Les, the Holt representative in Hong Kong was wonderful and did a great job. He went over what we could expect in the way of customs and culture, what and where to eat (and not eat), reiterated not to drink tap water under any circumstances, told us how we would be accepted by the Chinese and how important their children are to them. That by adopting a child of theirs culturally we would become a member of their "family" and that they have the upmost respect and graditude for what we are doing. Told us about money, currency exchange, credit cards, tipping and just everything else we would need to know.

Here are some of the important points from the handouts we received:

Orientation Handout Information
	When you finally get your child's US Visa, it's sealed in an envelope with a cover sheet attached. Don't open the package and don't let the attached sheet become unattached. If this happens, the INS in your arrival port will send you back to Guangzhou!
	Make a list of questions about your child that you can refer to when you receive her. What does she eat? What are her sleeping habbits? What's her favorite food? Etc. You'll have a chance to interview her caregivers and it will be your only change to get this kind of information.
	Tipping in Hong Kong is customary, usually 10%. Check your recipt to make sure it hasn't been added before you leave your tip.
	Tipping in China is not considered customary - unless it is in one of the hotels and they usually add it to the check as a service charge (10%). Check before leaving anything. It it hasn't been added, 10% is appropriate, anything greater could be considered an insult. If you eat out in local restaurants, don't tip.
	When you eat in restaurants that accept credit cards, make sure the "Total" box is filled in correctly before you leave.
	Don't give your home address to anyone. It can be used by them to gain sponsorship in the US and you could find unexpected visitors at your door one day.
	No video taping in the U.S. Consulate.
	Carry a card that describes (in Chinese) what you are doing. It will help when you are swamped by curious onlookers. For example, "We are from Atlanta in the U.S. We've come to adopt this little girl, Lu Qiong.", etc.
	China airlines allow only one carry-on bag per person. It had to fit within the demensions: 22 in. x 11 in. x 9 in.
	The weight limit for checked bags is 44 lbs. per person with ho bag limit. Anything over will cost you on a per pound basis.
	Stay together, check-in together.
	If you've packed (in checked bags) anything requireing batteries, remove them, On x-ray they look suspicious and may cause you a delay.
	Don't pack any fruit.
	When filling out your "Health card", in the box where you are asked how you feel, the correct anwser is "Feeling great".
	Calling Card Access Numbers   Hong Kong China AT&T 8001111 10811 MCI 8001121 10812 Sprint 8001877 10813
	U.S. 800 Numbers for Various Airlines Air Canada 1.800.776.3000 American Airlines 1.800.433.7300 Asiana Airlines 1.800.227.4262 British Airways 1.800.247.9297 Canadian Airlines 1.800.426.7000 Cathay Pacific Airlines 1.800.233.2742 Continental Airlines 1.800.231.0586 Delta Airlines 1.800.221.1212 Eva Airways 1.800.695.1188 Korean Airlines 1.800.438.5000 Lufthansa 1.800.645.3880 Northwest Airlines 1.800.225.2525 Singapore Airlines 1.800.742.3333 United Airlines 1.800.241.6522 Please note: You can use these numbers to change or update flights. Since they are in the U.S. you will be connected with an English speaking representative. However, because they are in the U.S. they are not free calls, you will have to pay the international toll charge.