Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
›
Money changers
Foreign currency can be changed at the Bank of China, ICBC, CITIC
Bank, the China Construction Bank, at the airport, at hotels and at some large department
stores. You'll always need your passport. Hotels normally give the official exchange rate
but may add a small commission.
›
Hang onto your exchange receipts; you may be asked to show them when you change
your remaining RMB back into another currency.
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Tipping
Not standard in Beijing. Posh restaurants and hotels will tack on a 10% to 15%
service charge; nowhere else is it expected. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
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Travellers Cheques
If issued by leading banks and issuing agencies like American Ex-
press and Visa, they can be cashed at the Bank of China and ICBC, exchange desks at the
airport and upscale hotels (if you're a guest).
Newspapers & Magazines
›
Check the English- language listings magazines
The Beijinger
and
Time Out Beijing
for
the latest entertainment hot spots. Both list the addresses in Chinese of many restaurants,
bars and clubs, so you can show them to taxi drivers.
›
There are two state-run English-language newspapers:
China Daily,
a broadsheet, and
Global Times
, a tabloid. Neither are exciting reads.
Public Holidays
Top Tip
Chinese New Year and National Day are the start of week-long holidays;
1 May marks the beginning of a three-day holiday. Sights get very crowded at
these times and hotel prices shoot up.
New Year's Day
1 January
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
Generally falls in January and February: 10 Febru-
ary 2013, 31 January 2014
International Women's Day
8 March
Tomb Sweeping Festival
5 May
International Labour Day
1 May
