PANDA Booking Conditions

IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Please read these booking conditions before continuing by clicking on the "I AGREE >>" button below.

Our Contract
It is essential that you carefully read and that you understand these Booking Conditions which contain important information. They constitute the contract between PANDA and you for the services provided by PANDA and set out the basis of your legal relationship with PANDA.

By booking with us and paying the non-refundable deposit of 15% of total booking cost per passenger for all trips (USD 50 per passenger for extensions), or full payment, you acknowledge that you have read and understood and that you agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions. We will inform you in writing (to you or your travel agent) if your booking is accepted and a contract comes into existence on the date shown on this letter or email confirmation.

1) BOOKING
Step1: Select a tour in China Tours
Select a trip from the list of China tours.

Step 2: Check your itinerary
Check the Trip Overview/Trip Dossier/Detailed Itinerary/Dates&Prices on the trip you're interested in.

Step 3: Learn about the policies
Learn our Terms and Conditions, Booking Conditions and Cancellation Policy before the booking procedure.

Step 4: Complete all travellers details
Complete all travellers details as indicated in the form.

Step 5: Submit your booking online
Click "submit" when finishing all travellers details.

Step 6: Complete payment
Complete the payment by following the procedure in the booking letter.

Step 7: Send you a booking letter
You will receive a booking letter from PANDA of your trip.

2) PRICES & VALIDITY
Prices are based on costs and exchange rates applicable when first released on the Web. PANDA reserves the right to adjust prices whether or not you have already made full payment. We will do everything within our control not to adjust prices and will generally only amend prices in the event of marked fluctuations in exchange rates, fuel costs and other operating costs on which prices are based. Airfares (except where stated), passport and visa fees, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, gratuities to staff and crew, postage, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, additional hotel accommodation, medical expenses and any items of a personal nature are not included in your trip price.

3) YOUR TRIP
PANDA operates trips in regions where standards of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, medical facilities and other infrastructure may, at times, be lower than those you would expect. Please bear this in mind when making your booking.

All PANDA trips, but especially those visiting remote or unstable regions, or regions with dangerous wildlife, involve a risk of injury, psychological trauma, disease, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. By booking with us you agree to assume all risks associated with the journey to the maximum extent permitted by law.

When assessing whether trips will operate PANDA uses information from its local offices in conjunction with advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the British Foreign Office, and the US Department of State. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the travel advice provided by these government bodies. By booking with us you acknowledge your decision to travel on a PANDA trip is made after due consideration of relevant travel information that may be made available at any time and you agree to assume the risks associated with the trip.

4) DISCLAIMER
Where PANDA provides services it will do so with due care and skill. PANDA is not responsible for the acts and omissions of others, including tour guides, airlines and accommodation providers or for any loss, damage or expense (including loss of money paid in advance) which you may incur as a consequence of the acts and omissions of others.

You warrant that you have not relied on any representation made by PANDA, which has not been stated expressly on this website.

PANDA will not accept responsibility or liability for any passenger who contravenes any law or regulation of any country or territory visited. Any independent arrangements that you make that are not part of the PANDA trip are entirely at your own risk.

PANDA does not accept liability for any loss or damage, however caused (including through negligence), which you may directly or indirectly suffer in connection with this contract or in respect of a failure or omission on the part of PANDA to comply with its obligations under this contract.

Many of PANDA tour packages include activities which require care attention. Such activities include boarding and going ashore from boats, climbing hills and entering and exiting tombs and caves etc. You will receive help and advice from our representatives but all activities are undertaken at your own risk. PANDA, its employees and agents cannot be responsible for any action or event that occurs after its said employees and agents have exercised their duty and taken the necessary care.

