CLIMATE
China stretches over four climatic zones, from cool-temperate to tropical. North of the Yangtse River the winters are very cold and the summers are hot and dry. South of the Yangtse River the winters are less harsh, but the summers obtain high temperatures and high humidity. Best time to visit China is April to June and September to November. A brief weather report on all major cities in China is available at http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/.
CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB), also called Yuan (￥) or Kuai (1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen). There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into China, but it must be declared to the customs. Dollar and Euros can be exchanged in every international hotel; however, exchange offices and banks offer better rates. The return exchange of RMB in foreign currency is only possible with the exchange receipt. One person is allowed to take along no more than RMB 6,000 at arrival and departure. At a few banks you can withdraw cash using your EC card.
Credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club) are accepted in most international hotels and in tourist stores.
DEPARTURE TAX
The departure tax on international flights is about RMB 90 per person.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in China is 220V, 50 cycles. Two-pin sockets and some three-pin sockets are in use. Most of the hotels have a socket in the bathroom for both 110V and 220V. However, outside of the bathroom, only 220V sockets are provided. Although an adapter may be borrowed from the hotel, it is recommended to bring your own adapter plug.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by most foreigners entering mainland China. For a visa application the following documents are needed:
- passport (with a validity of more than 6 months)
- completed visa application form
- 1 passport photograph
At the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China at http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/ (Missions Overseas => Chinese Embassies), you can find a link of your country’s embassy for downloading and printing the visa application form or further information on the application procedure.
A tourist visa (one-time entry) costs about EUR 50. Additional EUR 30 will be charged for preferred processing of the application. The visa will be issued within four working days. All documents have to be handed in and picked up in person or by proxy. An application by mail is not possible. We would recommend a visa application via a travel agency.
If you have to sign contracts in China you need a business visa (one-time entry), which costs about EUR 50 (Germans: about 20 EUR). An official invitation letter by the trade fair organizers is required to apply for a business visa. This invitation letter will be provided from CIEC Exhibition Co., Ltd:
HEALTH / VACCINATIONS
There are no particular immunizations required for entry into China, unless the traveller is coming from a yellow fever infected area. As for direct entry from Europe no vaccinations are required. We recommend to renew vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria.
In case of an emergency the embassies can give you the contact of English or German speaking physicians in China. Most hotels offer their own first-aid service or organize medical assistance. In large cities medical care has reached a high standard. You can even find medical divisions only for foreigners. Be cautious with unpeeled fruit, ice, ice-cream and water from the tap.
It is highly recommended to get an accident and medical insurance coverage for any medical expenses that may arise. Please also take a look at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/ (Asia => China => Essential Info => Health & Safety).
LANGUAGE / COMMUNICATION
The official language of China is Mandarin (chin.: pu tong hua). However, the regional dialects vary quite heavily. In tourist centres (e.g. international hotels) and business circles English is mostly spoken. If you take a taxi it is recommended to take a business card of your hotel with you or to ask for written directions in Chinese at the reception desk.
MAIL / TELEPHONE / INTERNET
Mail: Stamps are available at post offices or at the hotel reception, where postcards and letters will also be mailed for you.
Telephone: The international country code of China is +86. International calls from the hotel are very expensive. Local calls are usually free of charge. Most major cities operate telephone booths, which can be used for international calls with telephone cards. In most cases your mobile phone will work in large cities. You can also use your mobile phone with a Chinese prepaid card, which can be bought in stores.
Internet cafes can be found mainly in large cities and tourist centers.
OPENING HOURS
Banks: |
Mo to Fr 9am – 12am and 2pm – 5pm
Sa 8am – 11.30 am |
Offices: |
Mo to Fr 8am – 12am and 1pm – 5pm |
Stores: |
Mo to Su 8am – 8pm (in winter from 10am – 9pm)
There is no official closing hour. |
Post Offices: |
Mo to Fr 8am – 7pm
Sa 8am – 2pm |
Restaurants: |
Mo to Su 10am – 12pm |
Sights: |
usually 9am – 4pm |
SAFETY
China is a very safe country. However, when visiting major tourist locations beware of pickpockets. Therefore, we recommend to deposit all valuables in your hotel safe.
TIME ZONE
Despite the enormous size China has only one time zone (Beijing standard time). There is no daylight saving time, i.e. only standardized Central European Time (CET) plus 7 hours, during the European daylight saving time plus 6 hours.
TIPPING
Although the practice is not officially recognized, tipping is now common in top-class international hotels and restaurants. However, tipping is still not expected in rural areas. There is no general rule about tipping; it is up to your own sensitiveness, usually about 10% are common. Normally consumer tax is included in the price on goods, but high-class hotels and restaurants may add a service charge of 10-15%.
TRANSFER FROM PUDONG AIRPORT
The airport is linked to Shanghai's metro with the new magnetic levitation train – the Maglev. The journey takes only 8 minutes and costs about RMB 50.
Taxis are available and usually the most convenient way to the city. Journeys take about an hour to most downtown areas and cost about RMB 160.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis are numerous and convenient. A sticker on the car door gives information about the rate. Ask the driver to use the taxi meter. There is a basic charge (about RMB 10), which increases after 11 pm, and an additional charge depending on the distance. As taxi drivers rarely understand and speak English, ask the hotel receptionist to write your destination in Chinese characters and to give you a name card of your hotel for the trip back. Taxis drivers usually do not accept credit cards.
Public transport: Shanghai has a well connected underground network with sign postings in English. However, during peak hours public transport can be unpleasantly crowded.
USEFUL INTERNET LINKS
The following websites provide useful information about China:
In English:
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