North Korean Embassy Běijīng (北朝鲜驻华使馆; Běi Cháoxiǎn Zhùhuá shǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 6532 1186; 11 Ritan Beilu; 日坛北路11号 bLine 6 to Dongdaqiao, exit D), Shěnyáng
Pakistan Embassy Běijīng (巴基斯坦大使馆; Bājīsītǎn Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 6532 6660; www.pakbj.org.pk; 1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie; 东直门外大街1号 h9.30-11.45am Mon-Fri; bLine 10 to Agricultural Exhibition Center, exit A), Chéngdū (巴基斯坦领事馆; Bājīsītǎn Lǐngshìguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %028 8526 8316; [email protected]; 7 Xinguanghua Jie, One Aerospace Center, Ste 2306; 新光华街7号航天科技大厦2306室 h9am-noon Mon & Thu)
Russian Embassy (俄罗斯大使馆; Èluósī Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 6532 1381, visa section 2-6pm Mon-Fri 010 6532 1267; www.russia.org.cn; 4 Dongzhimen Beizhongjie; 东直门内大街东直门北中街4号, off Dongzhimennei Dajie h9:30-11:30am Mon-Fri; bLines 2, 13 to Dongzhimen, exit A)
South Korean Embassy Běijīng (南韩大使馆; Nánhán Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010-8531 0700; www.chn.mofat.go.kr; North Lu, 7 Liangmaqiao Lu; 北京市朝阳区亮马桥北小街7号 bLine 10 to Liangmaqiao, exit B), Shěngyáng, Qīngdǎo (%0532 8897 6001; 88 Chunyang Lu; 春阳路88号 h9am-6pm Mon-Fri summer, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri winter)
Thai Embassy Běijīng (泰国大使馆; Tàiguó Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 6532 1749; www.thaiembbeij.org; 40 Guanghua Lu; 光华路40号 h8.30am-noon & 2-5.30pm; bLines 1, 2 to Jianguomen, exit B), Shànghǎi (泰王国领事馆; Tàiwángguó Lǐngshìguǎn GOOGLE MAP ; %021 5260 9899; www.thaishanghai.com; 18 Wanshan Rd; 万山路18号 hvisa office 9.30-11.30am Mon-Fri; mYili Rd), Kūnmíng (泰国领事馆; Tàiguó Lǐngshìguǎn GOOGLE MAP ; %0871 6316 8916; 18th fl, Shuncheng Twin Tower, East Building, Dongfeng Xilu; 东风西路顺城东塔18楼 h9am-11.30pm Mon-Fri)
UK Embassy Běijīng (联合王国大使馆; Liánhé Wángguó Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 5192 4000; www.gov.uk; 11 Guanghua Lu; 光华路11号 h9am-noon Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri; bLine 1 to Yonganli, exit A1), Hong Kong ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2901 3000; www.gov.uk/government/world/hong-kong; 1 Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty; h8.30am-5.15pm Mon-Fri; mAdmiralty, exit F), Shànghǎi (英国领事馆; Yīngguó Lǐngshìguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %021 3279 2000; http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk; 17th fl Garden Sq, 968 West Beijing Rd; 京西路968号花园广场17楼 h8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, consular service 9am-noon & 2-4pm Mon, Wed & Thu, 9am-noon Tue & Fri; mLine 2, 7 to Jing'an Temple; Line 2, 12, 13 to West Nanjing Rd), Chóngqìng (%023-6369 1500; Suite 2801, 28th fl, Metropolitan Tower, 68 Zourong Lu), Guǎngzhōu ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %020 8314 3000, emergency 010 5192 4000; 2nd fl, Main Tower, Guǎngdōng International Hotel, 339 Huanshi Donglu)
US Embassy Běijīng (美国大使馆; Měiguó Dàshǐguǎn GOOGLE MAP ; %010 8531 3300; http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn; 55 Anjialou Lu, off Liangmaqiao Lu; 亮马桥安家楼路55号 bLine 10 to Liangmaqiao, exit B), Hong Kong ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2523 9011; 26 Garden Rd, Central; mCentral, exit J2), Shànghǎi (美国领事馆, Měiguó Lǐngshìguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %after-hour emergency for US citizens 021 3217 4650; http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn; 8th fl, Westgate Tower, 1038 West Nanjing Rd; 南京西路1038号8楼 h8.15-11.30am & 1.15-2.30pm Mon-Fri; mLine 2, 12, 13 to West Nanjing Rd, exit 1), Chéngdū (美国领事; Měiguó Lǐngshìguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %028 8558 3992; http://chengdu.usembassy-china.org.cn; 4 Lingshiguan Lu; 领事馆路4号 h1-4pm Tue, Thu, Fri), Guǎngzhōu ( GOOGLE MAP ; %020 3814 5000; Huaxia Lu, Zhūjiāng New Town, Tiānhé District), Shěnyáng
