Major brands of traveler's checks and credit cards are selectively accepted by various facilities in China, and a nominal service charge is usually added to the latter. Consult with your bank before departing the United States to be sure that your brand of check or credit card will be accepted. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained in the United States from local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, and travel clinics. For China, immunizations are recommended for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. At present, no vaccine for JE is available in the United States, but it can be obtained in Japan or Hong Kong.
Malaria occurs in China, particularly in rural areas and in southern China.
Depending on the season and your destination, you may need to take antimalarial drugs, use insect repellant, and take other measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes. Few cities in China have Western-style pharmacies stocked with drugs common in the United States. Therefore, carry medications in your hand luggage to avoid emergencies should your checked luggage go astray. Foreign visitors who become ill in China are provided with the best medical care available in the country. Hospital costs for non-Chinese visitors are similar to those charged for similar services in the United States.