Weather
The climate in Beijing is “continental”, with cold and dry winters, due to the Siberian air masses that move southward across the Mongolian Plateau. Summers are generally hot owing to warm and humid monsoon winds from the southeast bringing Beijing most of its annual precipitation. January is the coldest month and July is the hottest. Winters usually begin since the end of October. The summer months, June to August, are wet and hot with about 40% of the annual precipitation.
|
Average Data |
Average High oF |
Average High oC |
Average Low oF |
Average Low oC |
Max (oF) |
Max (oC) |
Min (oF) |
Min (oC) |
Rain (in) |
Rain (mm) |
| Septmber | 77/81 | 25/27 | 56/60 | 13/15 | 92 | 33.3 | 36 | 2.2 | <0.1 | <5 |
Electricity
The electric current used
in China is 220V 50Hz. Hotels provide 220V and 110V (shavers only)
power outlets. Please note that plug adapters and converters might be
required.
The
currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB or ￥) and the value
is pegged to the US dollar with a current exchange rate of US$ 1: RMB
6.45 (May 2016). The Yuan is divided into 10 Jiao or 100 Fen. Notes
come in denominations of ￥100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Exchange your
leftover Yuan before returning home as it can only be exchanged within
China's borders.
Euros and US Dollars can be
exchanged at your hotel or at any bank. Traveller’s cheques can only be
exchanged at the Bank of China. Banks usually open from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. From Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Currency exchange services are available for the following foreign
currencies: US Dollar, British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen,
Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Swiss Franc,
Danish Krone, Norwegian Krone, Swedish Krone, Singapore Dollar,
Malaysian Ringgit, and Macao Pataca.
Major credit cards are accepted at many establishments, such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master Card and Visa.
ATM Machine
Beijing
is a very ATM-friendly city. There are many banks with ATMs, but only
about 50% of these accept foreign cards. The main foreign friendly ATMs
are controlled by the Bank of China. Bank of China ATMs work in both
Chinese and English (depending on your card), use the latest equipment,
and are reasonably easy to find.
Insurance
Organizers
of the Congress do not take any liability for personal accidents or
injury or loss or damage to private property of any participant
indirectly arising from travelling to Beijing and/or attending the
Congress. Participants are advised to purchase adequate travel and
health insurance before leaving their own countries.
Safety and Security
In
general China is a very safe country. However, be aware of pickpockets
and be careful when crossing the road. Passports should be kept in the
hotel for safety until the departure day. Also note the serial numbers
of your traveller’s checks if you carry those. We also recommend
having copies of your passport and credit cards with you in case of
loss or theft.
Tipping
Gratuities
are not customary in China. However, in hotels and during group
travels, tipping is practiced for porters, tour guides and drivers.
Smoking
Smoking
in indoor public places has been banned in Beijing from June 1, 2015
following the rolling out of the toughest ever anti-smoking regulation
in China. The regulation extends smoking bans to include all indoor
public areas and workplaces, plus a number of outdoor areas including
schools, seating areas in sports stadiums and hospitals where women or
children are treated.
Time
China
covers four time zones. Beijing time is the only official time
throughout the country; punctuality is highly appreciated.
Transportation
Public Buses
