How many ways can I book my tickets?

 

People can book their tickets online through BOCOG's official ticketing website (www.tickets.beijing2008.cn) or fill out a printed order form.

 

The form can be found at any domestic Bank of China branch. It can also be downloaded from the official website or cut out from local newspapers.

 

When should I submit my order?

 

For the first stage of ticketing you can submit your order at any time between April 14 and June 30, 2007, as it will make no difference to the outcome.

 

Can I cancel the order?

 

You cannot cancel or change the order once it has been submitted. Please check the competition schedule, venues and ticket prices and make sure you have filled out the form correctly before applying.

 

When will I know the tickets are mine?

 

After BOCOG awards the tickets through a lottery it will inform the successful applicants by sending them a letter, email or text message. When the payment is settled, a confirmation letter will be sent out. From November 2007, the results will be posted on the official website.

 

Can my friends and I get seats next to each other at the same event?

 

While we will try to seat groups together, we cannot guarantee this will be possible.

 

How can I confirm my seat number and position?

 

Since most of the venues are still under construction, we cannot provide detailed seating arrangements yet. The seat numbers will be on the tickets.

 

If I change my address or telephone number, do I have to inform BOCOG?

 

Yes. To ensure you receive any information in a timely fashion you should contact BOCOG via the website or by calling the service center to update your details.

 

Can I use my Visa card or bank account to buy tickets for other people?

 

No. The name of the account holder must correspond with whoever is claiming the ticket(s).

 

Which events will see the highest demand?

 

Based on previous Games and local interest from the Chinese people as barometers, demand is expected to be high for events like swimming, diving, track and field, basketball, badminton and table tennis.

 

If an individual successfully books tickets during the first stage, can he or she book more tickets for the same event at later stages?

 

Yes. There are different buying restrictions for each stage of ticketing. As long as there are tickets to spare, more can be purchased later, although supply will obviously thin out.

 

How will the tickets be allocated for oversubscribed events?

 

A computer-operated draw will determine who gets what. Each order will be given a number, and the system will randomly select numbers.

 

As ticket prices for the opening and closing ceremonies are staggered into five levels, will I have a better chance by opting for a cheaper or more expensive ticket?

 

You stand a better chance by going for a higher-priced ticket. The drawing system will then automatically degrade your order to a lower price level if it hasn't been picked -- giving you more chances to be successful.

 

Are any of the tickets reserved for people with disabilities?

 

There are seats for people with disabilities at all the Olympic venues, including those offering wheelchair access. People should indicate whether they want one of these seats when placing their orders.

 

If some of these special tickets are not sold, will they be offered to the general public?

 

No. They will be awarded to those accompanying the people with disabilities.

 

How will BOCOG protect people's personal information, bearing in mind that applicants have to leave their credit card or bank information on the order form?

 

We have worked hard to ensure security by encrypting the sales system. When the payment information is displayed, only a few of the numbers will appear.

 

How will BOCOG use all of this personal information, including photos?

 

BOCOG will protect people's privacy in accordance with the law, only using their personal information to identify spectators. All the information in any format will be deleted and destroyed after the conclusion of the Games.

 

Can the tickets be transferred or refunded?

 

According to common practice, tickets can only be refunded if an event is canceled in advance.

 

In most cases, refunds are not allowed, but tickets can be transferred provided BOCOG gives its consent in advance.

 

Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies can be transferred once, but only by the original buyers.

 

Other events require BOCOG's consent.

 

As only one person is allowed to buy one ticket for the opening ceremony, what happens when complications arise, for example involving children who can't go to the event by themselves?

 

The opening ceremony will see the highest demand so we are imposing ticket restrictions to ensure the largest number of people get the opportunity to see it.

 

When the Games get under way, BOCOG will run special services at different venues for people with special requirements.

 

For those who have a ticket but cannot attend the event, we will help them transfer their ticket.

 

(China Daily April 25, 2007)