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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I participate?
How much does it cost?
Are there any hidden costs?
I would like to go, but I can't stay for the whole trip. Can I still participate?
Wow, $1,300 for airfare sounds cheap. Where can I book?
Can I use frequent flier miles for this trip?
What if I want to book my own flight?
Can I pay extra to fly in business or first class?
Should I book my own hotel?
I have other business in Japan and Korea. Can I design my trip to include those countries?
How long is the flight?
Is the jetlag bad?
I have never been to China and I hear that the culture is so different. How am I going to understand it?
Why visit four cities in China? Wouldn't one be enough?
Do I need to speak Chinese?
What is a typical day like on this trip?
What do I need to travel?
Where do I get a visa?
What kind of information will you provide before we leave?
Is this trip only available to Vermont Chamber of Commerce members?
How do I sign up?
Why should I participate?
A trade mission is the most cost effective way to explore a new market and have valuable assistance from an organization that knows the market well. Especially in Asian culture, it is important to be able to meet your connections face to face and see their operation first hand. China is a booming market and not just for the products sold here in the US. Vermont exports to China have more than doubled from 2003 to 2004 now totaling $221 million. Vermont businesses need to understand the opportunities and risks of China.
How much does it cost?
For this trip, you can anticipate your total cost to be between $3,000 and $4,000. This cost would be inclusive of your airfare, hotel, ground transportation, some meals, receptions and meeting logistics. Generally, airfare to/from Vermont is $1,300. Hotels are generally 3 or 4 star properties and cost between $100-$150 per night. Most hotels include a western style breakfast with the rate and other meals are generally covered by our hosts. Each participant must pay a non-refundable $950 ($1500 after Sept. 15) administration fee. The fee helps cover the cost of receptions, interpreters, ground transportation and other logistics.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. There are some optional services that each participant can choose to use or not. For example, the US Department of Commerce Commercial Service offers a program for exporters called the Gold Key service. For a low fee of around $800 per day, the Commercial Service, after an in-depth questionnaire, will set up a whole days worth of customized meetings that are tailored to your industry. Call for more information about this valuable service. We also recommend that you have your business cards translated in Chinese. Business cards are widely regarded in China and having them in both English and Chinese shows you are serious about doing business in China. The Vermont Chamber will have your business cards translated for $75 for 200 cards.
I would like to go, but I can't stay for the whole trip. Can I still participate?
Yes. The trip is designed to give a broad understanding of business in Asia. However, we recognize that the length of time away from Vermont can be difficult. People can indicate which days they will be able to participate. Some have done these trips in as short as three days. Let us know what your interests are and we can work with you to participate as fully as possible on the trip. Please note: Participants are still required to pay the administration fee no matter how long they participate.
Wow, $1,300 for airfare sounds cheap. Where can I book?
We are working with Vermont Chamber travel members for this trip. As many of you know, air fares seem to change daily. We have conducted this trip in the past and have flown for as little as $750. We recommend contacting us as soon as you commit to the trip. The longer you wait the greater chance that fares will go up or, worse, encounter a full flight. Keep in mind, the flight from Burlington to Chicago is most likely to fill up first.
Can I use frequent flier miles for this trip?
Sure. Each participant is welcome to book their own flights if they choose or to use frequent flier miles for a free ticket or upgrades.
What if I want to book my own flight?
No problem. You are welcome to do so and many people do through their own company. We do recommend contacting us first so that we can let you know which flights the group will be taking. We also recommend letting the Vermont Chamber help coordinate your in-country flights from Beijing to Shanghai. We are able to get a reduced rate by purchasing those seats from our Shanghai office. Additionally, you get the added benefit of traveling to and from the airports with the group at the same time. It makes for smoother logistics for the whole group.
Can I pay extra to fly in business or first class?
Yes, you are welcome to arrange your own flights and pay the respective cost.
Should I book my own hotel?
We recommend that you leave your hotel reservation to us. By committing to a larger number of rooms, we can get a group rate that is generally better than you can get on your own. The added benefit is that you staying with the group and it is easier to keep everyone on schedule.
I have other business in Japan and Korea. Can I design my trip to include those countries?
Yes. We frequently have participants travel on to other countries. It makes sense when you are flying that far away to hit as many countries as you can.
How long is the flight?
Currently, it's about a 20-hour flight plus a 12-hour time change. It is a long flight, but the airlines provide numerous in-flight meals, movies and beverages.
Is the jetlag bad?
That depends on you. Since we generally leave in the morning and arrive the next evening early, we are ready for a good nights sleep. Usually the second day in Asia is when we feel tired, but after that, we are good to go. However, everyone is different.
I have never been to China and I hear that the culture is so different. How am I going to understand it?
That's why a trip like this is a wonderful introduction. You get the benefits of a well organized trip with people who know Asia well. You also get to travel with people who are in the same boat as you. With a trip like this, you don't need to worry about what hotel to stay in, where to get a translator, how to get to and from the airport. You will also get to meet a number of high level government officials and business leaders. You can concentrate on growing your business.
Why visit many cities in China? Wouldn't one be enough?
No. The same way that Boston is different than New York or Miami, the same is true of cities in China. Shanghai is very high tech and growing rapidly. Beijing is the seat of Government and the site of the 2008 Olympics. Each city provides a different perspective on Chinese business.
Do I need to speak Chinese?
No. Most business leaders speak very good English. Some situations require interpretation, but the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Shanghai office will provide translators when needed. Of course, it is recommended to learn a few phrases to demonstrate your willingness to learn their ways.
What is a typical day like on this trip?
Each day is unique, but they generally follow a typical pattern. After breakfast, the group will receive a briefing from one of the partners. These briefings are a great place to ask questions and better understand a region. The rest of the day is filled with one-on-one meetings, usually with people involved in your industry. There may also be some guided tours of businesses to give you look at the inner workings of Chinese business. At night, a formal dinner or reception is held usually courtesy of one of our partners. These dinner meeting are where business continues to be conducted.
What do I need to travel?
You will need a passport that is good for at least six months past your trip. Additionally, you will need a visa to enter China. You do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong or Taiwan for a short trip like this.
Where do I get a visa?
You can get a visa from the People's Republic of China Embassy in New York. Visit www.nyconsulate.prchina.org/eng/. However, the Vermont Chamber uses a visa service based in Washington, DC. Although it is slightly more expensive, it is quicker and easier. Call us for the forms and fees. Fees vary depending on the speed of service.
What kind of information will you provide before we leave?
We will organize a short pre-trip orientation a couple of weeks before we leave. This orientation will give you an overview of what to expect on the trip, what to plan for and give you a chance to meet the other people going on the trip. We will also assemble a binder for each participant which will give you a wealth of cultural information, business tips, a detailed itinerary and other information that will be valuable well after the trip. More importantly, we will work with you and your company closely to set goals and understand your business before, during and after the mission.
Is this trip only available to Vermont Chamber of Commerce members?
No. It is open to any Vermont business. We encourage your membership in the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Vermont's largest business association with over 1,600 members statewide. For more information on membership, please visit our membership page.
How do I sign up?
Download the registration form and send it in with your deposit. The next step is to begin filling out the questionnaire about your company and what you hope to accomplish. If you have more questions, please contact Curtis Picard at (802) 223-0904.
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