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| Meiguoxing.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Beijing, China |
Survival Tips on business travel to Beijing, China
Founded centuries ago, it’s the capital of the largest country in the world and recently concluded not one, but two Olympic
events. It’s home to nearly 18 million people and countless businesses. Its Haidian district, west of the downtown area, has
become known as the Silicon Valley of China. The city is Beijing, of course. At some point, you may be traveling here on
business. If you do, here are some things to keep in mind.
#1:Getting there
Visitors to China require a visa before embarking on a flight to the country. Contact your closest Chinese Embassy or
consular office or visit www.china-embassy.org for information. Beijing Capital International Airport has been modernized
and has a new terminal T3 open for international flights. Airport subway line is connected the airport to the city. Be sure to
use only the taxis at the airport-sanctioned taxi line. Taxis to the city center cost between RMB60 and RMB120 and take
about 40 minutes.
#2: Weather
Beijing Winters can be bone-achingly cold and dry (think Chicago in January when packing). Downparkas and warm boots
are essential. On the opposite extreme, Beijing Summers can be hot and muggy with air pollution at its highest levels. Be
aware that early spring brings sandstorms. Later spring and fall are ideal times to travel, with balmy days and fair
temperatures.
#3: Language
Mandarin is the official language in Beijing. Here are a few useful phrases: Ni Hao (Hello), Xie Xie (Thank You), Zai Jian
(Goodbye), Dui bu qi (Sorry), Qing (Please), Duo Shao Qian (How Much), Shi (Yes), Bu (No).
#4: Alerting your bank and credit card companies
If you start using your cards in China, and you haven’t told the issuer, it might well freeze your card because it suspects
your transactions are fraudulent. Prevent this problem by telling the issuer in advance. When you call, ask the
representative to “remark” your account; that is, to make a notation in your customer record that you’re in China. However,
be aware that even though your card may be “good,” some bank ATMs might still might not permit you to make
withdrawals. You may have to shop around to find one that does.
Yes, maybe you could take care of it after you’ve arrived, perhaps by sending a secure e-mail via your online Internet
account. However, by that time, you’ve probably already experienced the dreaded “transaction denied” or the “current
balance: ¥x available balance: ¥0″ messages on the ATM screen and you’re under stress. For your peace of mind, it’s
better to address the issue beforehand.
In fact, ATM withdrawals should be done only as a last resort, because the currency exchange rate there is generally less
than what you could get if you actually converted U.S. dollars into Chinese renmenbi (RMB).
#5: No checks in China
Businesses and individuals in China neither use nor accept personal checks. China banks will not accept a U.S. check to
open an account or for currency exchange, and China bank accounts do not offer personal checks. While traveler’s
checks are accepted in theory, you will run into delays and possible problems if you offer them. If you’re staying for a
longer period of time and need to pay expenses, you’ll need to either pay cash or pay via your bank’s Internet Web page
account.
#6: Electrical devices
When trying to use electrical devices in another country, you must consider two factors: First, will your plug physically fit
the outlet? And second, is the voltage compatible? Don’t assume that just because the plug fits, the device will work. If the
voltage is incompatible, you risk damaging your device or causing a fire.
The majority of outlets in Beijing, as well as in the rest of China, look like this:
The bottom receptacle is designed for “native” Chinese devices and plugs. The top receptacle will accept U.S. two-
pronged nonpolarized plugs. Grounded (three-prong) plugs will NOT fit, nor will polarized plugs (one in which one prong is
larger than the other so that the plug can be inserted only one way, and not upside down).
Electric current in China is generally 220 volts and 50 hertz. Your computer or other device might be compatible as-is.
Check the label on the power adapter. (Usually it’s on the “brick”.) If you see a range of voltages and of hertz on the input
side, e.g., “Input: 100-240 volts, 50-60 Hz,” your device should be okay. In theory, the adapter can handle this range of
voltages and convert it accordingly to what the device needs. On the other hand, if your device is limited to 100 to 120
volts, you will need a current converter kit, like Radio Shack sells, to step down the voltage.
#7: Telephone issues
It might be possible to use your existing cell phone and carrier while in China. However, doing so could be expensive.
