Before you ask anyone for a quote, decide seven things: who is going, when, how long, where, how fast, what budget, and what you cannot compromise on. With those answered, the replies you get will be specific and comparable.
The checklist is this page itself: copy the seven lines below into your notes app and fill them in. It is not a file to download.
It is natural to want a quote first and decide later. But a quote built on vague answers comes back vague, and then you compare numbers that mean different things.
What should you decide first?
Work down this list and write one line for each.
- Who is travelling: ages, mobility, and anyone with a food or health need.
- Dates: your ideal month and how flexible you are.
- Length: how many days of leave you actually have.
- Place: the region or the one or two cities you most want.
- Pace: relaxed, balanced or fast.
- Budget: the total you are comfortable with, in ringgit.
- Non-negotiables: halal meals, no long walks, a private car, a lie-in.
If you are unsure of the place or the days, read how to choose a region and how many days you need first.
How do you sort must-haves from nice-to-haves?
Split your wishes into three piles: must-have, nice-to-have and can-skip. This helps a planner fit the plan to your real priorities instead of filling every day.
For example, a must-have might be a flat route for a parent who walks slowly. A nice-to-have might be one extra city. A can-skip might be a shopping stop.
Write them down plainly. It also gives you something to check each quote against.
What does a quote need to show?
Ask every quote to list what is in and what is out. Flights, hotels, local transport, meals, tickets, guide fees and insurance may or may not be included, so a low total can hide extra costs.
Use the package comparator to line up two quotes on the same basis, and the budget planner to add the items a package leaves out. For a deeper look at costs, read how to estimate a China trip budget in ringgit.
How do you check who is quoting?
Check the licence before you pay. MOTAC licenses travel agencies and tour operators under the Tourism Industry Act 1992[1], and consumers are advised to verify an agency on the MOTAC website before paying[2].
Keep a copy of the quote and the terms. If something sounds too vague, ask for it in writing.
What about entry and apps?
Add two lines to your checklist: entry and connection. Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per stay without a visa[3], and rules can change, so confirm on the official source before you fly.
On connection, Google services and WhatsApp are blocked in mainland China[4]. Decide how you will reach your family and your agency before you land, such as an eSIM bought ahead of time.
What is your next step?
Fill in what you can, then decide whether a private tour or group tour fits your group. If you are still weighing going alone, the group tour or DIY guide sets the trade-offs side by side. The planning tools hub gathers every checker in one place.