To the extent permitted by law, any condition or warranty, which would otherwise be implied into these booking conditions is hereby excluded. Where legislation implies any condition or warranty, and that legislation prohibits us from excluding or modifying the application of, or our liability under, any such condition or warranty, that condition or warranty will be deemed included but our liability will be limited for a breach of that condition or warranty to one or more of the following: (a) if the breach relates to goods, (i) the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods, (ii) the repair of such goods, (iii) the payment of the cost of replacing the goods or of acquiring equivalent goods or (iv) the payment of the cost of having the goods repaired; and (b) if the breach relates to services, (i) the supplying of the services again or (ii) the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

Exception to Disclaimer
This disclaimer set out in these booking conditions does not attempt or purport to exclude, restrict or modify liability arising under statute if, and to the extent, such liability cannot be lawfully excluded.

5) PAYMENT
Deposit & Final payment
A deposit which is equal to 15% of the total booking cost is required at the time of booking. The full and/or final payment is required 49 days before departure for your China tour. Should the tour booked within 49 days before departure for your China tour, full payment is required.

Methods of Payment:
A. Visa or Master Card secure online payment via PayPal
B. Wire transfer
Cash payment, travelers' check is applicable upon special request.

6) CANCELLATION BY PANDA
PANDA reserves the right to cancel the departure and will advise you of such cancellations not later than 49 days before the departure date. PANDA will offer you alternative arrangements and if the price of your alternative booking is of lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to PANDA, less any unrecoverable costs incurred by PANDA, but we will not be liable under any circumstances whatsoever for any claims made by you for any additional costs incurred by you.

PANDA will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to Force Majeure. Force Majeure means a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of PANDA and includes but is not limited to war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and strikes. If PANDA does cancel a trip as a result of Force Majeure, or government travel advice, PANDA will offer you alternative arrangements and if the price of your alternative booking is of lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to PANDA less any unrecoverable costs. PANDA will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you.

7) CANCELLATION BY YOU
Notification of cancellation must be made to PANDA in writing (including mail). The date when written confirmation of cancellation is received by PANDA will determine the charges applicable. Loss of money paid is as follows:
Days before departure - Charge applicable
Not less than 49 days - Loss of deposit
Between 29 and 48 days - Loss of 50% of the total booking cost or loss of deposit; whichever is the greater
28 days or less - Loss of total booking cost

Cancellation fees for air tickets issued by or on behalf of PANDA will apply as determined by CAAC and may vary as to the type of ticket issued.

Depending on your reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your insurance policy.

If you do not pay the balance of your total booking cost within 49 days of departure your booking may be terminated and you will lose your deposit. Additional PANDA cancellation penalties may apply.

No refunds will be made if you leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun.

Special Notes for Yangtze River Cruise: the payment for the Yangtze River Cruise can not be refunded if the cancellation notice is received less than 35 days prior to the date of the cruise.

8) BOOKING AMENDMENTS
Changes to your booking will be subject to a USD $30 administration fee per person per change. These are in addition to any changes levied by ground operators, hotels or airlines. If you need to change your tour booking more than 49 days before departure we will not refund your deposit, however you may wish to transfer your deposit to another trip in our current program. A transfer fee of USD $50 per person per trip will be levied and this must be paid prior to any transfer being confirmed. Cancellation fees will apply if trip amendment request is received within 49 days of departure.

9) CHANGES TO YOUR HOLIDAY
Travelling with PANDA requires a certain measure of flexibility, good humour, and an understanding that the itinerary, accommodation, and modes of transport may be changed, even after a tour's commencement, without notice. Changes may occur because of Force Majeure, poor road conditions, weather, the availability of tickets, vehicle breakdowns, changes in transport schedules, or other circumstances beyond PANDA's control.

The information about trips given on this website and trip dossiers are subject to change. It is your responsibility to review the up-to-date Trip Dossiers. These can be downloaded from our website or sent to you on request. The information and conditions in the Trip Dossiers will be deemed to be part of the contract.

Where changes to your trip occur after you have received your Final Documentation we will, where practical, advise you or your travel agent of such changes. PANDA does not accept any responsibility for loss of enjoyment, delays or compensation resulting from changes due to Force Majeure or any reasons beyond PANDA's control. Group sizes may also vary. No refunds will be made in any of these situations.

