Voluntary Report - public distribution

**Date:** 12/1/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** CH4836

CH4836

**China, Peoples Republic of**

**Market Development Reports**

**Business Travel in China**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Ralph Bean

ATO Shanghai

**Prepared by:**

Jane Hu

**Report Highlights:**

China, as the world\'s most populous country, has quickly become an
important market for many U.S. businesses. USDA/FAS offices in Beijing,
Shanghai and Guangzhou warmly welcome U.S. business travelers to China.
This introduction to travel in China serves to give you the confidence
to explore China as a market for U.S. products.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Shanghai ATO \[CH2\]

\[CH\]

**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

I. INTRODUCTION Page 3 of 15

II\. BEFORE YOU GO Page 3 of 15

III\. GETTING THERE Page 10 of 15

IV HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Page 11 of 15

V. ARRIVING IN CHINA Page 12 of 15

VI\. MONEY Page 12 of 15

VII\. GETTING AROUND-TRANSPORTATION WITHIN MAJOR CITIES Page 13 of 15

VIII\. LANGUAGE Page 13 of 15

IX\. TIPPING Page 13 of 15

X. KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH HOME Page 14 of 15

XI\. TIME Page 15 of 15

XII\. BUSINESS HOURS Page 15 of 15

XIII\. LEAVING CHINA Page 15 of 15

**I. INTRODUCTION**

China is the world's most populous country, with approximately 1.3
billion people living in a land area slightly larger than the United
States. China has rapidly become an important market for many U.S.
businesses, with its vast manufacturing infrastructure and huge number
of emerging city markets. Each day, the nation that is home for almost
one-quarter of the world's population greets business travelers seeking
new export markets. In an effort to promote U.S. agricultural products
in China, FAS established an Agricultural Affairs Office in Beijing and
three Agricultural Trade Offices (ATO), one each in Shanghai, Guangzhou,
and Beijing. The four FAS offices warmly welcome U.S. agricultural
product exporters to China. This introduction serves to give business
travelers the confidence to explore China as a market for U.S.
products**.**

Many business travelers are hosted by the Chinese government or by
companies. Increasingly, however, business travelers are coming to China
independently. Planning is key, whether you are on your own or not. This
introduction offers basic information about travel in China that will
help you plan your trip.

**II. BEFORE YOU GO**

**- Searching information on Internet**

Before your visit, it will be a good idea to prepare yourself by briefly
studying aspects of Chinese culture, history, daily business and
political news. Surf the Internet before you go; there are many
excellent websites from which to choose. For Chinese Characters and
Chinese culture, try the "Chinese page"
([http://www.chinapage.com](http://www.chinapage.com/), or
[http://www.chineseculture.about.com](http://www.chineseculture.about.com/)).
For daily business and political news, check out the China section of
the Hong Kong-based "South China Morning Post"
([http://www.scmp.com]{.underline}). Dow-Jones and other news services
publish websites devoted to China. There are also some well-known travel
guides that publish pages on the web, such as the Lonely Planet series.
While their series is aimed more at the backpacker-style of travel,
there is a wealth of pertinent information on local customs, regional
weather patterns, and useful phrases:
([http://www.lonelyplanet.com]{.underline}.). We also suggest you to
visit ChinaSite.com, which is one of the most popular website
directories, and also an index for China/Chinese related resources on
the Internet.

Here is a list of some other useful sites:

Shanghai Municipal Govt.: http://www.shanghai.gov.cn

American Chamber of: http://www.amcham-shanghai.org

Commerce

That\'s Shanghai: http://www.thatsShanghai.org

American Embassy: http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn

Events, Entertainment http://www.xianzai.com.cn

& Culture:

**- How to obtain a Chinese visa**

Traveling in China requires a valid U.S. passport and a tourist or
business visa.

There are several possibilities for a China visa, as follows:

\- If traveling to China for only a period of days or weeks, we suggest
you apply for an \"L\" type (\"Tourist\") visa at the Chinese Embassy in
Washington, D.C., or at one of the Chinese consulates in Washington, New
York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco. A valid passport
and two 2x2 pictures and appropriate fee should accompany the
application, available from the embassy, consulate or travel service. To
avoid disappointment be sure to confirm this information with the
respective office prior to applying.