Vietnamese Embassy Běijīng (越南大使馆; Yuènán Dàshǐguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %010 6532 1155; http://vnemba.org.cn; 32 Guanghua Lu; 光华路32号 bLine 1 to Yonganli, exit A1), Hong Kong ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2835 9318, 852 2591 4517; www.mofa.gov.vn; 15th fl, Great Smart Tower, 230 Wan Chai Rd, Wan Chai; h9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; mWan Chai, exit A3), Kūnmíng (越南领事馆; Yuènán Lǐngshìguǎn MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %0871 6352 2669; 507, Hongta Mansion, 155 Beijing Lu; 北京路155号红塔大厦507室 )
Food & Drink
Eating Price Ranges
Unless otherwise noted, price ranges shown are for mains.
Běijīng
$ Up to ¥40
$$ ¥40–100
$$$ over ¥100
Shànghǎi
$ Up to ¥60
$$ ¥60–160
$$$ over ¥160
Hong Kong (prices for a two-course meal with drinks)
$ Up to HK$200
$$ HK$200–500
$$$ over HK$500
Macau (prices for a two-course meal with drinks)
$ Up to MOP$200
$$ MOP$200–400
$$$ Over MOP$400
GLBTIQ Travellers
Greater tolerance exists in the big cities than in the more conservative countryside, but even in urban areas, gay and lesbian public displays of affection can raise an eyebrow. You will often see Chinese friends of the same sex holding hands or putting their arms around each other, but this usually has no sexual connotation. There are gay bars and clubs in the major cities, but it is far more common for people to socialise on apps. A same-sex couple staying in a hotel room with only one bed will rarely attract any resistance or comments (at least not to their faces).
Dànlán (淡蓝; www.danlan.org) Chinese-only news and lifestyle.
Spartacus International Gay Guide (www.spartacusworld.com/en) Best-selling guide for gay travellers; also available as an iPhone App.
Utopia (www.utopia-asia.com/tipschin.htm) Tips on travelling in China and a complete listing of gay bars nationwide.
Internet Access
Wi-fi accessibility in hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars is generally good. The best option is to bring a wi-fi equipped smartphone, tablet or laptop or use your hotel computer or broadband internet connection. Chain restaurants and cafes with free wi-fi often still require a Chinese phone number to receive a login code.
The Chinese authorities remain mistrustful of the internet, and censorship is heavy-handed. Around 10% of websites are blocked; the list is constantly changing but includes sites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google-owned sites (YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Drive), Dropbox and Telegram, so plan ahead. Google's search function is blocked, but a limited Chinese version of Yahoo and Bing are accessible. Newspapers such as the New York Times are also blocked, as is Bloomberg, though the Guardian is allowed.
Users can gain access to blocked websites by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as VyperVPN (www.goldenfrog.com). Be aware that using VPNs can be slow, and often are blocked sites themselves so must be installed before arriving in China – and not all even work in China.
Many internet cafes only accept customers with Chinese ID, thus barring foreigners. In large cities and towns, the area around the train station generally has internet cafes.
The internet icon in hotel reviews indicates the presence of an internet cafe or a terminal where you can get online; wi-fi areas are indicated with a wi-fi icon.
Legal Matters
China does not officially recognise dual nationality or the foreign citizenship of children born in China if one of the parents is a PRC national. If you have Chinese and another nationality you may, in theory, not be allowed to visit China on your foreign passport. In practice, Chinese authorities are not switched-on enough to know if you own two passports, and should accept you on a foreign passport. Dual-nationality citizens who enter China on a Chinese passport are subject to Chinese laws and are legally not allowed consular help. If over 16 years of age, carry your passport with you at all times as a form of ID.
