Local Information

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Currency

The unit of currency in China is Chinese Yuan (Rmb), which has ten denominations in paper money and six in coin. Paper money comes in Rmb100 (100 Yuan), Rmb50, Rmb20, Rmb10, Rmb5, Rmb2, Rmb1, Rmb0.5 (5 Jiao), Rmb0.2 and Rmb0.1. Coin comes in Rmb1, Rmb0.5, Rmb0.1, Rmb0.05 (5 Fen), Rmb0.02 and Rmb0.01.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Beijing Capital International Airport, hotels and government-designated banks. The exchange rate to US dollar is about 8.3:1, one dollar for 8.3 Rmb.

Electric Supply

Beijing's electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. US visitors to Beijing need to bring converters for their electrical equipments.

Business Hours

Banks 9:00 - 17:00, Monday - Sunday
Offices 9:00 - noon, 13:30 - 17:30, Monday - Friday
Shops 9:00 - 22:00, Monday - Sunday
Supermarkets 9:00 - 20:00, Monday - Sunday

Tipping

Generally, tipping is not necessary. A 15% service charge is usually automatically added to hotel bills. Porters at hotels and airports customarily receive tips for their services. It is not necessary to tip in taxis and restaurants unless the driver or the waiter provides extra assistance, e.g. your luggage.

Health and Safety Information

In general, Beijing is a fairly disease-free and does not require any special vaccinations before entering. To be safe, however, check for up-to-date information on health-related issues before visiting Beijing to see if there are any problems requiring special preparations. Health care in Beijing is generally quite good and there are many hospitals. In case of emergency, call the general emergency telephone number 110 or contact local organizing committee.

 
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