Cell phones in China use a 900 MHz frequency, different from the United States. Before you plan to use your own phone in
China, check its specifications. Many phones are capable of operating both in the United States and China. Once you
confirm that your phone is China-compatible, check with your carrier to see how (and if) you can make and receive calls
while you’re there. Most important, check the rate you will be charged. Chances are, you may end up paying as much as U.
S.$2 per minute, if not more. This high rate may make you consider alternatives to your regular carrier.
One such alternative is a prepaid SIM card, such as M-zone(动感地带), offered by China Mobile (中国移动通信) via its
“service halls” and other authorized distributors. (There are tons of them in Beijing.) The store person will show you a list of
available telephone numbers (which could be as long as 11 or 12 digits), with a price after it. This price is the initial value
of the SIM card associated with that number. Think carefully about the types of calls you will be making, because that
choice will determine which type of SIM card you purchase. One type allows you, from within China, to call other countries.
The other type allows you to call only places within China. When you first purchase your SIM card, bring your passport.
When your SIM card runs low on money, simply go back and purchase a refill card, known in Chinese as a chong zhi ka (充
值卡). Scratch off the hidden numbers on the back, then call the telephone number listed on the card. When prompted,
enter the now-revealed code numbers, and the value of the chong zhi ka will be added to your SIM card.
Other additional features might require separate activation or involve separate fees. Such features include the ability to
receive calls from international numbers, to call places in China outside Beijing, or to make calls within China outside of
Beijing.
You can use a prepaid SIM card if you already have a China-compatible SIM card phone (which you would have if you are
a customer of T-Mobile or AT&T). In that case, you can remove your current SIM card (and keep it in a safe place) and
insert the prepaid one. If you don’t have such a phone already, you’ll need to get one before you arrive (e.g., via eBay) or
purchase one in China.
#8: Receiving calls in China
If you’re expecting people to call you, they need to know the country code for China (86). If they are calling you on a land
line in Beijing, they also must know the city code for Beijing (10). Note, however, that cell phones do not have city codes.
Therefore, people calling your cell phone should dial the 86 followed directly by your cell number.
Even if your China Mobile SIM card lets you call numbers only within China, you still can receive calls from outside China,
although an extra charge may apply.
#9: No tipping and no sales tax
When you receive your restaurant bill or taxi fare, the printed amount is the amount you pay. There is no tipping and no
sales tax.
#10: Monitoring of communications
If you’re planning to use Skype for your calls, download the program before you leave for China. If you wait until you get
there, your request to visit the Skype site will be redirected to a Chinese version site, and you will download a program file
that allegedly allows for monitoring. Regardless of which version you use, be careful about what you say via e-mail or
telephone.
If you must send sensitive information, consider putting it into a password-protected Word document, then sending it via a
file transfer feature such as YouSendIt. If you forgot to download Skype before you arrived in China, you might ask a friend
to use YouSendIt to send you the Skype program installation file.
#11: Handling passwords and personal information
If you’re going to share sensitive information (such as a bank account number) with a friend, do so before you leave.
Sending it via e-mail involves significant risk. However, if you do have to transmit such information, whether by phone or e-
mail, consider using personal clues. In your e-mail, for example, you might say, “The account number is six digits. The first
digit is the last digit of your Aunt Jane’s area code. The second digit is the number of letters of the city the Smiths visited
last month,” and so on. In other words, give clues based on information only you and the other person will know.
#12: Street signs above intersections
If you’re trying to find your way around Beijing, in particular trying to determine street names from street signs, be aware of
a major difference from the United States. That blue street sign that hangs above an intersection, parallel to a cross street
does not tell you the name of that cross-street, as it would in the United States. Rather, it tells you the name of the street
you’re on at that moment. If you look closely, you will see an arrow on the sign, pointing “up” or “ahead.” That sign is
saying that if you continue going straight, you will continue to be on the road that is named by that sign.
Sometimes, that blue sign will have multiple names and multiple arrows (”up,” “left” and “right”). In that case, the left and
right arrows do indicate the name of the cross-street.
#13: Taxis
Be aware that taxi drivers generally do not speak English. If you’re going to a particular destination, it’s best if you know its
Chinese name, not just its English name. For example, rather than tell the driver, “Forbidden City,” you’re better off saying,
“Gugong.” If you’re going to a restaurant, store, or hotel, a good strategy is to call the place as the taxi arrives, explain that
you’re coming by taxi, hand the phone to the driver and have the driver talk to that person.
