Living and Traveling in China
Traveler's Tips
American Citizens and US Legal Permanent Resident who will be in traveling or residing in China can find helpful traveling tips at the State Department's Consular Affairs web site.
In addition, the China Information Sheet provides detailed information about China and issues you may face as an American residing in or visiting China.
Passports/ Visas
A valid passport and visa are required to enter China and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa applications should be made at least a month prior to departure for China. Passports must be valid for at least six months for a single or double entry visa and at least nine months for a multiple entry visa. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/ month/ day format.
Americans who wish to work or reside in China for extended periods of time should obtain a resident visa from the local Exit and Entry Department of the Public Security Bureau. Those who overstay their visa may be fined from RMB 500-5000 per day or detained for 3-10 days.
Exit and Entry Department
Sichuan Provincial Public Security Bureau
40 Wen Miao Hou Jie
Tel: (028) 8663-4124
Exit and Entry Department
Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau
144 Wen Wu Lu
Tel: (028) 8662-6577
Language
Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and other minority languages.
Currency and Exchange
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB or ¥) and the value is pegged to the US dollar. The Yuan is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Notes come in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. Make sure you exchange your left over Yuan before returning home because it can be exchanged only within China's borders. Travelers cheques, preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments, but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce outside the main cities.
Telephone
The international access code for China is 86. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. The internal telephone system is very antiquated. Visitors should note that most numbers are not listed with their city code and, unlike most countries, the number of digits in Chinese phone numbers is not fixed - it can be as few as six and as many as ten. You may make a collect call to the U.S. through AT&T by dialing 10811 before the number you are trying to reach. There are many services that offer discount international calls by adding a few digits before the number you are trying to reach. One such service is 17909 (Note: These services are not endorsed by the Consulate). Mobile phone networks are, on the other hand, fairly advanced. Operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most non-North American international operators. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most main towns.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but the two- narrow-pin type are most common. Adapters are generally required.
Tipping
Gratuities are not permitted and are generally considered an insult.
Emergency Service
US Consulate Chengdu Daytime: 028-8558-3992, Weekdays 8:30am-12pm, 1-5:30pm
US Consulate Chengdu After Hours Emergency Hotline: (86) 1370-800-1422
In the event of an emergency, no matter where you are in China, dial:
110 for Local Police
114 for Operator
119 for Fire Department
120 for Medical Emergencies
122 for Traffic Emergencies
The Political System
China is, in practice, a one party state. The National People's Congress (NPC) is indirectly elected. Direct elections for village leaders have also been conducted since 1988. They take place every three years, although it is unclear how genuine and effective they are. The legislature remains subject to Party leadership. However, since 1987 the NPC has been building its oversight capacity over the actions of the government.
You should be aware of strictly enforced regulations against any public demonstrations which do not have prior approval from the authorities. Violators have been deported, and could face imprisonment.
Sources of Information
Births Abroad
Living and Traveling in China
Traveler's Tips
Adoption
Customs
Health and Medical
Legal Assistance
Teaching English
