PASSPORT AND VISA

To visit China, you must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa-exempt agreements with China. Please contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate for visa requirements.

INSURANCE

The organizer cannot accept responsibility for accidents that might occur. Delegates are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel.

CLIMATE

The temperature in Shanghai during the period of the Congress ranges between 20-27 degrees Celsius.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Only Chinese yuan (CNY) is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels. You can buy CNY at foreign currency exchange counters, banks, and other authorized money exchangers (eg. some hotel counters) on presentation of your passport. Banks are open on Saturdays and Sundays, with shorter opening period.

TRAVELER’S CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS

Traveler’s checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and the use of traveler’s checks in China is not as popular as in some other countries. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants. The acceptance of Diners Club, American Express and other types of credit cards is limited.

TIPPING

In China, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.

ELECTRICITY

Electric current is uniformly 220 volts, 50Hz AC, throughout China. Few hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts. The plugs are usually 2-thin-leg and 3-thin-leg type. Flexible adaptors are usually available at the hotel counters.

(A typical electric plug in China)

 

SHOPPING 

Department stores, shops and other sales outlets in China are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 21:00.