The charge for a taxi is ¥2 per kilometer, and this fact is displayed on the taxi window. The minimum charge is ¥10, but this
fact is not displayed anywhere.
#14: Hygiene and public restrooms
You may want to carry bath tissue and napkins or paper towels with you, because public rest rooms, even in restaurants
and hotels, may not supply them. Those air dryers merely circulate possibly germ-laden air, avoid them as much as
possible.
#15: Drinking Water
Do not drink water straight from the tap, drink only boiled or bottled water.
#16: Medicine and insurance
Consult a travel medical professional for the proper inoculations. Take along your own medicine and get worldwide
insurance if you’re going to be traveling to China frequently. There are some different types of insurance, but in case
youare in an accident you will be cared for well. Beijing has a few first-class foreign-run clinics staffed by English-speaking
doctors. They can be costly, so check your insurance before committing to treatment. Prescription drugs and over-the-
counter medicines can be bought at pharmacies (yaodian) such as Watson's and Beijing Vista Clinic or any of the foreign-
run clinics in Beijing.
Founded centuries ago, it’s the capital of the largest country in the world and recently concluded not one, but two Olympic
events. It’s home to nearly 18 million people and countless businesses. Its Haidian district, west of the downtown area, has
become known as the Silicon Valley of China. The city is Beijing, of course. At some point, you may be traveling here on
business. If you do, here are some things to keep in mind.
#1:Getting there
Visitors to China require a visa before embarking on a flight to the country. Contact your closest Chinese Embassy or
consular office or visit www.china-embassy.org for information. Beijing Capital International Airport has been modernized
and has a new terminal T3 open for international flights. Airport subway line is connected the airport to the city. Be sure to
use only the taxis at the airport-sanctioned taxi line. Taxis to the city center cost between RMB60 and RMB120 and take
about 40 minutes.
#2: Weather
Beijing Winters can be bone-achingly cold and dry (think Chicago in January when packing). Downparkas and warm boots
are essential. On the opposite extreme, Beijing Summers can be hot and muggy with air pollution at its highest levels. Be
aware that early spring brings sandstorms. Later spring and fall are ideal times to travel, with balmy days and fair
temperatures.
#3: Language
Mandarin is the official language in Beijing. Here are a few useful phrases: Ni Hao (Hello), Xie Xie (Thank You), Zai Jian
(Goodbye), Dui bu qi (Sorry), Qing (Please), Duo Shao Qian (How Much), Shi (Yes), Bu (No).
#4: Alerting your bank and credit card companies
If you start using your cards in China, and you haven’t told the issuer, it might well freeze your card because it suspects
your transactions are fraudulent. Prevent this problem by telling the issuer in advance. When you call, ask the
representative to “remark” your account; that is, to make a notation in your customer record that you’re in China. However,
be aware that even though your card may be “good,” some bank ATMs might still might not permit you to make
withdrawals. You may have to shop around to find one that does.
Yes, maybe you could take care of it after you’ve arrived, perhaps by sending a secure e-mail via your online Internet
account. However, by that time, you’ve probably already experienced the dreaded “transaction denied” or the “current
balance: ¥x available balance: ¥0″ messages on the ATM screen and you’re under stress. For your peace of mind, it’s
better to address the issue beforehand.
In fact, ATM withdrawals should be done only as a last resort, because the currency exchange rate there is generally less
than what you could get if you actually converted U.S. dollars into Chinese renmenbi (RMB).
#5: No checks in China
Businesses and individuals in China neither use nor accept personal checks. China banks will not accept a U.S. check to
open an account or for currency exchange, and China bank accounts do not offer personal checks. While traveler’s
checks are accepted in theory, you will run into delays and possible problems if you offer them. If you’re staying for a
longer period of time and need to pay expenses, you’ll need to either pay cash or pay via your bank’s Internet Web page
account.
#6: Electrical devices
When trying to use electrical devices in another country, you must consider two factors: First, will your plug physically fit
the outlet? And second, is the voltage compatible? Don’t assume that just because the plug fits, the device will work. If the
voltage is incompatible, you risk damaging your device or causing a fire.