PANDA reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the tour if air schedule or ground transportation changes, and/or events beyond its control make such alteration necessary. In this event, any increase or reduction of the tour cost will be calculated and charged/refunded accordingly. If the tour has to be changed at the request of the client/s, the client will be required to pay any additional cost in advance.


10) AUTHORITY OF THE LEADER OR REPRESENTATIVE
At all times the decision of the PANDA leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. You must, at all times, strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should you fail to comply with the above, or should you interfere with the well-being of the group then the trip leader or company representative reserves the right to order you to leave the trip immediately with no right of refund.


11) TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
All clients must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentation is the sole responsibility of the client. Your travel consultant may assist you in applying for the necessary travel documentation upon request. PANDA accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.

12) YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS
It is your responsibility to advise PANDA of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. You are required to provide an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. Travelers to Tibet are required to provide a doctor's certificate stating that the he/she is fit to travel and his/her blood pressure and heart condition are normal. This is a necessary requirement because of the possible effects that the very high altitude may have on certain people. PANDA reserves the right, at its discretion, to cancel your booking and refund the money paid by you, less any unrecoverable costs, if it is deemed that you are not suitable for the trip booked.

13) TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory for all PANDA travellers. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance, and personal liability. PANDA also recommends it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested by PANDA's employees or suppliers. PANDA reserves the right to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance.

PANDA tour packages don't include any insurance charge. We highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin.

14) LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
In accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free baggage allowance within China is 20 kg for the economy class, 30 kg for the business class, and 40 kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft.

15) AGE LIMITS
PANDA trips (except Family Adventures) are not recommended for children under the age of sixteen. Persons under sixteen can take part in a private group trip. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact PANDA for further advice.

16) PUBLICITY
You agree that PANDA may use images of you taken during the trip without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes only through whatever medium it chooses.

17) PRIVACY
Certain information will be collected by us to supply the services to you. Your personal information is collected only to enable us to provide you with the services you wish us to provide. The information may be disclosed to or collected on our behalf by our service providers to enable the services to be provided, but will not be used by them for any other purpose. The products or services may not be provided without this information. The information may also be used to inform you of additional products and services, which may be of interest to you. All marketing material sent to you will include an option for you to request removal from mailing or contact lists for any future marketing.

All reasonable information which we collect will be kept confidential to the best of our ability.

PANDA will not disclose personal information such as your name, address, telephone number to any person outside of the organisation, unless you have authorised us to do so or unless required by law to disclose such information. Furthermore, under no circumstances will PANDA sell or lease or in any other way provide personally identifying information to any third party.

You may request access to your personal information while it is stored by us and we will assess your request in accordance with the law. We will give you reasons where we deny access. Once your personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify the information. If you have any questions about our privacy policy or with respect to your personal information, please telephone 86-10-6236 3659.

18) COMPLAINTS
If you have any complaint about your trip, you must make it known at the earliest opportunity to the crew and/or PANDA local representative, who will normally be able to take appropriate action. If at the end of the trip you feel your complaint has not been properly dealt with you must notify us in writing within 30 days of the end of your trip.

In the event of a complaint or claim for compensation, you must inform us by email, regular mail, or facsimile in writing within 30 days from the end of your tour. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. PANDA will not be liable for any claims made later than30 days after the completion of your tour.

19) COMMUNICATIONS
You can contact PANDA via the web form from www.pandaadventures.com, email or phone. If for any reason, you fail to receive any reply from PANDA in regard of your tour status within 48 hours from the time you submitted the request for booking, modifying, or canceling a tour, please contact PANDA customer service center at customerpandaadventures.com or phone at 86-10-6236 3659 immediately to ensure that we are able to deal with your enquiry under the terms of our Terms and Conditions.

20) GOVERNING LAW
This contract and all matters arising from it are subject to General Principles of Civil Law of People's Republic of China (1986) and Beijing courts only will have jurisdiction over any dispute arising under this contract.