Jurisdiction Areas of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United
States:

Consulate General of the People\'s Republic of China in Los Angeles:

Jurisdiction Area: Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, US
territories in the Pacific Islands

443 Shatto Place, Suite 300, Los Angeles, California 90020

Tel: (213) 380‑2506 (recorded messages), (213) 807‑8018 (live person
available from 2‑4 PM),

Fax: (213) 380‑1961

Consulate General of the People\'s Republic of China in San Francisco:

Jurisdiction Area: Northern California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington,
Alaska

1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, California 94115

Tel: (415) 563‑4857, Fax: (415) 563‑0494

Consulate General of the People\'s Republic of China in Houston:

Jurisdiction Area: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, Arkansas, and Oklahoma

3417 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006

Tel: (713) 524‑4311, Fax: (713) 524‑7656

Consulate General of the People\'s Republic of China in New York:

Jurisdiction Area: New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Ohio, New Jersey

520 12th Avenue, New York, New York 10036

Tel: (212) 330‑7409, Fax: (212) 502‑0245

Consulate General of the People\'s Republic of China in Chicago:

Jurisdiction Area: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa,
Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Michigan

100 W. Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610

Tel: (312) 803‑0095, Fax: (312) 803‑0122

Embassy of the People\'s Republic of China in Washington:

Jurisdiction Area: All other states and areas in the United States

2300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20008

Tel: (202) 328‑2517, Fax: (202) 328‑2564

\- You need to apply for a China visa at one the locations mentioned
above, if you plan to come directly from the United States to China.
Alternatively, if you plan to enter China after a business stopover in
Hong Kong, the U.S. Embassy/Beijing advises applying for a Chinese visa
in Hong Kong. Most of the travel agencies in Hong Kong provide this
service for a fee (1 or 2 days, depending on visa). Many travelers
report that this is a hassle free experience. Or, you may apply for the
visa yourself at the China Consulate in Hong Kong; it is cheaper (prices
start at HK\$100), but it usually takes longer than the service offered
by travel agencies.

Consular Department, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the People\'s Republic of China in Hong Kong

Special Administrative Region

5/F Lower Block, China Resources Building

26 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Hong Kong

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

Sun & Public Holiday: Closed

Enquiries: Tel: (852) 2585-1794

Tel: (852) 2827-1881 (Recorded message)

Fax: (852) 2585-1717

\- If you need to stay in China for more than a month and are clearly
working in an office as an employee and not a tourist, then it is best
to apply for an \"F\" type (\"business\") visa. Business visa
applications require a letter of invitation, which can be faxed from a
China-based company or Chinese government office. It may also help to
bring along evidence of your Chinese business connection. If you request
a multiple entry visa that is valid for six months, it allows you to
stay in China between 30 and 60 days each entry.

For more detailed information regarding how to obtain a Chinese visa,
please visit U.S. Embassy website \"
www.usembassy-china.org.cn/irc/conference \", and then click on the
\"China visa\".

**- Climate**

China's latitude and broad range of climates is similar to the United
States. The north tends to be dry and cold, while the south is
characterized by high humidity and lush greenery. The Shanghai area is
caught in the middle, and has moderately cold, wet winters with hot,
damp summers roughly comparable to central or southern Virginia. Further
inland from Shanghai, summer weather remains extremely hot and humid.
The Yangtze Basin is home to China\'s famously hot \'Four Furnaces\':
Nanjing (Jiangsu Province), Nanchang (Jiangxi Province), Wuhan (Hubei
Province) and Chongqing (Chongqing District). Winters inland from
Shanghai tend to be chilly and damp in most places, and in smaller
cities and some offices winter heating may seem inadequate. Dress
warmly, even if you will be in meetings all day. The best times to visit
tend to be spring and fall, with fall weather being the most pleasant
and reliable. Book air travel well in advance, as spring, end of summer,
and fall tend to be the busiest travel seasons in China.

