Climate

Weather during November to April is the coldest and temperatures range between 3.5°C – 13.7°C (38.3°F – 56.7°F). Weather in May, June, September and October is cooling, ranging between 18.6°C – 23.5°C (65.5°F – 74.3°F). Climate in July and August starts to turn warm and temperature can go up to 28°C (82.4°F).

Clothing

Dressing in Shanghai is casual but modest. Bring along some heavy clothing for the winter whereas light clothing is adequate during summer.

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the currency used in Beijing. These are followed by these denominations: one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty and a hundred Yuan; one, two and five Jiao; and one, two and five Fen. At present the Bank of China accepts American Express, Dynasty, JCB, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club credit cards.

Customs

Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. There is a limit to the import of certain items according to the quantity and duration of stay. When you enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent. Chinese herbs, medicine and cultural relics, ammunition and drugs are not to be brought into Beijing.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the Customs. Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shanghai. It is advisable to drink only boiled and bottled water.

Local Area Information

Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government started developing the area, and has since became the well-known booming metropolis city.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted in Shanghai is GSM.

Public Phones

In China, telephoning is relatively easy if you adhere to certain procedures. The best way to place a phone call is to go to the local post office. At most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to ask the operator. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls with a phonecard.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shops are usually open from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday.

• Banks & government offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
• Commercial offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

Taxes are not applicable.

Time Zone

GMT + 8.

Tipping

It is not a custom to tip and not necessary to do so.

Visa

Valid visas are required to enter Mainland China.