Useful Information

Accommodation

See separate page.

Visa and Invitation Letter

See separate page.

Weather

Shanghai weather is characterized by generally mild winters and hot, humid summers.  July and August are hot and humid, so be sure to stay well hydrated (bottled water is available everywhere and very cheap). In July, the average maximum temperature is 32°C/90°F and an average minimum is 25°C/77°F. All meeting rooms have air conditioning.

Electricity Supply

Electricity is supplied at 220V, 50Hz in China. The Chinese standard of Sockets looks like the one below. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. If travelling with electrical or electronic devices, it is recommended to bring a portable plug adaptor although adaptors may be purchased in shops in the city center.

Currency Exchange

In China, CNY is the only accepted currency. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels, and in large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt by which you can change any remaining RMB back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa and Master Card are accepted in many department stores and hotels. 
The Bank of China and most hotels will cash travelers’ checks issued by any major foreign bank or financial institution for which you must show a passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission. Travelers' checks signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China.

Business Hours

The working hours of Chinese companies may be from 08:00/09:00 to 17:00/18:00. The official organizations like the government offices usually work from 09:00 to 17:00, and they do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hospitals, post offices, banks and tourist sights are always open daily from 08:30-09:30 to 16:00-18:00, but the hospital clinics and its first-aid center are usually served for 24hours. Hotels also offer the round-the-clock service to any lodger. Shops, department stores and supermarkets are open every day from 08:30-09:30 to 21:30, including public holidays. Restaurants and bars are always open from around 10:00 to the late night, even into the small hours or for all night.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public buildings in Shanghai. There may be smoking area in some hotels, bars and restaurants.

Time Zone

The time zone for Shanghai is UTC/GMT+ 8.00.

Telecommunication

China has three national cellular network operators: China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. Public telephone can be found at many locations in the city centre.