If you want to know more about the climate of China, we suggest you to
visit Travel China Guide \"www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/climate.htm,"
it has most updated information regarding China\'s weather.

**- Medical/Health**

Good health is more important point than anything else. While many
business travelers have successfully ventured in and out of China
without apparent regard for medical considerations, U.S. health
officials recommend - but do not require - the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A (recommended for all travelers), hepatitis B (for travelers
who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if
visiting for more than 6 months), Japanese encephalitis (for long-term
(\>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in
extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially
after dusk) and typhoid (for travelers who may eat or drink outside
major restaurants and hotels). Travelers should check with their
physicians about rabies, if they plan to have direct contact with
animals and may not have access to medical care. Also, all travelers
should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, e.g., tetanus-diphtheria,
measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations. The
availability of quality health care for international travelers has
improved remarkably in recent years with the opening of many clinics
staffed by foreign doctors catering to foreigners. The below listed
centers can provide a first point of contact for travelers in the
Shanghai area with illness:

Worldlink Clinic

Tel: (86-21) 6279-7688

Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinics

Tel: (86-21) 5133-1900

Recent outbreaks

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was reported in China in April
2004, resulting in nine new cases (seven in Beijing and two in Anhui
Province) before the outbreak was declared over in May 2004. Two of
those affected were laboratory workers who had been performing research
on the SARS virus at the National Institute of Virology. All the others
either had close contact with one of the laboratory workers or with a
nurse who became ill after caring for one of the researchers. The
National Institute of Virology has been closed. No travel restrictions
are recommended for China at this time. For further information, go to
the [World Health
Organization](http://www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome/en/).

Outbreaks of H5N1 [avian
influenza](http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/infectious/avian_influenza.html)
(\"bird flu\") were reported in January-February 2004 from poultry farms
in many parts of the country. Suspected or confirmed cases were
described in the provinces of Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Gansu, Shaanxi,
Anhui, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Henan, Jiangxi, and
Xinjiang Uygar Autonomous Region. New poultry outbreaks were reported in
July 2004, as well as cases of avian influenza occurring in pigs in
August 2004. No human cases have been reported in China.

Food and water precautions

Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or
chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with
ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or
cooked. This advice offers the maximum level of assurance. However,
conditions are generally better in major cities and in 5-star hotels and
upscale restaurants, which adhere to high standards of hygiene.
Fortunately, safe bottled water is readily available throughout the
country. Just be certain the seal has not been broken.

General advice

Bring adequate supplies of all medications, clearly labeled. If you wear
glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair.

On long flights, be sure to walk around the cabin, flex your leg muscles
periodically, and drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.

**- What to Bring**

######### Clothing

Depending on where and when in China you plan to travel, you will find a
wide variance in climate and temperature. Latitudes are comparable to
North America, so seasons will be similar. Expect hot rainy conditions
in extreme south China beginning in March, while typhoon season
generally runs from July through September.

While business dress is generally less formal than in major U.S. cities,
most Westerners wear standard business attire for business meetings and
dinners. Also bring comfortable shoes since you may do a fair amount of
walking.

######### Electrical Adapter Kit

Not only is the standard electric current different in China (220 volts,
versus 110 volts in the U.S.), so are the outlets. In fact, you may find
more than one type in the same hotel room. Unfortunately none will
accept the standard U.S. two- or three-pronged plugs. Bathrooms in
larger hotels in major cities have built-in converters for shavers.
Beyond that, if you consider your hair dryer, laptop computer or other
travel appliances necessities, arrive in China equipped with appropriate
converters and adapters. Fortunately, most international airports now
sell adapter plug kits. If you arrive unprepared but are in a 5-star
hotel, the concierge will probably be able to assist.

####### Metric Conversion Calculator or Chart

China uses the metric system for all weights and measures, including
temperature. If you are not familiar with metric measures, a pocket
conversion calculator or chart will come in handy, or 9/5 Centigrade +
32 = Fahrenheit; 1 inch = 2.54 CM.

