China - Travel Information

Population

1300 Million

Language

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou)

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Country Area

Same size as Canada

Visa Requirements

Visa is required for all foreign nationals

International Airports

Chek Lap Kok Hong Kong, Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong 

Currency

Yuan (officially known as the Renminbi) RMB

Historic Exchange Rates $1AUD-RMB:6.3(2007), 6.0(2006), 6.3(2005)

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +08:00

Eating & Drinking

Water

It is not advisable to drink tap water in China.

Getting Around

Electrical Plugs & Power

Mostly 220 volt 50Hz, Plugs tend to be type A,type C, type I

Banks

9:00 - 17:00, From Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 13:00, Saturday
Most banks in major cities open from Monday to Saturday. Getting a cash advance is possible if your card is Cirrus and Maestro enabled.

Mobile Phone

GSM networks provide good coverage in every major city. GSM 1800 and 900 networks

Internet

Internet cafes are numerous. Hotels generally have internet access.

Phone Calls

China Country Code +86
International code to dial out is 00
00 + Country Code + City (if applicable) + Local number

Tipping

0 - 15% in restaurants and hotels

Dress Code

Comfortable casual clothing is acceptable.  

Clothing

Please check your destination specific clothing requirements