Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+8
Capital City: Beijing (Peking)
Population: 1.33 billion
Area: 9,596,960357,021 square km, 3,705,405 square miles.
Language(s): Chinese, many dialects including Cantonese and Fujianese
Dialling Code: 86
Emergency: Police: 110. Fire: 119. Ambulance: 120 (Beijing)
TV Standard: PAL
Driving:
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Yuan Renminbi (CNY 1 = 100 Fen or 10 Jiao)
Notes: CNY: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. Jiao: 1, 2, 520,
Coins: CNY: 1. Fen: 1, 2, 5. Jiao: 1, 5
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards are accepted at tourist hotels or tourist shops in major cities. Local currency is only available in exchange for travellers cheques in China and Hong Kong
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1130 & 1300-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1900 Mon-Sun
Public Holidays
2012
Note: When a holiday falls on a Sunday, he next day (Monday) is usually taken in lieu. Holidays marked ** may be observed locally for certain groups.
Business/Social Hints: Business cards to have Chinese translation on reverse side. Essential to use interpreters. Misunderstandings can arise as there is no direct Chinese equivalent of yes, no and please, while laughter also may disguise embarrassment. There are some restrictions on photography. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. It is not customary to remain at table once the meal is over. Before visiting China, appropriate travel guides should be read
Tipping: Not encouraged, but accepted from tourists