######## Cash or Travelers Checks and a Money Belt

Bring cash or travelers checks. Credit card acceptance is growing,
especially in cities and major tourist destinations. The most common
\"international\" credit cards are accepted at major hotels, hotel
restaurants, branches of Friendship Stores, government-run antique and
handicraft stores, and in factory sales rooms that deal with foreign
tourists. One traveler from ATO discovered that not all restaurants in
Shanghai accept \"international\" credit cards; rather, they accept
\"local bank\" credit cards. Always ask before you order. Generally, if
you plan to travel outside the major cities, or dine and shop outside
the larger hotels, you will need plenty of cash, which will be safest if
carried in a money belt. Traveler's checks can be converted to local
currency at most hotels and at branches of the Bank of China. (See
"MONEY" and "SAFETY" for more information.)

######## Business cards and mementos

It would be most helpful to bring Chinese-English bilingual business
cards. And, after your meetings, it's a nice gesture to offer a small
company-related or USA memento (e.g. pens, caps, mugs). For more
information, please read report CH4835 \"Chinese Business Etiquette\".

######## Product Samples

Bring product samples, especially for new to market items. Product
pictures are a good alternative if you can't bring samples. It is
extremely rare for a foreigner\'s checked baggage to be searched upon
arrival at airports in China. Therefore, business travelers should bring
small quantities of product samples packed inside their regular tourist
luggage (not packed in cardboard boxes). Additionally, many U.S.
companies have successfully shipped a box or two of samples and
brochures via DHL, FedEx or other carrier to a Chinese address. We don't
recommend shipping samples by airfreight on commercial carriers. If
there is no alternative, then make sure to write the following on the
invoice: "No Commercial value; Not dangerous; Sample only," and make
sure that the price of the sample is marked zero, no commercial value.
Otherwise a lot of problems will likely result, such as delays, tax
assessments, or other bureaucratic hassles.

**- Safety**

China is a relatively safe country. However there are still several
points we would like to remind you of:

\- Please take care when you cross the roads, streets and highways. This
is due to the general chaos on the streets. Currently Shanghai has just
updated facilities for city traffic. Adequate traffic signals and
improved street lighting make the roads more organized than before.
However, you still need to pay attention to the vehicle that is turning
a corner when you cross a street. This is because the turning vehicle
will not stop or reduce the speed: in practice there is no stopping
before turning right on red.

\- Violent crime is a rarity, but theft, especially pickpocketing is
still a social problem, especially in the three major cities (Beijing,
Shanghai and Guangzhou). The problem is particularly pronounced in areas
where foreigners congregate. Don\'t assume a thief is a poor person or
looks poor; more and more thieves appear to be distinguished figures. So
be careful, and don't leave your belongs unattended, especially when you
are in a trade show or reception.

\- Valuables should be locked in a hotel safe.

Americans living in or visiting China are encouraged to register at the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in China or the appropriate
Consulate, and obtain updated information on travel and security within
China.

Beijing:

The U.S. Embassy in China is located at 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Beijing
100600, telephone: (86-10) 6532-3431, 6532-3831, and after-hours:
(86-10) 6532-1910; fax (86-10) 6532-4153. The [U.S. Embassy web site
address](http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/) is
[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn](http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/)
.cn/ and the e-mail address is AmCitBeijing@state.gov.

The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions
of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia,
Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi.

Shanghai:

The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai is
located in the Westgate Mall, 8 th fl, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai
200031 telephone: (86-21) 3217-4650, ext. 2102, 2013, or 2134;
after-hours:(86-21) 6433-3936; fax: (86-21) 6217-2071; e-mail address:
shanghai_acs@yahoo.com.

This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of
China: Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

Chengdu:

The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu is located at Number 4,
Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, telephone:
(86-28) 558-3992, 555-3119; fax (86-28) 8558-3520 and the e-mail address
is ACSchengdu@state.gov; after-hours (86-0) 13708001422.

This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of
China: Guizhou, Sichuan Xizang (Tibet), and Yunnan, as well as the
municipality of Chongqing.

Guangzhou:

The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at Number 1 South
Shamian Street, Shamian Island 200S1, Guangzhou 510133; telephone:
(86-20) 8121-8418; after-hours: (86-) 139-0229-3169; fax: (86-20)
8121-8428 and the e-mail address is GuangzhouACS@state.gov.