Gambling is officially illegal in mainland China, as is distributing religious material.
China takes a particularly dim view of opium and all its derivatives; trafficking in more than 50g of heroin can lead to the death penalty. Foreign passport holders have been executed in China for drug offences. The Chinese criminal justice system does not ensure a fair trial and defendants are not presumed innocent until proven guilty. If arrested, most
foreign citizens have the right to contact their embassy.
Money
ATMs
Bank of China and the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) 24-hour ATMs are plentiful, and you can use Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro Plus and American Express to withdraw cash. All ATMs accepting international cards have dual-language ability. The network is largely found in sizeable towns and cities.
The exchange rate on ATM withdrawals is similar to that for credit cards, but there is a maximum daily withdrawal amount. Note that banks can charge a withdrawal fee for using the ATM network of another bank, so check with your bank before travelling. Bank of Nanjing ATMs waive the withdrawal fee for members of the Global ATM Alliance (enquire with your bank).
If you plan on staying in China for a few weeks or more, it is advisable to open an account at a bank with a nationwide network of ATMs, such as Bank of China or ICBC. HSBC and Citibank ATMs are available in larger cities. Keep your ATM receipts so you can exchange your yuán when you leave China.
To have money wired from abroad, visit Western Union or Moneygram (www.moneygram.com).
Credit Cards
In large tourist towns, credit cards are relatively straightforward to use, but don’t expect to be able to use them everywhere, and always carry enough cash. The exception is in Hong Kong, where international credit cards are accepted almost everywhere (although some shops may try to add a surcharge to offset the commission charged by credit companies, which can range from 2.5% to 7%). Check to see if your credit card company charges a foreign transaction fee (usually between 1% and 3%) for purchases in China.
Where they are accepted, credit cards often deliver a slightly better exchange rate than banks. Money can also be withdrawn at certain ATMs in large cities on credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
Electronic Payments
Paying for purchases with a smartphone app or a phone itself has become a common practice in the larger cities in China, particularly in large stores and chains. Plenty of convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, cafes, ride-sharing cars and online stores accept electronic payments from digital wallets paid through apps such as WeChat and Alipay.
For a visitor, the only accessible system that allows foreign cards is Apple Pay, accepted where you see the Apple Pay or QuickPass logos. Payments are made by holding your compatible device against the payment machine and verifying with your fingerprint.
Ride-sharing service Uber also works in China in the major cities without a Chinese bank card.
Currency
The Chinese currency is the rénmínbì (RMB), or ‘people’s money’. The basic unit of RMB is the yuán (元; ¥), which is divided into 10 jiǎo (角), which is again divided into 10 fēn (分). Colloquially, the yuán is referred to as kuài and jiǎo as máo (毛). The fēn has so little value these days that it is rarely used.
The Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of ¥1, ¥2, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 and ¥100. Coins come in denominations of ¥1, 5 jiǎo, 1 jiǎo and 5 fēn. Paper versions of the coins remain in circulation.
Hong Kong’s currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). The Hong Kong dollar is divided into 100 cents. Bills are issued in denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1000. Copper coins are worth 50c, 20c and 10c, while the $5, $2 and $1 coins are silver and the $10 coin is nickel and bronze. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of US$1 to HK$7.80, though it is allowed to fluctuate a little.
Macau’s currency is the pataca (MOP$), which is divided into 100 avos. Bills are issued in denominations of MOP$10, MOP$20, MOP$50, MOP$100, MOP$500 and MOP$1000. There are copper coins worth 10, 20 and 50 avos and silver-coloured MOP$1, MOP$2, MOP$5 and MOP$10 coins. The pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at a rate of MOP$103.20 to HK$100. In effect, the two currencies are interchangeable and Hong Kong dollars, including coins, are accepted in Macau. Chinese rénmínbì is also accepted in many places in Macau at one-to-one. You can’t spend patacas anywhere else, however, so use them before you leave Macau. Prices quoted are in yuán unless otherwise stated.
