Trust & Transparency
Booking with us, with confidence.
This page explains how Curated China handles inquiries, payments, cancellations, and traveler support before and during your private China journey.
01 ยท Our Business Model
How we operate, transparently
Curated China is a travel design service, not a tour operator. Here's exactly what that means:
What we do
- โDesign your custom itinerary based on your interests, dates, and budget
- โVet and select the licensed Chinese inbound operator who will execute your trip
- โHandle communication in English (or your preferred language)
- โProvide WhatsApp support throughout your trip
- โMediate any issues between you and ground operators
What our partners do
- โProvide licensed English-speaking guides
- โProvide private vehicles and drivers
- โBook hotels and transportation
- โHandle Tibet permits and other regional requirements
- โExecute every detail of your itinerary on the ground
We're transparent about this structure because some "China travel agencies" advertised online are marketing layers that quietly add 30-50% margin. Our model lets you see exactly what you're paying for: thoughtful design + reliable execution, at honest market rates.
02 ยท Payment Protection
Your money, safely handled
We request payment only after your itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, cancellation terms, and invoice have been confirmed in writing. Once you approve the details, we send a private payment link or transfer instructions.
Available by Private Link
PayPal Business
Used mainly for deposits and card-friendly payments after a written itinerary and invoice are approved. PayPal may offer its own dispute process depending on eligibility and transaction rules.
Most familiar for US, EU, and UK travelers
Available by Request
Wise
International transfer via Wise. Useful when you prefer lower transfer fees and a traceable payment record.
Best rates for international transfers
High-Value Bookings
Bank Wire Transfer
Direct international wire transfer for higher-value bookings. We provide account details only after invoice confirmation.
Best for high-value bookings ($10,000+)
Itinerary before payment
Private China travel is built around your dates, hotel style, guide language, pace, and special interests. We confirm the itinerary and invoice in writing before asking you to pay.
Payment Schedule
30% deposit upon itinerary confirmation
40% payment at 30 days before departure
30% final at 7 days before departure
Exact timing is stated in your itinerary and invoice.
03 ยท Cancellation Policy
Clear, predictable refund terms
More than 60 days before departure
90% refund
10% retention covers itinerary design and partner coordination work already completed.
31โ60 days before departure
60% refund
Hotels and transportation may have already been confirmed by partners.
15โ30 days before departure
30% refund
Most ground arrangements locked in by partner.
Less than 15 days before departure
No refund
All ground services committed and paid by partner.
Force majeure provision
If your travel becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (visa rejection, public health emergencies, extreme weather, government travel restrictions), we work with our partners to maximize your refund or postpone your trip โ even if technically past cancellation deadlines. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for additional protection.
04 ยท What If Something Goes Wrong
Issue resolution, plainly stated
We are honest about this: occasional issues happen on any trip โ flight delays, hotel overbookings, weather closures, dietary mistakes at restaurants. What matters is how they're handled.
Our commitment
- โClear escalation channel during your trip through WhatsApp and the local operating partner
- โSame-day mediation with ground partner if any service issue arises
- โDocumented compensation for any service failure that's our or our partner's fault
- โPartial refunds for substantial deviations from agreed itinerary
- โPayment records are kept traceable so any refund or dispute can be handled against the written itinerary and invoice
We do not promise everything will be perfect. We promise that when issues arise, we'll communicate openly, take responsibility for what's ours, and resolve fairly.
05 ยท Our Honest Limitations
What we are โ and aren't
We are focused. Curated China is built for private, design-led travel rather than high-volume group departures.
We are selective. We work with established local operators and keep communication direct, personal, and accountable.
We are honest about pricing. Our prices reflect real market rates. We don't claim to be the cheapest. We don't claim impossible luxury at impossibly low prices. The price you're quoted is what you pay.
How payments are handled. We currently use private PayPal Business links, Wise, and bank wire after written itinerary and invoice confirmation.
We are not for everyone. If you want a fixed-departure group tour at the lowest possible price, we're not your service. If you want personal attention and bespoke design, we are.
Questions Answered?
Still have concerns? Ask us directly.
We're happy to answer any questions about how we operate, how payments work, or what protections you have. No pressure, no obligation.