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Business Travel Information
Business Travel Information
Climate
Chinalies mainly in the Northern temperate zone. From September/October to March/April the winds blow down from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau, creating dry, cold winters and a temperature difference of up to 40ºC between the North and South of the country.
Monsoon winds blow into China from the Eastern-facing seaboard in summer, bringing warm wet conditions to the coastal areas, with relatively little rainfall to the inland regions. Heavy rainfall regularly brings flooding to the major river valleys especially the areas surrounding the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. The four hottest cities that are called “four ovens of China” are Wuhan, Chongqing, Nanjing and Nanchang, with the hottest month being August. Many cities also experience Indian Summers in the early Autumn.
Average temperatures
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Changchun
°F
1.4
8.6
25
45
59
68
73
72
59
45
25
8.6
°C
-17
-13
-4
7
15
20
23
22
15
7
-4
-13
Rain
(mm)
5
5
10
20
45
90
175
135
55
30
10
5
Beijing
°F
25
28
39
55
68
77
79
77
68
55
39
27
°C
-4
-2
4
13
20
25
26
25
20
13
4
-3
Rain
(mm)
4
5
8
18
33
78
224
170
58
18
9
3
Shanghai
°F
37
39
46
57
66
75
82
82
75
64
55
43
°C
3
4
8
14
19
24
28
28
24
18
13
6
Rain
(mm)
47
61
84
95
104
174
145
137
138
69
52
37
Xi’an
°F
27
36
46
57
68
79
81
79
68
55
45
34
°C
-3
2
8
14
20
26
26
20
13
7
1
Rain
(mm)
5
10
25
45
60
50
90
80
100
55
25
10
Guangzhou
°F
57
59
64
72
79
81
84
84
81
75
68
59
°C
14
15
18
22
26
27
29
29
27
24
20
15
Rain
(mm)
35
65
95
185
265
270
245
230
170
65
45
20
For more detailed information: www.weather.china.org.cn/english/.
Visa applications
Visas are required by overseas visitors entering mainland China, but not for Western nationals visiting Hong Kong and Macau. Visas are available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most countries. In some countries such as the UK, a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) has been set up to be responsible for receiving visa applications for visits to mainland China. An alternative option would be to consider contacting a visa agency, which obtains tourist or business visas for its clients without them having to queue up at an embassy, subject to payment of an additional processing fee. Single, double and multiple entry visas are available, although it is advisable to check beforehand regarding the information that needs to accompany the application. You can download the application form beforehand.
For more detailed information please see www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/.
Health requirements
• No vaccinations are currently required for China, except for yellow fever if you are arriving from an area where the disease is endemic. However, you should discuss your trip with your doctor who will have updated information regarding any potential health issues.
• Precautions against malaria, typhoid and cholera are recommended for travellers planning to visit certain rural areas (mainly Hainan Island, Yunnan province and Guangxi province).
• Travel insurance is advised for trips to China. If you’re not already covered you should contact a specialist travel insurance company.
For further information: www.masta-travel-health.com or www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Check the dates of major national holidays and events when arranging a visit to China. Avoid these periods if you can.
Flights to China
China’s most important long-haul international gateways are Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai, although many other Chinese cities are served by international flights, operated mainly by airlines based in East Asia. Tickets for direct flights to China are easily available, except during peak seasons, (for example, February during Chinese New Year, or summer holiday season for students), when you are advised to book as far in advance as possible.
Most airline companies now use e-tickets and will send a confirmation of your flight details to your email address. The direct airlines include Air China, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cathy Pacific Airways, Air New Zealand and Qantas Airways. However, if you can bear a longer journey and prefer to get a bargain - indirect flights from other European or even Mid-Eastern cities are well worth looking into.
• Western chain hotels are generally better equipped to accommodate Westerners’ business needs.
• Try to stay in hotels that are near to your meeting locations to avoid traffic delays.
• In an emergency, the business centre staff may offer flexible office hours – it is always worth checking if this facility will be available.
• The concierge is the best person in the hotel to ask for local information.
• Always carry your hotel card with its address and telephone details on it.
