We already got our visas back. DH didn't want to have to drive to Houston twice (it would have been two whole day trips, one to drop off the paper work, one a week later to pick it up) so he used the company that does it for you (the one you can link to from the
ABD site?). It cost a bit more, but we got them back, we didn't have to go through the hassle, and we saved gas. They have been back for a couple weeks now. AND you have a year to use them... but you can only stay for 60 days each trip in a year.
Silly man bought China money already, too... from the bank here. That way he doesn't have to worry about exchanging there... got hong kong dollars and chinese.
From what I've been able to figure out, it is pretty much causal. I'm probably going to take a skirt just in case, but mostly capris and sandals and t-shirts.
This is my kids' first real trip outside the US (except for Canada day trip and Mexico day trip and Nassau on the Disney Magic). DS is looking forward to weird food. BOTH want to take pictures of the public toilets. I was talking on Thursday to our CIO who used to live in China and he said that for the most part you are most likely to see "western" type toilets unless you use public restrooms (that you apparently have to pay to use) while you are out adventuring. Next year, Germany and Czech Republic
We are from central texas (now) and monydave is from New York.