The punishment for criminal activity is severe in China, so crime rates are relatively low, and tourists aren’t often targeted by criminals. Petty crime does occur, however, and both bag-snatching and pick-pocketing incidents have been reported in and around transportation centres and tourist attractions. It’s considered safe to walk in most parts of the city, even after dark, but it’s recommended that you keep all valuable items and important documents well-concealed or left behind in the hotel safe. It’s common to see touts at popular attractions, and although they’ll do their best to entice you by their offers of transportation or special tours, it’s advised to steer clear of them.

Electricity:220V AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two narrow pins are the most commonly seen.  

Ambulance: 120
Police: 110

China’s official currency is the renminbi yuan, usually referred to simply as the yuan, and abbreviated as CNY. One yuan (symbol ¥) is subdivided into 10 jiao, or 100 fen. Bank notes are found in the following denominations: ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1; and 5, 2 and 1 jiao. Coins are found in circulation in denominations of ¥1; 5 and 1 jiao; and 5, 2 and 1 fen.

The Chinese government maintains tight control of the country’s currency, but it is possible to exchange major foreign currencies for yuan at Bank of China branches once you are in China. A record will be made of the amount you exchange, and if you wish to exchange yuan into a foreign currency at the time of your departure, you will need to show, by your receipts, that this amount is in line with your currency exchanges made while in country.  

Visitors entering China have the following duty-free allowance: 400 cigarettes, two 0.75 litre bottles of alcoholic beverages and perfumes and medications in quantities reasonable for personal use. Items that cannot be brought into the country include weapons, ammunition, printed materials, such as those of a political or pornographic nature that could be considered offensive, radio receivers and transmitters and fresh meats and produce. The government imposes export restrictions on antiques.

When speaking to a Chinese person, the proper form of address is a title combined with their surname. A handshake is a common form of greeting, although you’ll notice that it can be more vigorous and last longer than in the west. Most western visitors will find that the Chinese are somewhat more formal when it comes to interpersonal relations.

People tend to stand quite close together when speaking, and although you might find this a bit uncomfortable, you should be aware that this is normal practice. Westerners often note that Chinese behaviour isn’t as polite as that of westerners.

Standards of dress in China are often more conservative than in the west, even with casual wear. Note that revealing clothing is almost never considered to be acceptable in public. Expressing religious and political beliefs can make your Chinese counterparts quite uncomfortable, and is best avoided.  

Tipping is becoming more of a common practice, but only with staff involved in the tourist industry such as tour guides and their drivers, restaurant servers and hotel staff. Tips are small and should reflect an appreciation of good service. In some cases, restaurants will add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill.

Dining Etiquette
If someone invites you to dinner in China, it will most likely be to a restaurant, as the Chinese do not typically entertain at home. The seating will have been arranged in advance so you should wait until you are shown to your seat. It’s also important to wait to start eating until the host indicates that you should do so.  

When you’re eating with chopsticks, they should never be placed in your rice bowl with the handles pointing upright, as this is symbolic of death. They should be placed parallel to each other on the chopstick holder when you’re not using them. Toasts will most likely be offered at the beginning of the meal and at times during it as well. Offering a small gift to your host will be very much appreciated. Suitable choices would be a souvenir from your country or some sweets.  

All visitors to China are required to be in possession of a valid passport and the appropriate visa. At the time of the visa application, two blank pages are required in the passport for the visa and immigration stamps. On entry, the passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry into China.