Accommodation
The quality of hotels in China varies enormously, both in terms of comfort and service. As in most developed countries, you can expect to find accommodation to suit every pocket, from ‘6 star’ executive hotels down to very basic rooms which are barely suitable for tourist needs. Generally, there are a large number of premium and international chain hotels in big cities. They offer excellent services and have a wide range of amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV and often a mini-bar and broadband internet connection. However, hotels in small or remote towns usually have relatively basic facilities. If business facilities are essential to your visit, it is better to stay in international or chain hotels, as they are likely to be more familiar with international business visitors’ needs. If you plan to enjoy some leisure time on your trip, local hotels may be more suitable as they are often more historical, with a strong sense of local culture, or occupy the best and most scenic locations. Visit www.bb-china.com for accommodation which incorporates the personality of the region.
• The ‘ground floor’ is the first floor in China.
During the peak seasons, it is advisable to book rooms in advance and confirm your reservations, as they are usually very busy or fully booked. It’s also worth considering that in popular tourist destinations during the peak season, hotels can charge considerably more. You can book rooms through the following websites: www.english.ctrip.com/
• Bring all the essentials you may need with you – from personal items, medicines, through to stationery, as it is wise never to assume you can get them easily in China.
• It’s always wise to carry some toilet paper with you and be prepared to squat, as the toilets are not the same as you would find in the West!
• Make sure you have a sufficient supply of adaptors - otherwise, check with your hotel in advance.
• Be prepared with plenty of business cards (in Chinese).
• Take some small souvenirs with you, as ‘gift giving’ is a way of life in China.
Travel insurance
Although not essential, it is strongly advisable that you are covered by travel insurance, in case of theft, loss or medical problems. Most travel agents are able to provide you with insurance. For more detailed information, visit www.travel-insurance.net/info.
Illness
Medical advice and care are provided by hospitals, as there are no GP equivalents in China. Should you need it, the hotel staff, your local contact or hotel representative will call you a doctor or more likely, arrange for you to be taken to a hospital. Larger hospitals in major cities usually have departments dedicated to foreign patients with staff that speak good English.
For minor complaints, every town has a pharmacy that can suggest remedies, and doctors who can treat you with traditional Chinese or Western techniques. Chinese herbal medicine is usually used in conjunction with Western medicine. However, you may request to use solely Western drugs. Pharmacies offer a large range of non-prescription and some prescription drugs. If you suffer from chronic illness it is advisable to take the documents with you. Outside of major conurbations, it is advisable to take along your translator.
Hereafter are hospitals in the major cities of China that can accommodate English speaking patients:
- Beijing: United Family Hospitals and Clinics
Tel: 86 10-64333960 Website: www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com/en_index.asp
- Shanghai: Shanghai Renai International Patient Center
Tel: 86 21-64688888 Website: www.en.renai.cn/index.shtml
- Hangzhou: Sir. Run Run Show Hospital
Tel: 86 571-86090073 Website: www.srrsh.com/english/
- Guangzhou: Eur Am International Medical Centre
Tel: 86 20-37585328 Website: www.eurammedicalcenter.com
Arrival
Passengers arriving from abroad have to complete health certificates when passing through the Quarantine Check area. Customs forms are cleared as usual on exit from the baggage claim area. Cash machines and banks are available at airports. There may be people at the airport touting for taxi business, in which case, it is better to find a taxi station and to take a properly licensed taxi.
Time Zone
The time in China is set to Beijing time, which is GMT +8 hours in winter time and GMT +7 hours in summer time.
• When writing the date in China, the order is: Year – Month – Day.
• When writing an address in China, the order is: country – province – city – district – street number – the person’s name.
Electricity
The voltage in China is 220 volts. Socket types are typically 2 round or flat pins, or 3 angled prolonged pins. Adaptors can usually be borrowed from the hotel.
Business hours
Chinaofficially has a 5 day working week, but there may be regional or industry variances. The Chinese people tend to follow the same rigid meal routine: 12 noon for lunch, 6pm for dinner. Opening hours for other facilities can differ significantly. Here is a basic guide to some of them, however, be mindful that this is for reference only – it varies from season to season, city to city, company to company.
