues
• Host families are hospitable and can offer you first-hand assistance during your stay
• Host families have all the amenities you would find in a Western home
• No language barrier –most of our host families can speak English
• Opting for our special Teach and Stay program can make your stay more affordable
• 24-Hour professional service and support from our on-site staff during your stay in China
• Lotus is the oldest homestay program in Beijing and considered to be one of the best in China

Is it safe to do Homestay with Lotus during the Olympics? 
Actually China is a very safe country, especially in Beijing. During the Olympics, strict security measures will be taken to protect visitors from terrorist attacks, and other crimes as well.
Each Homestay family has been seriously interviewed and checked by our staff before a family is accepted. Most hosts have professional careers. Also, all families are located in nice communities with 24 hour security service.



Where are the Homestay families located?
All the host families are close to convenient public transportation routes to Olympic venues, and most are within 30 min. Please indicate in your application what tickets you have booked so we can arrange a homestay family that fits your individual transportation needs.

How can I make phone calls in Beijing?
You can use the host family's telephone to make local calls for short conversation. And please use the international calling card (included in the price package) that we provide you to make international calls. Depending on distance, you can make phone calls as long as 40-50 minutes with the card.

What kind of food should I expect?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided by your Homestay family and both are authentic, safe and nutritious. The Homestay can also provide a western style breakfast at your request or make foods that fit your specific dietary requirements. Please indicate any special diet needs in your application form.

Will Lotus be able to take care of my needs?
We will provide you with 24-hour emergency phone assistance during your stay in Beijing. If you have any problems during your stay in Beijing, please contact us.

Will I have my own room?
Yes. You will have your private bedroom.

We are a family; will our family be living in the same host family?
If your family needs two bedrooms we will try to arrange for you to stay either with one host family, or two host families in one complex. 

We are a couple with a child, can you arrange Homestay for us?
Yes, we can arrange a Homestay for you. Children under 7 sharing a room with parent(s) will be charged 30% of the normal rate.

What's the difference between Budget, Standard and Top End Homestay?
Please see sample photos listed on Travel Packages for detailed information. Standard and Top End Homestay are recommended for couples.

Can I choose a host family before I arrive in China?
Yes. You may choose a preferred family from the sample families published on our website. While individual family placement is based on a first come, first served basis, we can arrange a host family for you in advance.
Please also note that we only post a few of our host families on our website. We recommend that you give us detailed information about your individual requirements on the online application form and we will arrange a family which suites you best.

What items will be in my room?
Each family has convenient living facilities at home. Your room is fully furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe (or closet) and air-conditioning.

Will I have my own bathroom?
Top End Homestay will provide a private bathroom for you. Budge and Standard Homestay come with a shared bathroom.

May I make my own food?
Yes, with the host family's permission.

I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Don't worry. We have host families who are vegetarians too. Please specify this on your application and we can arrange either a vegetarian family or a vegetarian friendly family for you.

How can I get internet access? 
Each family has a computer and free DSL at home. You can use the family computer to get access to the Internet. If you bring a laptop, you can use the internet access at your host family.

What will be the language of communication while staying with my host family? What if I don't know any Chinese or my Chinese is very limited?
Usually English or Mandarin Chinese is the communication language of your host family. Please indicate in your Application Form what languages you can speak. We will arrange English speaking families for you if you can't speak Chinese. 

Can I get necessary and useful info from my host family?
Absolutely. Your host family will be happy to provide you all the useful info and first hand help during your stay.



May I smoke in the house?
Yes, but only with the permission of the host family. Some host families will ask that you smoke on the balcony.

Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Yes. The host family will show you where the laundry facilities are.

Will I be able to watch television?
Yes. All the living facilities in the public area of unit will be available to you.

Will there be any rules that I have to obey when I do Homestay during the Olympics?
Please read Rules of the homestay.


Can I join the family's activities?
Yes, the hosts treat you as a family member and welcome you to join their activities.






About Olympics

What are the dates of the Beijing Olympic Games?
The dates are between Aug 8 and 24, 2008.

How can I book tickets for the Beijing Olympics?
You can book your tickets through official ticket agents in your home country. Tickets for some non-final games can be purchased at the game venue. Lotus also has a limited supply of tickets that will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Please indicate what tickets you want to book.

Where can I buy the Olympic Mascots?
Souvenirs for the Beijing Olympics are available in many big stores and tourist attractions. You can buy many kinds of souvenirs like clothing, bags, pens, hats, etc. bearing symbols of the Beijing Olympics.






About Travel in China

Should I buy any Travel Insurance?
Yes. Please check with your current insurance provider to see if it covers you while overseas. If not, purchase medical and accidental insurance before you travel.

What visa should I apply for?
L visa. You can apply for an L visa (Tourist visa) through the Embassy or Consulate General of the People's Republic of China closest to you, or though an agent.

Can I use credit cards and cheques for purchases during my stay in China?
Yes. Credit cards and traveler cheques (exchange your traveler cheques into cash) are available in most big stores and restaurants. However, as shopping by cash is very popular in China, we suggest you bring some cash with you, and exchange your currency into RMB at The Bank of China when shopping in small shops that do not accept credit cards or cheques.

Can I travel to other cities with a guide?
As your Homestay in Beijing will be very flexible, you can travel to other cities after your Homestay in Beijing. Your travel to other places is not included in the travel package.

Where is the Capital Airport for international flights located?
It is located 27km north of the city center.

What about the transportation conditions in China during the Games?
It is predicted by authorities that there will be about 2,250,000 travelers in Beijing from abroad and other parts of China during the Games period, so the traffic volume in Beijing will be much higher than usual. However, many effective measures have been made by government to ensure the traffic will be in order, for example, more subway lines and buses will be available by that time, and more police officers will be arranged to guarantee the efficiency of transportation. So the improved transportation system will make it easier for you to get around.






About Booking procedure and payment

What is the cancellation/ refund policy?

Deposits are NON-Refundable.

After balance payment: No refund after the balance payment (due two months before arriving in Beijing). If we can't make a Homestay arrangement for you, we will refund your payment in full. For credit card payment, we will refund you less the 4% transaction fee.

After arrival in China: No refund. Any unused accommodations are non-refundable.

What is your booking and payment procedure?

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