Currency
RMB (Renminbi) is the sole legitimate currency of the People's Republic of China. The basic unit of RMB is yuan, (pronounced in local dialest as kuai), which is divided into 10 jiao (pronounced as mao), which is again divided into 10 fen.
RMB paper notes include 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan, and the smaller 1, 2 and 5 mao. There are also 1, 2, 5 yuan, 1, 2, 5 mao and 1, 2, 5 fen coins.
Bureaux de change sponsored by the Bank of China are set up at Beijing International Airport, hotels and tourist stores. The exchange rate fluctuates with international market conditions. You should keep the form you fill in when changing money, because you will need to show it when you change RMB back into foreign currency.
Most bureaux de change open seven days a week from 9:00 to 17:00.
Credit Cards
At present the Bank of China accepts Master, American Express, Dynasty, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards. Travellers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in more than 100 major cities in China. A surcharge of 2% is always charged for card transactions.
Table Manners
Various customs relate to meal times at the Chinese table. Round dining tables are preferred over rectangular ones as they seat more people and allow diners to face each other without any implicit or explicit status differentiation in seating (such as the western tradition of the head of a household sitting at the 'head' of the table). At a meal, social status is leveled, and all are equal. Mealtimes are the arena for family discussions, though the discussion of 'misfortunate' topics such as death is considered bad manners.
Other bad mannered practices include playing with the chopsticks during a meal (for example banging them on the table), or using a spoon used for personal eating for serving from a communal plate or bowl.
Departure Tax
When you depart China there is a 90 yuan ($11) departure tax (payable only in Chinese currency). If traveling with a tour, departure taxes are usually included; but if you are traveling as a FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler), don't forget to save enough yuan. Departure tax on all domestic flights is 50 yuan ($6), payable at a special airport tax desk before check-in.
Visa fee for US passport holder
one entry $30
two entries $40
multiple-entry (6 months) $50
multiple-entry (12 months) $90
Climate and Clothing
China's climate ranges from year-round tropical heat in Hainan to Siberian conditions in the far north and classic desert weather in the far west. Clothing is usually dictated by the weather. In winter it's a good idea to wear layers of garments - thermal or silk underwear with a sweater and padded jacket - so as to be able to strip down when necessary. Padded jackets and wool-lined boots, in all sizes and styles, are among China's best buys.
In the warm weather clothing should be casual and designed for comfort, without being too revealing. Slacks are still the norm for women in China, and are recommended for strenuous sightseeing.
The Chinese are generally conservative in their dress, favoring dark colors. In recent years, the Western coat and tie have become popular.
Visas
Foreign visitors can obtain individual or group visas from Chinese embassies and consulates, or China Travel Service offices in Hong Kong, usually within a day or two. Most tourists are included in group visas, not inserted into passports. For individual travelers, single-entry visas are valid for entry within three months. For business people and other regular visitors there are multiple-entry visas good for six months at a time. Each visa is valid for a stay of 30 or 60 days, and can be extended while in China.
Visitors should be sure to carry their passports while in China as they are needed to check into hotels, make plane or train reservations, exchange money or establish the holder's identity. Loss of a passport should be reported immediately to the holder's embassy or consulate, and the Beijing Municipality Public Security Bureau, Foreigners Section, 85 Beichizi Jie.
Language
In China, both Putonghua and English are the languages of business. So, if the foreign tourists travel to China for business purpose, they can usually communicate with the chinese merchants in simple English. However, Putonghua is an official language of China. Most of the Chinese merely speak Putonghua with the outsiders. So, if the foreign tourists want to visit China but cannot speak Putonghua, they will find inconvenient on their tours. Therefore, it is essential and useful for the foreign tourists to learn some simple Putonghua when they decide to visit China.
Public Holidays
In China there are 11 days of national public holiday throughout the year, and they are:
The New Year's Day-- 2 days;
The Spring Festival (also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, usually due in late January or early and mid-February)-- 3 days;
The May 1st Labor Day-- 3 days;
The October 1st National Day-- 3 days.
It is customary for people to "borrow" weekends to make the three-day holiday into a week-long holiday.
Governments of all levels and companies in China follow the five-day week system.
Radio and TV
All large hotels in China receive many television channels, including some popular international channels. China Central Television (CCTV) currently has 10 channels, broadcasting over 160 hours of programs daily. CCTV-4, 2, 9 and 10 show some English programs every day. CCTV-4 has a 30-minute English language news program at 23:00 every night.
China Radio International broadcasts to the world round-the-clock in 39 foreign languages and four Chinese dialects. Easy FM on 91.5 offers 12 hours of English broadcasting and Western music. This station is also a good source of information on what is happening in Beijing. Five minutes of international and domestic news is broadcast every hour on the hour.
Credit Cards