Government offices: 8.30am – 5/6pm, with an hour’s midday lunch break in the winter and 2 hours in the summer.
Shops: Department stores are usually open from 9am to 7pm (8pm or even 10pm in summer) 7 days a week.
Banks:In hotels, banks tend to be open from 7.30am or 8am to around 7pm, 7 days a week, with a break for lunch. (In larger hotels, foreign exchange facilities stay open later). Banks outside hotels are usually open from 9am to 5.30pm, and may have a 1 hour lunch break. Most banks are open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Post offices:Branches in hotels operate from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and Sunday mornings from 8am to noon. Post Offices outside hotels are usually open from 9am to 5pm, and are open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Restaurants:Opening hours for large restaurants are usually 10am to 11pm. Smaller restaurants have very flexible opening hours, are open early in the morning and close late at night. However, should you wish to dine at a more Mediterranean time, you may find yourself accompanied by nothing more than the restaurant cat.
Museums: Opening hours are usually 9am to 5pm; they stay open at weekends, but close on Monday or another day mid-week.
Spas and salons
All large hotels have a salon and spa and during a tiring business trip, you could take the time out to relax and enjoy the facilities on offer. Facials, body and foot massages are available upon request in your room or at the spa. Most hotels are well equipped with a gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and often a steam room. You will easily find a place in the neighbourhood of your hotel that offers a more extensive range of treatments at a much cheaper rate. The hotel staff member would be happy to recommend somewhere suitable nearby.
Currency
Renminbi (RMB) means ‘the people’s currency’. Its basic unit is ‘yuan’ or in speech ‘kuai’. The yuan is also divided into 10 ‘jiao’ (or ‘mao’), again divided into ‘fen’, but these units are of such a low value that they are becoming less commonly used.
Currency exchange: foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged for RMB very easily in hotels with your passport as proof of identity. Banks also have this function but this facility is usually only found in the larger cities. You should keep your receipt safe, in case you want to convert excess Chinese money back into foreign currency when leaving the country.
Credit cards: Major international credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, large department stores and major restaurants and bars. For smaller cities and towns, local credit/cash cards or cash are far more convenient.
ATM machines:ATMs are widely accessible and can be used to withdraw money in major cities, airports or shopping centres. Almost all banks have a 24 hour ATM attached to the branch, so to be able to identify the banks’ logos would prove to be useful during your visit. The Bank of China controls the main foreign-friendly ATMs. Most ATMs are in English and Chinese.
While it is easy to access, it doesn’t always mean that the machine has sufficient money inside, especially during the festival seasons, holidays or weekends. The most common withdrawal limit is 5000 Yuan or 6000 Yuan, but some machines set a 2000 lower Yuan limit than the others. It doesn’t stop you from taking out a withdrawal several times however! You can press the ‘continue’ button and try to get more cash out up to the ATM’s daily limit. All ATMs remit RMB notes. Remember that if you want to exchange your RMB back to your home currency on the way out, you will need to keep the ATM or bank receipt or the exchange won’t be accepted.
• Always carry sufficient cash - credit cards are not generally accepted at local shops or restaurants.
• A limited amount of cash can be drawn out of an ATM machine from one account at one time. You can repeat this process if you require more transactions.
• You need a passport to exchange cash at a hotel or bank. Be aware that the locals are more sensitive about torn notes, so undamaged ones will be easier to use.
Transport:
Domestic flights
There are several domestic airlines providing a good level of service using modern planes, and covering the whole of the country. Moving between regions therefore is fast and easy. There are frequent flights throughout the day between major cities. Flying is a luxury worth considering for long distances: prices are similar to soft-sleeper train travel but journey times are far less. The planes are generally relatively new and well maintained.
It is crucial to plan ahead when booking internal air travel in China, especially during the Chinese New Year and the public holidays. Tickets can easily be arranged through the travel agencies found in all major hotels. Tickets can be booked 24 hours a day: www.english.ctrip.com/
Airports
There are 11 international airports in China – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou (Canton), Tianjin, Urumqi, Hangzhou, Kunming, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin and Xiamen.