The majority of outlets in Beijing, as well as in the rest of China, look like this:
The bottom receptacle is designed for “native” Chinese devices and plugs. The top receptacle will accept U.S. two-
pronged nonpolarized plugs. Grounded (three-prong) plugs will NOT fit, nor will polarized plugs (one in which one prong is
larger than the other so that the plug can be inserted only one way, and not upside down).
Electric current in China is generally 220 volts and 50 hertz. Your computer or other device might be compatible as-is.
Check the label on the power adapter. (Usually it’s on the “brick”.) If you see a range of voltages and of hertz on the input
side, e.g., “Input: 100-240 volts, 50-60 Hz,” your device should be okay. In theory, the adapter can handle this range of
voltages and convert it accordingly to what the device needs. On the other hand, if your device is limited to 100 to 120
volts, you will need a current converter kit, like Radio Shack sells, to step down the voltage.
#7: Telephone issues
It might be possible to use your existing cell phone and carrier while in China. However, doing so could be expensive.
Cell phones in China use a 900 MHz frequency, different from the United States. Before you plan to use your own phone in
China, check its specifications. Many phones are capable of operating both in the United States and China. Once you
confirm that your phone is China-compatible, check with your carrier to see how (and if) you can make and receive calls
while you’re there. Most important, check the rate you will be charged. Chances are, you may end up paying as much as U.
S.$2 per minute, if not more. This high rate may make you consider alternatives to your regular carrier.
One such alternative is a prepaid SIM card, such as M-zone(动感地带), offered by China Mobile (中国移动通信) via its
“service halls” and other authorized distributors. (There are tons of them in Beijing.) The store person will show you a list of
available telephone numbers (which could be as long as 11 or 12 digits), with a price after it. This price is the initial value
of the SIM card associated with that number. Think carefully about the types of calls you will be making, because that
choice will determine which type of SIM card you purchase. One type allows you, from within China, to call other countries.
The other type allows you to call only places within China. When you first purchase your SIM card, bring your passport.
When your SIM card runs low on money, simply go back and purchase a refill card, known in Chinese as a chong zhi ka (充
值卡). Scratch off the hidden numbers on the back, then call the telephone number listed on the card. When prompted,
enter the now-revealed code numbers, and the value of the chong zhi ka will be added to your SIM card.
Other additional features might require separate activation or involve separate fees. Such features include the ability to
receive calls from international numbers, to call places in China outside Beijing, or to make calls within China outside of
Beijing.
You can use a prepaid SIM card if you already have a China-compatible SIM card phone (which you would have if you are
a customer of T-Mobile or AT&T). In that case, you can remove your current SIM card (and keep it in a safe place) and
insert the prepaid one. If you don’t have such a phone already, you’ll need to get one before you arrive (e.g., via eBay) or
purchase one in China.
#8: Receiving calls in China
If you’re expecting people to call you, they need to know the country code for China (86). If they are calling you on a land
line in Beijing, they also must know the city code for Beijing (10). Note, however, that cell phones do not have city codes.
Therefore, people calling your cell phone should dial the 86 followed directly by your cell number.
Even if your China Mobile SIM card lets you call numbers only within China, you still can receive calls from outside China,
although an extra charge may apply.
#9: No tipping and no sales tax
When you receive your restaurant bill or taxi fare, the printed amount is the amount you pay. There is no tipping and no
sales tax.
#10: Monitoring of communications
If you’re planning to use Skype for your calls, download the program before you leave for China. If you wait until you get
there, your request to visit the Skype site will be redirected to a Chinese version site, and you will download a program file
that allegedly allows for monitoring. Regardless of which version you use, be careful about what you say via e-mail or
telephone.
If you must send sensitive information, consider putting it into a password-protected Word document, then sending it via a
file transfer feature such as YouSendIt. If you forgot to download Skype before you arrived in China, you might ask a friend
to use YouSendIt to send you the Skype program installation file.
#11: Handling passwords and personal information
If you’re going to share sensitive information (such as a bank account number) with a friend, do so before you leave.
Sending it via e-mail involves significant risk. However, if you do have to transmit such information, whether by phone or e-
mail, consider using personal clues. In your e-mail, for example, you might say, “The account number is six digits. The first
digit is the last digit of your Aunt Jane’s area code. The second digit is the number of letters of the city the Smiths visited
last month,” and so on. In other words, give clues based on information only you and the other person will know.
