QUICK CHINA FACTS

Currency: Chinese renminbi (RMB) can be withdrawn from ATMs throughout China, however keep in mind that smaller cities or towns may not have access to ATMs and its recommended to withdraw cash and take it with you.

Power Points: There are three types of power points in China – three-pronged angled pins (similar to Australia), two flat pins (the most common) or two narrow round pins. I would recommend you take a Travel Adapter.

Official Language: The official language of China is Mandarin.

Health: There are a number of health concerns in China for travellers such as avian influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease and of course high pollution levels which can cause asthma suffers some issues. I would recommend that you contact your doctor a few weeks before you travel as in some cases you need to start any medication a few days before your trip or you may need to get a vaccination.

Drinking Tap Water: The tap water is not considered drinkable and bottled water is high recommended.

Visa: Foreign travellers must obtain a Visa for China (Mainland Only) before entry into China.

Popular foods:
– Chow Mein (stir-fried noodles, diced meat such as chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, with various vegetable).
– Hot Pot (simmering pot of vegetable, or meat-based broth served on top of a gas hob).
– Kung Pao Chicken (diced chicken with ginger, garlic, capsicum peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and peanuts).
– Peking Roast Duck (duck meat roasted with the help of wood charcoal, served with a sauce made of plums and sweet beans and thin Scallion Pancakes or hollow Sesame Biscuits).

When to go: The ideal seasons to travel to China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is often the most comfortable for tourists.
The busiest periods in China are May 1–3, October 1–7, and the Chinese New Year Holiday (in late January or early to mid February), when most tourist destinations are overrun with Chinese visitors.