Currency

China’s currency is called yuan, also written as renminbi and referred to in spoken language as kuai. One yuan divides into 10 jiao(or mao). The most common coins include 1 yuan, and 5 and 1 jiao. Bills in circulation are 1, 2, and 5 jiao, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan.

Changing Money

It is possible to exchange currency at major banks and international airports. Most decent hotels will change money, but for guests only. Exchange rates are decided centrally. Convert any left-over renminbi back before you leave, although usually only exchange counters at airports and ports will do this. You must present recent exchange or ATM receipts for double the amount you want to re-exchange. It is not advisable to change money at an unofficial agency.

Automated Tellers

There are many usable ATMs in banks, shopping malls, and hotels around the city center. Banks can be found all over town, and they generally accept Cirrus, Plus, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard cards. The limit per withdrawal is ¥2,000–¥2,500.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in upscale restaurants and top-end hotels, and in large tourist shops, but always check before attempting to make a purchase. The commonly accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and American Express.

Traveler’s Checks

Some hotel foreign exchange counters no longer exchange checks, and will send you to the Bank of China. All popular foreign brands are accepted, but occasionally cashiers nervous of responsibility will reject those that look unfamiliar. Keep the proof of purchase slips and a record of the serial numbers in case of loss or theft.

Post

It may take as little as four days or as long as two months to send airmail and postcards overseas. Visitors can send mail by standard or registered post, while EMS (Express Mail Service) is a reliable way to send packages and documents, both abroad and within the country. However, contents will be inspected before sending.

Telephones

International and long-distance phone calls can be made from most hotels and card telephones. It is usually necessary to ask receptionists or operators to place the calls. In cheaper hotels you may be asked to first pay a deposit. Most public phones require an IC (integrated circuit) card, sold in shops and kiosks wherever the letters “IC” are seen.

Calling Beijing

To call China from abroad, dial your international access code, China’s country code 86, then 10 for Beijing, followed by the local number.

Mobiles

Visitors with mobile phones from almost anywhere except North America and Japan can use the Chinese system (Americans can only use the Chinese system if they have an unlocked tri- or quad-band phone). Just buy a local pre-paid SIM card from any phone shop. If you do not have a phone compatible with the Chinese system, the cheapest option is to buy one, not rent.

Internet Cafés

Upscale hotels and many cafés in Beijing (including all Starbucks) have WiFi, and it is common to open one’s laptop over a cup of cappuccino. Blocked sites can be accessed through a proxy server.