China Flights and Travel Guide

Language

The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.

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Money

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can be exchanged only within China's borders. Travelers checks, preferably in U.S. Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special "Friendship Stores" designed for foreigners will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments, but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce outside the main cities.

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Communications

The international access code for China is +86. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). The city code for Beijing is (0)10. Telephone communication within China is good and improving all the time. International Direct Dialing is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices and hotels; phone booths on the streets are usually for local calls only. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Cell phone networks are very advanced. Operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most non-North American international operators. Internet cafes are available in most main towns.

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Tipping

Tipping is not officially recognized, although the practice is becoming more common among travel guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of about 10 percent.

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Safety

China is generally safe and there has been no evidence of a threat from global terrorism. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. There has been an increase in the number of muggings and robberies at Beijing International Airport and the Jianguomenwai area of Beijing, as well as in Shenzen, bordering Hong Kong. If trekking alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party.

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Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travelers to China seek medical advice beforedeparture. Altitude sickness can occur in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan. Outside city centers, visitors should only drink bottled water. Western-style medical centers with international staff are available in the major cities and usually accept credit cards. Health insurance is recommended.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but the two- narrow-pin types are most common. Adapters are generally required.

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