Hometown Hopefuls® FAQs

Q:  Where can I find more information about the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Program in Beijing?

A:  Visit our website at www.bankofamerica.com/usolympicteam, call 1.800.244.7851 or email us at hometownhopefuls@bankofamerica.com.

Q:  How do I complete my registration for the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Program?

A:  Register online at www.bankofamerica.com/usolympicteam and enter the following password: Hope2008 or complete and mail back the self-addressed registration form that was sent to you.

Q:  How many guests can I bring to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center?

A:  Each qualified athlete is allowed to register up to four family members and friends.

Q:  What makes an athlete qualified for the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Program?

A:  A qualified athlete is as an official member of the US Olympic Team and will be confirmed by the USOC.

Q:  Can I register more than four guests?

A:  Email hometownhopefuls@bankofamerica.com and your guest names will be added to the wait list.  These guests will be admitted to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center based on capacity.

Q:  What does the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Program include?

A:  Each registered guest will have access to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and receive one complimentary gift bag and event ticket.  Guests will also enjoy complimentary food and beverage service, an Internet Café, live broadcast feed of the Games and hospitality desk assistance.  Telephones will also be available to use and will accept credit and calling cards. 

Q: What is the Internet Café?

A: The Internet Café is an area of the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center where you can sign out laptops and gain access the Internet, check emails, print, etc.  Personal laptops are allowed in the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center but will not be able to access the Internet.

Q: When will I receive my event ticket?

A:  Each registered guest will receive one event ticket.  Guests may pick up their event ticket at the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center.  There are limited quantities for each event and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis.

Q:  Can I speak with a representative from Bank of America?

A:  Yes, Bank of America will have representatives available at the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center to answer your banking questions. 

Q:  Can I drop off or store my luggage at the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center?

A:  No, Bank of America Security will require you to check-in and store your luggage at your hotel.

Q:  Can you help my family and friends find accommodations in Beijing?

A:  No, family and friends are responsible for finding their own accommodations.

Q:  How do my friends and family obtain a tourist visa before my trip to China?

A:  For travel to China you are required to have a passport and tourist visa.  More information is available from the US State Department online at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html and from the Chinese Consulate at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/default.htm.

In order to obtain a tourist visa, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and one blank visa page. 

Q:  Are there any health concerns when traveling to China?

A:  The Center for Disease Control recommends seeing your health care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow any necessary vaccinations to take effect.  For more information on recommended vaccinations and health advisories visit the CDC online at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eastasia.htm#country You should also contact your insurance company to check their policies and coverage when traveling abroad.

Q:  Where is the closest hospital to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center?

A:  The Beijing United Family Hospital (BUFH) has expatriate physicians, in-patient and out-patient services, ambulance services and a dental clinic.  Both Yuan and credit cards are accepted at this facility.  There are other hospitals located closer to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center but they are more local in nature.  The BUFH can be reached by calling 86 (10) 6433 3960/1/2/5 and is located at:

Beijing United Family Hospital (BUFH)

No. 2 Jiangtai Lu

Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China

Healthcare in Beijing is also available at the International SOS clinic which offers walk-in hours, emergency services, western trained doctors, pharmacy services and general medical advice.  You can access the International SOS Alarm Center and their team of medical professionals by calling 86 (10) 6462 9100 while in Beijing.  The closest SOS clinic to Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center can be reached by calling 86 (10) 6462 9112 and is located at:

International SOS

Building C, BITIC Jing Yi Building

No. 5 Sanlitun Xiwujie

Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, China

Q:  Are there banking institutions near the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center?

A:  There are several China Construction Bank (CCB) banking centers located near the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center.  Bank of America customers will not be charged a service fee for using a CCB ATM.  The closest CCB banking centers are located at:

ShunYuanLi Branch 2 ShunYuanLi ChaoYang District	BaoLi Branch 1 Floor JuShi Plaza, 13 XingZhongXiLi DongCheng District
DongZhiMen Branch 29 DongZhiMenWai Avenue DongCheng District	ChangYang Branch 10 ChaoYangMenWai Avenue ChaoYang District

Q:  What time zone is Beijing in?

A:  In August of 2008 the whole of China will be on Beijing time — 7 hours ahead of GMT (and therefore of London), 12 hours ahead of New York, 13 hours ahead of Chicago, and 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Q:  What form of currency do they use in China?

A:  Currency in China is called Renminbi Yuan (RMB), also known as CNY. There are notes for ¥100, ¥50, ¥20, ¥10, ¥5, ¥2, and ¥1, which also appears as a coin.   Foreign currency may be purchased from Bank of America at http://www.bankofamerica.com/foreigncurrency/index.cfm?template=fc_order_curr.cfm

Q:  What will the weather be like during the Games?

A:  Summers in Beijing are humid and hot but air conditioning is common and makes them tolerable.  The average high in August is 85° Fahrenheit (can reach as high as 104°) and the average low is 68°.  On average, August is also the month with the greatest precipitation.  Updated weather information for Beijing can be found at www.weather.com.

Q:  What is the language spoken in Beijing?

A:  The primary language spoken in Beijing is Mandarin or Standard Chinese.  English is rare in Beijing.

Q:  What type of electricity is used in Beijing?

A:  The electricity used in all parts of China is 220 volts, alternating current (AC), 50 cycles. Most devices from North America, therefore, cannot be used without a transformer. The most common outlet takes the North American two-flat-pin plug (but not the three-pin version, or those with one pin broader than the other). Adapters are available for only ¥8 to ¥17 in department stores.

Q:  Is it safe to drink the water in Beijing?

A:  It is recommended that you do not drink the water.  Bottled water is readily available.

Q:  What is the easiest way to get around Beijing?

A:  Taxis are the easiest form of transportation in Beijing.  They are easy to find and very affordable, however, traffic is a major issue in Beijing and must be taken into consideration when calculating travel times.  A taxi to/from the airport to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center will take approximately 1 hour.  A taxi from the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center to the Olympic Green will take approximately 30 minutes.

Beijing also has several subway lines.  The closest stop to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center is the Chaoyangmen Subway Station.  It is approximately a 20-30 minute walk from the station to the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center.

Q:  How can I be reached at the Bank of America Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center?

A:  The best way for someone to reach you at the Hometown Hopefuls® Family Center is by emailing us at hometownhopefuls@bankofamerica.com.

Q:  How do I make an international telephone call from Beijing?

A:  From landline phone to call the United States from Beijing dial 001 + area code + 7 digit number.  From a landline phone to call Beijing from the United States dial 011 + 86 + city code (omitting the leading zero) + number.

Q:  Will my cell phone work in Beijing?

A:  Many US cell phones will not work in Beijing.  Please check with your service provider before traveling to China.