This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of
China: Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.

Shenyang:

The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang is located at No. 52, 14th Wei
Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003, telephone: (86-24) 2322-1198,
2322-0368; after-hours: (86-0) 13704019790; fax (86-24) 2322-2374 and
the e-mail address is ShenyangACS@state.gov.

This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of
China: Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin.

**III. GETTING THERE**

Currently only two U.S. passenger airlines (United and Northwest) are
authorized to fly to Mainland China. Flights are available to Beijing
and Shanghai. Recently UA has opened direct service between Chicago and
Shanghai. If UA and Northwest are fully booked, consider taking Air
China, China Eastern or China Southern from the West Coast of the United
States. All three fly to the States and many leading Asian destinations
such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore. China Southern offers direct flight
service between Guangzhou and Los Angeles, while Air China and China
Eastern fly from Shanghai to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Check with
your travel agent to make sure that they can issue a boarding pass for
Chinese airlines or domestic connection flights within China. On code
share flights, such as Northwest/Air China, this should not be a
problem, as long as your domestic connections are on Air China's
scheduled flights. Travel through Hong Kong offers a wider variety of
transport options.

Domestic travel within China is possible only on Chinese-owned carriers
or via special charter. Booking tickets in the USA for domestic flights
in China has become much easier than in the past, Check with your travel
agent in the USA; many can purchase these tickets for you, **but do
remember to reconfirm your flights and tickets once you arrive China**.
Your hotel or a travel agent in China should also be able to do this. If
you purchase tickets, the Foreign Agricultural Service has also
identified several local travel agents. These travel agents are
business-oriented with experience assisting business travelers with
logistical arrangements all over China, such as hotel accommodations,
air and rail ticketing, transfers, English speaking translators, tour
guides and pre/post business meeting sightseeing tours. As a U.S.
Government agency, we cannot guarantee the reliability of each of these
companies in every situation, but many business travelers have used
these companies successfully in the recent past.

Great West Corp. Ltd.

Contact: Ms. Rachel Wang

Tel: (86-21) 6279-8489; Fax: (86-21) 6279-8488

Email: grtwest@public.sta.net.cn

Shanghai China International Travel Service Co., Ltd.

Contact: Ms. Jin Lan

Tel: (86-21) 6289-8279; Fax: (86-21) 6289-7838

Email: jinl@scits.com

Shanghai CYTS Corporation, Euro-American Department

Contact: Ms. Lu Yang

Tel: (86-21) 6433-1322; Fax:(86-21) 6437-0041

Email: Lawrence@scyts.com

**IV. HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS**

In larger cities like Shanghai you may find a large choice of
accommodations from truly full service five-star hotels down to much
more modest and economical options. Hotels that have less than a
three-star rating are not recommended for business travelers. Most
non-Chinese-speaking Americans prefer four or five-star hotels, not only
because of the amenities, but also because of their English-speaking
staff and good facilities.

Travelers to other cities in China may wish to explore booking
accommodations with one of the well-known international chain properties

(Hilton, Holiday Inn, Inter-Continental, Shangri-La, Sheraton, Marriott,
etc.)

**V. ARRIVING IN CHINA**

Chinese authorities require all foreign visitors to undergo passport,
health, and customs formalities prior to entering the country. The
process is simple and involves completing brief forms provided by most
international airlines prior to landing. If you do not receive these
forms, they will be available near the arrival gates at the airport.

Health Declaration Form - must be filled out by all foreign visitors and
handed to officials at special counters in each airport.

Entry-Exit Form - required of visitors not traveling with a group.
Handed to immigration officials along with the passport at border
control counters in each airport.

Customs procedures have been simplified. Only visitors with large
amounts of cash, commercial samples, office equipment (not just a single
laptop computer) have to complete the Customs Declaration Form at the
airport. If you must fill out the form, retain the stamped copy until
you leave China, for inspection by Customs officials.

