Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top of chapter
Need to Know
Currency
The yuan (¥).
Languages
Mandarin and Cantonese.
ATMs
In cities and towns.
Credit Cards
OK in big cities; elsewhere less widely accepted.
Visas
Needed for China; not Hong Kong/Macau. Transit visa-free stays up to 72
hours for Beijing/Shanghai. A permit required for Tibet.
Mobile Phones
Pay-as-you-go SIM cards can be bought locally for most mobile phones.
Wi-Fi
Common in top-end hotels, some midrange hotels, cafes and bars; wid-
spread in Hong Kong.
Internet Access
Many internet cafes are 24 hours (foreigners sometimes barred); ¥2 to ¥4
per hour.
