C H I N AE D U C A T I N G Y O U R S E L F

R I C K G A R S O N

O N T H E C U R R E N C Y A N D C U L T U R E O F

A H E A D O F Y O U R T R I P

Cash is PreferredFor one, when using money in China, understand that cash ispreferred. While a growing number of businesses in the area,

particularly high-end restaurants and hotel chains, acceptMastercard, Visa, and Union Pay. China’s official currency, the

yuan (also known as RMB or ‘quai’) is the only recognized currencyin the nation.

The yuan notes are available for 1RMB, 10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB,and 100RMB –also the 1RMB is available in the coin form. Chinesebusiness will not accept foreign currency, this rule also applies

even to the Hong Kong and U.S. dollar.

Seek out ATMs to Exchange YourForeign Currency

Chinese banks don’t tend to accept foreign cards, but larger banks,such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, will allow foreign

visitors to withdraw local currency from foreign bankinginstitutions. This is a better alternative than using Travelex, which

has a much higher exchange rate. Be sure to notify your bankbefore you board the plane to China.

Rather than waiting until you arrive before informing yourbank, communicate with your bank before so that yourcard isn’t canceled on you, leading to difficulty during

travel. Also, in the nation of China, tipping is notcustomary. The Chinese don’t tip and you aren’t expected

to do so either.

Sort Out Visas & Online BookingChina does not offer visas on arrival, you’ll need to have

arranged for yourself before your arrival. In order toapply for a tourist visa, you’ll need a letter of invitation

from a Chinese friend or you’ll have to provide a detaileditinerary of your trip, which includes information about

your hotel bookings and flight information. Many usesites, such as C-Trip and Booking.com when booking hotel

rooms in China.

Take Care of Your Health

Drink water, find a doctor, locate the pharmacies, copewith the air pollution, bring toilet paper, and carry handsanitizer. Also, arrive at airports early, expect delays, try

out the high-speed G-trains, make use of local bookingsites, and drive in China.

Be ready to have fun. Greet with a warm, broad smile,and make attempts to speak Mandarin or other local

languages. Stay vigilant and alert, and visit the Chinesegarden, the Great Wall, or landscape scenery.

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