What you need to know about China

Weather

Weather conditions and temperatures in China vary considerably which provide endless year-round variety for visitors, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south.While China is a year-round destination, the months of May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north, the winters are cold, and summers warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (80% of China's rainfall occurs between late May and early October).

Language

Mandarin or Putonghua is the official national language and is commonly used by 70% of the population. It is one of the five working languages designated by the United Nations.

Currency

China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), usually called the "Yuan". Ten Jiao make up one Yuan. Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong dollar, whilst Macau's is the Pataca. Both currencies are worth 7% more than the Renminbi.
Automatic Teller Machines that work with foreign currency can only be found in the major commercial centres of Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners are accepted at most hotels and state-run shops in the major cities. Travellers should be prepared to pay in Yuan when shopping in smaller shops, restaurants, and in smaller hotels.

Visa

Visas for individual travel to China are quite easy to get. You may apply directly to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China or one of several Chinese Consulates in Australia.

You can download and print China Visa Application forms from one of the websites of the Chinese Embassy and  Consulates

Chinese Embassy in Canberra <http://www.chinaembassy.org.au>
Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney http://sydney.chineseconsulate.org/eng

Australian citizens can stay in Hong Kong and Macau without a visa for up to 90 days, but a visa is required for continued travel to other Chinese cities. Check with the Chinese Consulate Visa section office, or any one of the numerous travel agencies in Hong Kong that can arrange a visa as well.

Departure Tax

When you depart China there is a 90 yuan (A$22) departure tax (payable only in Chinese currency). If travelling with a tour, departure taxes are usually included, but if you are travelling as an independent traveller, don't forget to save enough yuan. Departure tax on all domestic flights is 50 yuan (A$12), payable at a special airport tax desk before check-in.

Electricity

The electricity in China is 220 volts, but the bathrooms of many luxury and medium-grade hotels also have 110-volt sockets.

Drinking Water

Hotels will advise guests  tap water is safe to drink, but we recommened bottled water at all times. Complimentary bottled water may be offered in some hotels.

Time Zone

Time is the same throughout China and is basically 2 hours and 4 hours behind Australia. When it is 12 Noon in Beijing (standard time), it is 2:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Tipping & Gifts

Tipping is not customary in China, but visitors should be aware that local attitudes on tipping are changing, and vary with the occasion. Tipping is officially discouraged. Crayons, Australian post cards, or Olympic souvenirs are ideal presents for children.

Safety

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and there are virtually no crimes committed against tourists visiting China. Even during the late evening hours, travellers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict.

Seasoned travellers recommend taking a few simple precautions to avoid potential problems. When in particularly crowded areas and while traveling through airports, train, or bus stations, keep an eye on your baggage. Pickpockets and petty thefts are usually the only problems to be on guard against. All Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk.