China’s local currency is known as Renminbi (RMB). The exchange rate between US dollar and RMB is roughly 7:1. Most internationally accepted currencies and traveller’s checks can be converted at commercial banks, hotels, and international airports in the country. Banks open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Dinners Club, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and major stores. Some credit cards can be accepted on Bank of China.

 

Power supply in China is usually 220-250 volts, 50 hertz. Hotels can provide separate sockets (with 110 or 220 volts supply) for electric razors. There are both 3-pin plugs and 2-flat-pin plugs used in China.

 

For medical, dial 120.

For police or emergencies, dial 110.

China uses GSM/GPRS 900/1800MHz for its mobile phone system.

 

There is no tax charged for consumer products. 

In most hotels and restaurants, a 15% service charge is automatically added to bills. Tipping is not necessary in China.

 

Beijing Time is the standard time in China, which is eight hours earlier than the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8).