Try to get your hotel address in Chinese characters before you come to China:
Ø Most taxi drivers do not speak English, if you show them the address in English or Pinyin, it may not be very useful. And the taxi drivers do not have the habit to read maps either. So to avoid trouble and frustration, please try to get proper Chinese characters for the places you want to go, and show the taxi driver or local people CHINESE VERSION address.
Money Exchange:
Ø Your first opportunity to change money in China is at the airport. It's not easy to find Bureau De Change in China, but you can certainly get your money changed from banks (but not the tiny branches in a small place). Though China’s banking services and facilities have been improving a lot, they are probably unlike what you are used to. Patience are very much needed to get what you need to accomplish. In some places you’ll need to stand in line; in others you take a number and wait to be called. Expect only limited service in English.
Ø The highest amount once can cash out per day is USD 5,000. But it’s better to do so in small amounts, so as to avoid having to convert any RMB back to your original currency. When converting foreign currency into RMB at an authorized location, they will give you an exchange slip, which you should keep safe as you’ll have to show it should you change your RMB back to foreign currency. Many large hotels are also approved for currency exchange, but the service is often reserved for guests. Passport identification is compulsory for all currency conversions, so be sure to bring it with you.
Ø The highest amount once can cash out per day is USD 5,000. But it’s better to do so in small amounts, so as to avoid having to convert any RMB back to your original currency. When converting foreign currency into RMB at an authorized location, they will give you an exchange slip, which you should keep safe as you’ll have to show it should you change your RMB back to foreign currency. Many large hotels are also approved for currency exchange, but the service is often reserved for guests. Passport identification is compulsory for all currency conversions, so be sure to bring it with you.
ATMs:
Ø ATMs can be easily found and ATM cards can be widely and easily used in Beijing. Almost all banks have ATMs and many accept main foreign credit cards and bankcards connected to Cirrus, Plus, Amex, Visa and MasterCard. Check the logos posted at the ATM to see if it will accept your card. Also the cash machines only allow you to take 2000 RMB out each time (some machine allow 2500 RMB each time), but maximum money you can dispense per day is 5000 RMB.
Credit Cards :
Ø Credit cards are not as popularly accepted in China as in the West. Foreign tourists can use major credit cards (such as Visa, Master card, American Express...) in big cities and big places. Many hotels (above middle range) accept major international credit cards (such as Visa, Master ...), but some 3 stars may not accept. You can use these credit cards in big Department Stalls (not the Food Hall) in large cities . Most internal flight booking system in China DO NOT accept foreign cards. Ordinary medium and small restaurants also DO NOT accept foreign credit cards. Please prepare that in China many places take cash only.
Things to be aware of:
Ø Don’t go with unofficial drivers at Airport. Follow the airport sign & it will direct you to TAXI parking lot. Drivers should use meters. Do keep your taxi receipt in case the lost of anything in the taxi.
Ø Don’t take the Taxi which is already waiting in the exit of historical sites. Please get one from the road. Or take the ones that just arrived with other passengers. Make sure the driver use the meter.
Ø Don’t go with strangers to Teahouse, bars or clubs in downtown Wangfujing or club area. They would charge you an extremely high price.
Ø Don’t take Rickshaw near Tian An Men Square or downtown Wangfujing area. It is not 3 RMB when you pay the bill, they would charge you 300RMB.
Ø Be aware of pick pocket in crowded place. Please make sure you have it below your eyesight.
Ø Be aware of restaurant waitress and please make sure the dish price clear before you order it.
Ø Be aware of mental-disordered person who is next to you and try to keep distance with them.
Ø Please keep your passport in the safe of Hotel, then you won’t lose it!! It will be horrible to lose the passport! It takes 5 to 7 days to obtain your new visa from foreign administration. It will be fine if you just keep the passport copy with you when you do the sightseeing in town.
Ø Public WC: You will see that more than half public WCs are typical Chinese type of toilets. But some WCs may have 1 western toilet unit for the elders. Also while you travel in China, make sure that always have the toilet paper or pack of tissue in your pocket (many WCs do not provide toilet paper).
Ø Drinking Water: We suggest you not to drink the tap water which local people do not drink it either. The locals drink a lot of boiling water or hot tea. Bottled waters from the convenient stores are safe to drink.
Ø Voltage & Socket: Chinese voltage is 220 V, most of the sockets require 2 flat pronged plug, please make sure that you have an adaptor.
Ø Never eat, drink or buy anything without knowing the price first. Some of the tourists sights, you are expected to bargain. Be prepared for that.
Ø Don’t take the Taxi which is already waiting in the exit of historical sites. Please get one from the road. Or take the ones that just arrived with other passengers. Make sure the driver use the meter.
Ø Don’t go with strangers to Teahouse, bars or clubs in downtown Wangfujing or club area. They would charge you an extremely high price.
Ø Don’t take Rickshaw near Tian An Men Square or downtown Wangfujing area. It is not 3 RMB when you pay the bill, they would charge you 300RMB.
Ø Be aware of pick pocket in crowded place. Please make sure you have it below your eyesight.
Ø Be aware of restaurant waitress and please make sure the dish price clear before you order it.
Ø Be aware of mental-disordered person who is next to you and try to keep distance with them.
Ø Please keep your passport in the safe of Hotel, then you won’t lose it!! It will be horrible to lose the passport! It takes 5 to 7 days to obtain your new visa from foreign administration. It will be fine if you just keep the passport copy with you when you do the sightseeing in town.
Ø Public WC: You will see that more than half public WCs are typical Chinese type of toilets. But some WCs may have 1 western toilet unit for the elders. Also while you travel in China, make sure that always have the toilet paper or pack of tissue in your pocket (many WCs do not provide toilet paper).
Ø Drinking Water: We suggest you not to drink the tap water which local people do not drink it either. The locals drink a lot of boiling water or hot tea. Bottled waters from the convenient stores are safe to drink.
Ø Voltage & Socket: Chinese voltage is 220 V, most of the sockets require 2 flat pronged plug, please make sure that you have an adaptor.
Ø Never eat, drink or buy anything without knowing the price first. Some of the tourists sights, you are expected to bargain. Be prepared for that.
