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China Fact Sheet
Climate
China stretches over four climatic zones, from cool-temperate to tropical. North of the Yangtze River the winters are very cold and the summers are hot and dry. South of the Yangtze River the winters are less harsh, but the summers reach high temperatures and high humidity. Best times to visit China are 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/ .
Language / Communication
The official language of China is Mandarin. However, regional dialects vary quite widely. In tourist centers (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 ask for written directions in Chinese at your hotel's reception desk.
Currency / Credit Cards
The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB). There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into China but if you plan to carry more than RMB 20,000 into China, it must be declared at customs. US Dollars and Euros can be exchanged in every international hotel. However, exchange offices and banks offer better rates. The current exchange rate is available at http://www.boc.cn
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Credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club) are accepted in most international hotels and in tourist stores.
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 that you bring your own adapter plug.
Foreign Embassies in China
At http://mypage.bluewin.ch/caccia/china-vr.html#english ,you can find the addresses of your own Embassy and Consulate in Shanghai.
INSURANCE
We suggest that participants buy their own accident and medical insurance for the period they will be attending the congress.
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 in major cities and tourist centers.
Opening Hours
| Banks: |
Mon to Fri 9am – 12am and 2pm – 5pm
Sat 8am – 11.30 am |
| Offices: |
Mon to Fri 8am – 12am and 1pm – 5pm |
| Stores: |
Mon to Sun 8am – 8pm (in winter from 10am – 9pm)
There is no official closing hour. |
| Post Offices: |
Mon to Fri 8am – 7pm
Sat 8am – 2pm |
| Restaurants: |
Mon to Sun 10am – 12am (midnight) |
| Sights: |
usually 9am – 4pm |
Safety
China is a very safe country. However, beware of pickpockets when visiting popular tourist attractions. Therefore, we recommend that you deposit all valuables in your hotel safe.
Time Zone
China has only one time zone (Beijing standard time). There is no daylight saving time, i.e. it is standardized Central European Time (CET) plus 7 hours, or the European daylight saving time plus 6 hours.
Tipping
Although the practice is not officially recognized, tipping is now common in 5-star international hotels and upmarket restaurants. However, tipping is still not expected in smaller towns and 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 11), which increases after 11 pm and an additional charge depending on the distance. As taxi drivers rarely understand or 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.
Public transport: Shanghai has a well connected underground network with signage in English. However, during peak hours, public transport can be unpleasantly crowded. |