#12: Street signs above intersections
If you’re trying to find your way around Beijing, in particular trying to determine street names from street signs, be aware of
a major difference from the United States. That blue street sign that hangs above an intersection, parallel to a cross street
does not tell you the name of that cross-street, as it would in the United States. Rather, it tells you the name of the street
you’re on at that moment. If you look closely, you will see an arrow on the sign, pointing “up” or “ahead.” That sign is
saying that if you continue going straight, you will continue to be on the road that is named by that sign.
Sometimes, that blue sign will have multiple names and multiple arrows (”up,” “left” and “right”). In that case, the left and
right arrows do indicate the name of the cross-street.
#13: Taxis
Be aware that taxi drivers generally do not speak English. If you’re going to a particular destination, it’s best if you know its
Chinese name, not just its English name. For example, rather than tell the driver, “Forbidden City,” you’re better off saying,
“Gugong.” If you’re going to a restaurant, store, or hotel, a good strategy is to call the place as the taxi arrives, explain that
you’re coming by taxi, hand the phone to the driver and have the driver talk to that person.
The charge for a taxi is ¥2 per kilometer, and this fact is displayed on the taxi window. The minimum charge is ¥10, but this
fact is not displayed anywhere.
#14: Hygiene and public restrooms
You may want to carry bath tissue and napkins or paper towels with you, because public rest rooms, even in restaurants
and hotels, may not supply them. Those air dryers merely circulate possibly germ-laden air, avoid them as much as
possible.
#15: Drinking Water
Do not drink water straight from the tap, drink only boiled or bottled water.
#16: Medicine and insurance
Consult a travel medical professional for the proper inoculations. Take along your own medicine and get worldwide
insurance if you’re going to be traveling to China frequently. There are some different types of insurance, but in case
youare in an accident you will be cared for well. Beijing has a few first-class foreign-run clinics staffed by English-speaking
doctors. They can be costly, so check your insurance before committing to treatment. Prescription drugs and over-the-
counter medicines can be bought at pharmacies (yaodian) such as Watson's and Beijing Vista Clinic or any of the foreign-
run clinics in Beijing.
M2.0卡是中国移动为“动感 地带”客户量身定制的新一 代SIM卡。与传统SIM卡相比 ，M2.0卡最大的优点在于其 中的人性化
设计能够更好地满足M－ZONE人的通信、娱 乐等需求，并且能够提供更 具个性化的服务。记者了解 到，即将面世的M2.0
卡具有 三大个性化特征。第一大个性化特色是M2.0卡内设有统 一菜单内容。和传统SIM卡 中的菜单设计不同，M2.0卡 的
菜单专为M－ZONE人设计 ，因此与“动感地带”的品牌特性非常吻合。第二大个 性化特色是可以实现对“动 感地带”用户的身
份认证。 在M2.0卡中有“我的身份认 证”菜单，点击进入会呈现 “没错！我就是M－ZONE人 ”的字样，从而实现对用户 身份
的认证。第三大个性化 特征是“空中自由下载”。 所有“动感地带”的数据业务都可以自由下载，菜单也 可以自由更新。所谓
自由， 就是将下载和更新的主动权 留给客户，是否更新、何时 更新，全由M－ZONE人作主
设计能够更好地满足M－ZONE人的通信、娱 乐等需求，并且能够提供更 具个性化的服务。记者了解 到，即将面世的M2.0
卡具有 三大个性化特征。第一大个性化特色是M2.0卡内设有统 一菜单内容。和传统SIM卡 中的菜单设计不同，M2.0卡 的
菜单专为M－ZONE人设计 ，因此与“动感地带”的品牌特性非常吻合。第二大个 性化特色是可以实现对“动 感地带”用户的身
份认证。 在M2.0卡中有“我的身份认 证”菜单，点击进入会呈现 “没错！我就是M－ZONE人 ”的字样，从而实现对用户 身份
的认证。第三大个性化 特征是“空中自由下载”。 所有“动感地带”的数据业务都可以自由下载，菜单也 可以自由更新。所谓
自由， 就是将下载和更新的主动权 留给客户，是否更新、何时 更新，全由M－ZONE人作主
| The Tree - Belgian Beer Bar Address in Chinese for the taxi driver |
Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinic
The largest and most popular Western-style
medical facility
The largest and most popular Western-style
medical facility
Watsons - Western-style pharmacy
and personal care store
and personal care store