Money Changers
It’s best to wait till you reach China to exchange money as the exchange rate will be better. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be changed at border crossings, international airports, branches of the Bank of China, tourist hotels and some large department stores; hours of operation for foreign exchange counters are 8am to 7pm (later at hotels). Top-end hotels will generally change money for hotel guests only. The official rate is given almost everywhere and the exchange charge is standardised, so there is little need to shop around for the best deal.
Australian, Canadian, US, UK, Hong Kong and Japanese currencies and the euro can be changed in China. In some backwaters, it may be hard to change lesser-known currencies; US dollars are still the easiest to change. Lhasa has ATM-style currency exchange machines that can change cash in several currencies into rénmínbì 24 hours a day, with your passport.
Keep at least a few of your exchange receipts. You will need them if you want to exchange any remaining RMB you have at the end of your trip.
Taxes & Refunds
When shoppping, tax is already included on the displayed prices. Nearly all of the major cities offer a tax refund for foreign tourists on purchases made in the previous 90 days; the list of provinces keeps expanding.
The 11% tax is refunded at the airport and all items must leave China with you. Goods have a minimum purchase of ¥500 from the one store.
Tipping
ARestaurants Tipping is never expected at cheap, and many midrange, restaurants. In general there is no need to tip if a service charge has already been added, so check your bill for one.
AHotels Porters may expect a tip.
ATaxis Drivers do not expect tips.
Travellers Cheques
With the prevalence of ATMs across China, travellers cheques are not as useful as they once were and cannot be used everywhere, so always ensure you carry enough ready cash. You should have no problem cashing travellers cheques at tourist hotels, but they are of little use in budget hotels and restaurants. Most hotels will only cash the cheques of guests. If cashing them at banks, aim for larger banks such as the Bank of China or ICBC.
Stick to the major companies such as Thomas Cook, Amex and Visa. In big cities travellers cheques are accepted in almost any currency, but in smaller destinations, it’s best to stick to big currencies such as US dollars or UK pounds. Keep your exchange receipts so you can change your money back to its original currency when you leave.
Opening Hours
China officially has a five-day working week; Saturday and Sunday are public holidays.
ABanks Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (or 6pm); may close for two hours in the afternoon. Many also open Saturday and maybe Sunday. Same for offices and government departments.
APost offices Generally open daily.
ARestaurants Open from around 10.30am to 11pm; some shut at around 2pm and reopen at 5pm or 6pm.
ABars Open in the late afternoon, shutting around midnight or later.
AShops Open daily 10am to 10pm. Same for department stores and shopping malls.
Post
The international postal service is generally efficient, and airmail letters and postcards will probably take between five and 10 days to reach their destinations. Domestic post is swift – perhaps one or two days from Guǎngzhōu to Běijīng. Intracity post may be delivered the same day it’s sent.
China Post operates an express mail service (EMS) that is fast, reliable and ensures that the package is sent by registered post. Not all branches of China Post have EMS.
Major tourist hotels have branch post offices where you can send letters, packets and parcels. Even at cheap hotels you can usually post letters from the front desk. Larger parcels may need to be sent from the town’s main post office.
In major cities, private carriers such as United Parcel Service (%800 820 8388; www.ups.com), DHL (Dū
nháo; %800 810 8000; www.cn.dhl.com), Federal Express (Liánbāng Kuàidì; %800 988 1888; http://fedex.com/cn) and TNT Skypak (%800 820 9868; www.tnt.com) have a pick-up service as well as drop-off centres; call their offices for details.
If you are sending items abroad, take them unpacked with you to the post office to be inspected; an appropriate box or envelope will be found for you. Most post offices offer materials for packaging (including padded envelopes, boxes and heavy brown paper), for which you’ll be charged. Don’t take your own packaging as it will probably be refused. You will also need to show your passport or other ID.
Public Holidays
The People’s Republic of China has a number of national holidays. Some of the following are nominal holidays that do not result in leave. It’s not a great idea to arrive in China or go travelling during the big holiday periods as hotel prices reach their maximum and transport can become very tricky. It is also possible to contact a hotel and ask when large conferences occur in the area.
New Year’s Day 1 January
Chinese New Year 16 February 2018, 5 February 2019; a week-long holiday for most.
International Women’s Day 8 March
Lonely Planet China Page 210