The Beijing Capital International Airport is the most popular arrival point for foreign visitors, and there is a wide range of facilities at major airports, especially at Beijing and Shanghai.
Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport is the world’s largest airport building. The iconic terminal building, designed by Sir Norman Foster and built by UK company Arup, is intended to be one of the most modern and passenger friendly super-hub facilities in the world. ATM machines, banks, cafés, snack bars and duty-free shops can be found easily. Restaurants serve a wide range of food, including Chinese food, fast-food and many other types.
Trains
China’s rail network is vast, efficient and the safest, most reliable way to get around the country.
The express train from Shanghai to Beijing is one of the key business train links in the rail network. You could save time and money by travelling overnight. However, you should consider whether sharing an enclosed area of space with complete strangers is really for you! In addition, the facilities and services provided on the rail network are not as efficient as airports, so you should give consideration to this point if you are travelling with large amounts of luggage.
There is also a new generation of bullet trains that can travel up to a speed of 250km/h, and these have been welcomed by China’s main cities. Although they are more expensive than normal trains, bullet trains can cut up to 2 hours off the average journey time between major cities compared to traditional trains.
Most major cities are linked to Beijing, while Shanghai and Tianjin offer regional and national links too. A total of 60 bullet trains leave Beijing every day and offer very comfortable and spacious seats, and a full range of services and amenities.
One of China’s key transportation developments was the introduction in 2004 of the world’s first commercial magnetic levitation line. The Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains link Shanghai city centre and Pudong International Airport. With the top speed at 501 km/h (311 mph), you will be able to experience a similar speed to a jet aircraft on the ground, with the 30 kilometre trip taking only 8 minutes.
• Always keep taxi receipts so that you can trace any lost goods or make a complaint.
• If your taxi has no metre, always negotiate the price before getting in.
• Many train services may seem straightforward but be mindful that they do not offer the same level of service as the airport.
Taxis
Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful, and they tend to be the most convenient way to get around Chinese cities. Rates vary depending on which city you are travelling in, with Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai being the most expensive places to catch a cab. Taxis range from 1 Yuan to 2 Yuan per kilometre, with passengers usually expected to pay for any toll charges. In smaller cities this may not be the case. It is wise to check with the hotel before your trip so that you know the rough price.
If you have to go outside the city or if you are planning to make lots of different visits in a day, it may be worth hiring a taxi (or a chauffeured car) for the day. It is more expensive to book through the hotel but your local contact can often get you a good price or simply negotiate a good deal with a friendly taxi driver. It may not be the cheapest option but if you need to meet lots of people within a tight schedule, you will find it is well worth it. It is important to have your destination written down in Chinese characters before taking a cab.
• When making an appointment for a meeting, be mindful of potential traffic delays and factor in some extra time.
Roads and driving
In mainland China the traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Hong Kong and Macao drive on the left. You can drive with an International Driver’s License for a limited amount of time (a minimum of half a year), after which a Chinese license is required. Having experienced the increasingly worsening traffic, parking slots and the different styles of the local driving, it may be wise not to drive yourself on your first visit to China!
• There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving in China.
Metro
Metro systems operate in many of China’s major cities: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing. This method of travelling is very cheap, 2 Yuan per single ticket in Beijing, for example. It offers a fast journey, but can be extremely crowded during rush hour. Off peak, it can be a perfect way to cut through the dense traffic.
Tipping and bartering
Tipping is not customary in China, but local attitudes on tipping are changing, and vary with the occasion. It is the norm to tip hotel staff such as the porters and the concierge. Some tourists bring along inexpensive gifts to show their appreciation to guides, drivers or other people who have been helpful.
Bargaining is acceptable in most markets, but not in the supermarket or some shopping centres. Informal markets are the best places to bargain, as the goods are quoted at 200% to 300% of the actual price. These markets are well worth a visit for a business person, as it may prove to be an effective training ground to polish your negotiation skills.
