Fast Facts China!
What is the weather like in China?
Northern China is best seen in September and October, and southern
China is best seen in November and December. Winters range from
extremely cold in the north to moderate in the south.
For a current forecast in China, click here.
What is required for entry into China?
A passport and visa are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens.
Friendly Planet will help you obtain your visa. Just click here.
Are there any health precautions I should take?
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are no requirements
for travel to China, but immunization against polio, tetanus,
typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Also ask your doctor
about malaria suppressants if you will be visiting Hainan Island
and areas close to the Laotian and Myanmar borders. Be sure
to take insect repellant!
A note on blood and transfusions: RH
negative and type O bloods are not commonly stored in China.
There have also been problems with HIV contaminated blood supplies.
SARS: “No further cases of SARS
in China or anywhere else in the world have been reported since
April 29, 2004. On May 18, the World Health Organization (WHO)
reported on its website that the outbreak in China appears to
have been contained, but that laboratory biosafety concerns
remain and further investigation is under way.” –
Center for Disease Control
Center for Disease Control: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/ith/countrylist03.html#42
What is the currency?
In China, the national currency is the Yuan. One American dollar
is worth approximately 8.27 Yuan. For current information about
exchange rates, click here.
ATMs: ATMs are not always hooked up
to international banking networks. Machines accepting foreign
ATM cards have CIRRUS or MAESTRO logos. It is preferable to
take along cash, travelers checks or credit cards.
TIPPING: Do not leave a tip in restaurants,
even if a service charge is not added. If you do, it will be
refused. Hotel porters, however, do expect 10 yuan for carrying
your luggage to your room or taxi.
What are the best items to shop for in China?
The best shopping is often at public markets. Shop for carpets,
chops (ink seals), stone and jade carvings, wood-block prints,
cloisonne, patent medicines, embroidered linens, reproductions
of old art, glass items, silk, handpainted snuff bottles, musical
instruments, and ethnic tribal crafts.
What are the voltage requirements in China?
Voltage: 220 V; Plugs A, I, & G.
You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order
to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter
and converter kit. Click here
for more information about electrical standards around the world.
