Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Internet
›
All hostels and most hotels have internet access, sometimes for a small charge. Many
now have free wi-fi access too.
›
Cafes and bars with wi-fi are widespread in Beijing.
›
Internet cafes (
网吧
;
wangba
) are numerous but often squirreled away in basements or
on the upper floors of anonymous buildings; keep your eyes peeled for the Chinese char-
acters. Standard rates are ¥3 to ¥5 per hour.
›
You will need to show your passport to use an internet cafe.
›
The Chinese government routinely blocks websites it considers sensitive. They include
social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To access these, you will need to
install a VPN (virtual private network) on your laptop or phone.
Money
Top Tip
Counterfeit money is common in China. Foreigners are prime targets for
fake bills. Don't be shy about handing suspicious money back. Vendors will usu-
ally hand you a different bill without a fuss.
›
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB), or 'people's money'. Its basic unit is the
yuan
(¥), called
kuai
in spoken Chinese. There are also smaller, almost worthless now, de-
nominations of
jiao
and
fen
.
›
ATMs
Most banks in Beijing accept foreign ATM and credit cards connected to Plus,
Cirrus, Visa, MasterCard and American Express, although there will be a small charge
levied (either by your bank or the local one).
›
The ATMs of the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(ICBC) are the most reliable choices for foreign card-users.
›
Credit cards
Most four- and five-star hotels, upmarket restaurants and shops, major
malls and department stores accept credit cards. Everywhere else, you need cash.
›
You can get cash advances on credit cards from the Bank of China, though you will pay
a steep 4% commission.
