China Travel Handbook: Travel in China

China Travel Safety

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:05:00 GMT

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and there are virtually no crimes committed against tourists visiting China. Even during the late evening hours travelers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict.

Airport Fee/Departure Tax

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 15:54:00 GMT

Airport fee in China amounts 90 yuan (US$11) for international flights, 50 yuan (US$6) for domestic and 10 yuan for branch flights.Two exemptions to the departure tax:passengers holding diplomatic passports and transit passengers stopping at the transit point within 24 hours.

Commonly used Phrases

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 15:56:00 GMT

Some Commonly used Phrases for your convenience when travel in China.

Medical Service

Sat, 12 Nov 2004 17:52:00 GMT

In China, the standards of medical care and availability of medicine vary immensely from region to region.Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an etc. have well equipped medical facilities. Some hospitals have separate divisions for foreigners.Small cities won't have such efficient ambulance services, but there are emergency centers in most small cities.

Communications

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:12:00 GMT

Telephone communication within China is good and getting better as the national system upgrades to fiber optic cable. China's phone system runs smoothly. Direct long-distance dials (DDD) and International calls (IDD) can be made from hotel rooms or roadside telephone kiosks;The postal service is one of the most efficient systems in China. Local rates are inexpensive and international rates are reasonable;Internet is widely available in China.

Media

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:16:00 GMT

All the larger hotels in China offer a choice of numerous channels both national and international (like BBC World News, CNN, etc.). The State owned China Central Television (CCTV) currently has 10 channels, broadcasting over 160 hours daily;Many radio stations operate in China. China Radio International broadcasts to the world round-the-clock in 39 foreign languages and four Chinese dialects;China Daily is the major English newspaper published in China. It reports both international and home affairs and is available free of charge in many of the larger hotels throughout the Country. Two other English-language publications, the Shanghai Star and Beijing This Month, are also available.

Business Hour

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:19:00 GMT

In China, businesses usually open from 8:00 am and close about 5:00 pm (Some cities may vary). Offices are closed for lunch break of one hour, generally between 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Supper is taken around 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm.And details in the article.

Area Code/Zipcode

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:23:00 GMT

Country Code:86;Area Code and Zipcode of major cities in China.

Related:
International Dialing Codes

Useful Telephone Numbers

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:25:00 GMT

Useful Telephone Numbers:110 for Police, 119 for Fire, 120 for Emergency etc.

Drinking Water

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:27:00 GMT

Tap water in China is not suitable for drinking.Most hotels supply boiled water in a thermos and flask or a glass of tumbler with cold water, and mineral water in plastic bottles is available in most cities.

Electricity

Wed, 09 Nov 2004 16:28:00 GMT

Electricity in China is 220V, 50 cycles, AC. 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. Most hotels have built-in convectors in bathrooms for shaving, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, as there are a variety of plug types in use.

Related:
Electricity Conversions

Weights and Measures

Sat, 12 Nov 2004 17:03:00 GMT

Both international and the local standards for weights and measures are used in China.Most local people are still used to the Chinese standards when shopping in the market because they have got used to it. To make it convenient for foreigners, a list revealing the conversion between the metric system, the Chinese system and the imperial system are offered here.

Complaints

Sat, 12 Nov 2004 16:31:00 GMT

If your travel agent provides you with poor service or does not follow your agreement, you may complain to the National Tourism Administrative Bureau directly or to the local Supervisory Office of Tourism Quality listed in the article.