Eating and drinking
You will notice eating and dining are a very important part of Chinese culture. Meals are considered to be major social events, and the process is geared accordingly to a group of diners sharing a variety of different dishes with their companions. Increasingly, more restaurants are offering food from other countries such as Japanese, Indian, Thai and Western cuisine. Cafés and fast food restaurants are also becoming more popular so there is even more to choose from! More restaurants now provide you with a knife and fork. However, most are still not equipped with these, so your ability to use chopsticks is sure to have improved by the end of your trip! It is advisable not to eat raw food such as salad if your stomach is sensitive. Tap water in China is not drinkable; always drink bottled, boiled or filtered water.
• The Chinese dine at 12 noon for lunch and at 6pm for dinner.
• It is not recommended to drink tap water - you should always drink boiled water or mineral water to be safe. Be careful when using ice or eating salad.
Communication facilities:
Mobile phones
Tri-band mobiles work throughout all the regions of China that business travellers are likely to visit. Major British networks offer roaming services in China, so it should not be difficult to stay in touch. You can make and receive calls and texts to the UK, but for convenience you may choose to purchase a Chinese SIM card to make local calls at the local rate. Chinese SIM cards work in most British mobiles. Usually, there is a charge for both making and receiving calls.
For further information visit: ChinaMobile (www.chinamobile.com/en)and ChinaUnicom (www.eng.chinaunicom.com/).
• An internet café is not suitable for business use, they don’t normally have a printer and the use of a memory stick is often barred.
• A local mobile SIM card is a great money saver for frequent visitors.
Laptops
While wireless connections are not widespread, their availability is growing quickly. Wireless availability in 4 and 5 star hotels is increasing.
You can easily access your email account if you have an internet connection, although certain Western websites may prove to take longer to access. In particular, in response to the perceived threat of free access to information, the government has reportedly constructed a firewall to block access to politically sensitive sites.
Internet cafés
Domestic interest in the internet is huge, and with personal computer ownership still low, there are internet café facilities throughout the country offering a fairly fast broadband internet connection at very reasonable rates. However, most cafés do not permit memory stick access and printing facilities are not widely available. The business centres that you will find in most big hotels offer fax, telephone, internet and other services such as photocopying and secretarial assistance.
Blackberry access
A Blackberry can be used in China via the ChinaMobile network. The information about service function, standard rate and service opening can be found on the following website:
www.chinamobile.com/en/mainland/products/newproducts02.html
Telephones
Nearly all hotel rooms are equipped with a telephone. Some are free of charge when dialling local calls but do check with the hotel. There will be a charge for international or domestic calls, including intra and inter-provincial calls. Alternatively, payphones in phone booths or newspaper stands are readily available. Local and international phone cards can be purchased easily.
Travel hazards
Official statistics show a comparatively low incidence of crimes against foreign visitors. Normal precautions apply; in general you can walk around safely, day or night. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas such as in sightseeing destinations, airports, markets and department stores. With extremely busy traffic in most major cities, be careful when crossing the road. Vehicles rarely stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings unless at traffic lights so look carefully in both directions before you cross.
Photography
Photographing people or buildings is not generally an issue in China. However, this should be treated with sensitivity. It can be an issue when photographingmilitary, governmentpersonnel orcertain facilities and buildings. Many older people may also dislike being photographed. Caution and common sense should be applied in these instances, following instructions inside museums.
Local English assistance
The most widely-read English language newspapers are the China Daily and People’s Daily, available at hotels in most major cities as well as some smaller cities. Other papers such as the China News Digest, Eastday, South China Morning Post, Inside China Today and regional papers, for example, the Shanghai Daily and Shanghai Star are also available in English. The most popular English language magazines include China Today and China Pictorial. Some business-related magazines include City Weekend, China Briefing and magazines with regional information such as Beijing Review and That’s Shanghai.
Top 10 most popular souvenirs to take home:
• Olympic souvenirs
• Jade carvings
• Silk products such as silk scarves and table cloths
• Jade and pearl jewellery
• Chinese brush paintings on rice paper
• Chopping stamps of various materials, engraved with your name or a message
• Miniature terracotta soldiers
• Chinese tea and tea sets
• Chinese cookery books
• Lacquer handicrafts