Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 18:00 daily, some stay open later
Museums: 09:00 to 16:00, Tuesday-Sunday
Business offices: 09:00 to 18:00, daily

In general, there is little to worry about when you visit Guilin and China in general. Since the penalties for perpetrating a violent crime against a foreigner are so harsh, often ending in execution, instances of this are rare. The one safety concern to keep in mind in Guilin is theft. Pickpocketting is a growing problem due to the subtle nature of the crime, so it’s best to leave the flashy valuables at the hotel and keep your cash in a money belt or sealed pocket. Also be aware that Chinese traffic is typically hectic and uncontrollable, so be very careful when you attempt to cross streets.

Police: 110
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, with two-pin sockets being the norm.

No specific vaccinations are necessary to visit China. However, make sure you are up to date on essential inoculations such as tetanus and hepatitis. The most common ailment for travellers is a bad stomach from contaminated food, fruit or water. Make sure all your food has been sufficiently cooked and the ice comes from purified water. Stick to bottled water for drinking.

If anything happens during your visit to Guilin, there are adequate medical facilities in the city. Many of the staff and doctors at the local hospitals can speak English. Visitors should check if they are covered by their medical policy in China. If not, it’s advised to get travel insurance before you go to help with any unexpected hospital visits. The cost of travel insurance is relatively small compared to a hospital bill from a foreign country.

Ambulance: 120

The national language of China is Mandarin and nearly everyone in the country can speak it. However, each region of China has its own dialect of Mandarin which means there are literally hundreds of variations in pronunciation. If you can’t read or speak Mandarin you will find it difficult to get around China. There are few English signs and most locals can’t speak English. Luckily, Guilin is one Chinese city where the tourism industry has created a need for English, so you shouldn’t encounter too much trouble communicating.

The Chinese currency is called the renminbi (RMB), and there are bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan. Yuan are commonly referred to as kwai.

Money in China is a tricky business, so there are a few things to consider. The Bank of China offers the most favourable rates, although you will also find that most hotels, shops, restaurants and transport stations will also exchange your money into yuan. The hours are certainly more convenient, but the rates are always lower. In Guilin, there are 28 exchange counters scattered around the city open Monday to Friday from 08:00 until noon and from 15:00 to 18:00. There are few ATMs in Guilin, so don’t rely entirely on taking money out of machines. Traveller’s cheques work well in China, and are replaceable if lost. Also keep in mind that you will not be able to change any yuan back into another foreign currency within China, so only exchange as much as you need.

Visitors arriving from outside China must fill out a baggage declaration form at the airport listing all valuables being brought into the country. Upon departure, your baggage may be checked against this list, so keep all your receipts. Customs officials can seize any audio, video or written material if they deem it inappropriate, so consider carefully what you bring with you. Visitors may import 400 cigarettes, two litres of alcohol and a reasonable amount of perfume.

China will likely be a bit of a culture shock to first, and even repeat, visitors. Typically, misunderstandings are the most common. Crowds are another point of concern for many travellers. Getting on transport or even to the check-out counter in a shop can involve seemingly rude pushing and shoving. Some mild pushing back will prove that you have begun to assimilate yourself into Chinese culture. Most Chinese prefer to be polite rather than familiar, so you can expect a degree of indifference from most people. Handshakes are increasingly used for greetings, but don’t be surprised if they applaud when you enter a room. The customary response is to clap in return.

As in most Asian cultures, anger is expected to be kept concealed in order to save face. Never argue or fight in public, as this will quickly attract the wrong kind of attention. Family names are usually spoken before given names and if you visit someone’s home bring a treat, preferably from your own country. Dress can be casual but conservative. In conversation, avoid political or religious discussions, and keep in mind that photography is very limited in China. Never take a shot of the airport or anything military or politically sensitive.

Dining Etiquette
When you dine at a restaurant with other Chinese, wait until someone tells you where to sit before grabbing a chair. Don’t start to eat until some kind of indication has been given and if you valiantly attempt to use chopsticks, never leave them sticking out of your bowl as this symbolises death. It is very common to give toasts during a meal, so have a few prepared ahead of time.

Visas are required for visitors from every country. A tourist visa is normally valid for three months from the date of issue and can be extended for another month in Guilin relatively easily at the Public Security Bureau Division for Aliens’ office downtown. All visas must be applied for in person at least one month before you plan to depart. They typically take four working days to approve and there is rarely a problem. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of the visa issue, and remember that the rules can change at any time so check with the Chinese consulate in your town before making any plans.

Guilin has excellent tourist information offices located around town which can give you advice and brochures on local attractions and lodgings. The two biggest centres can be found outside the southern railway station in the Central Square. Phone: +86 773 382 7391