All baggage must be x-rayed at some ports of entry before you will be
allowed to carry it through Customs. Beyond this, only periodic
spot-checking of luggage occurs.

**VI. MONEY**

Unless your host in China arranges your transportation from the airport,
you will need to change some money at the airport in order to get a taxi
to your destination.

The official Chinese currency is the Renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of
currency is the yuan (or, kuai). Each yuan is divided into 10 jiao. Yuan
notes are issued in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. There is
also a 1-Yuan coin. Jiao is issued in both paper currency and coins in
denominations of 5 and 1 each.

The RMB is not traded on international markets. It can be bought or
exchanged within China and Hong Kong and along some northwestern
borders. It is also possible to purchase some RMB from currency exchange
windows in American airports, but the rate is particularly unfavorable
and shouldn't be considered under normal circumstances. Any RMB you have
left should be converted before leaving the country. Make sure you keep
enough to pay for transportation to the airport. (See "LEAVING CHINA".)

Current exchange rates are published in the China Daily. This rate
applies in all banks, hotels, airport and retail (Friendship Store)
exchange counters. Travelers checks bring a slightly better rate,
however some banks and hotels add a small fee, which may offset the
advantage. The currency is pegged against the US dollar, U.S. \$1=
RMB8.265.

You may be approached on the street by people offering to "change your
money" at a better rate. FAS does not recommend that you try this due to
"sleight of hand" tactics and counterfeiting. There is also the
occasional crackdown on black market money changers often found
loitering within a few feet of bank entrances, so it is prudent to avoid
the practice altogether.

Banking hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, and 8 to 11:30
a.m. on Saturdays. Hotel exchange counters are open longer, seven days a
week.

**VII. GETTING AROUND - TRANSPORTATION WITHIN MAJOR CITIES**

The easiest way to get around major cities such as Shanghai and other
major business centers is by taxi or hired car. You can arrange taxi or
car service through the concierge at most major hotels. In most cities,
you can also hail a cab on the street. If you're traveling on your own,
consider picking up a recent English/Chinese bilingual map, available in
most hotels.

Taxis in most cities are metered, but the quality of service varies
depending on the size of the city. Furthermore, drivers do not generally
speak English. Unless you speak fluent Mandarin, ask the hotel concierge
to provide a card that shows the name of your destination and your hotel
in Chinese characters. Keep the card and use it when you want to return.
Taxis usually charge by distance and time taken, so check that the
driver has turned on the meter at the beginning of each trip. Traveling
between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. will result in a 25% surcharge. On arrival,
ask for a receipt. You are less likely to be cheated if you get in a
taxi at the taxi stand in front of a major hotel, particularly if the
doorman gives you a card with the taxi's license plate number. Be
advised: Due to the terrible traffic situation during rush hours
(8:00-9:00 a.m. and 5:00 -7:00 p.m.), leave early for your destination;
getting there will no doubt take longer than you think.

**VIII. LANGUAGE**

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China. However, in some
areas, people speak a local dialect or a regional language (Cantonese,
Shanghainese, Sichuanese) that will be unrecognizable to other regional
groups, although nearly all speak Mandarin fluently as a second
language. The Agricultural Trade Office maintains a partial list of
available translation services.

Consider carrying a small traveler's guide to Chinese words and phrases
\-- a good primer for learning to speak a few civilities like "thank
you" (*xie xie* in pinyin, pronounced like "shay-shay"), "hello" (*nin
hao* in pinyin, pronounced like "neen how"). For more information,
please see report CH4835 \"Chinese Business Etiquette\" - Learning some
greetings in Mandarin

**IX. TIPPING**

With the great influx of foreign travelers to China, the practice of
tipping is on the increase. Many hotel restaurants add a 15% service
charge to the bill. In most other instances, tipping is not expected and
may cause embarrassment for the staff. However, in the most developed
coastal cities if you tip a bartender or waiter, they are unlikely to
refuse. Bear in mind that most bars and restaurants have already
included the service charges in the bill. Giving or not giving a tip
depends on you.

**X. KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH HOME**

**- Phone**

Domestic and international long distance calls can often be made through
direct dialing or booked through your hotel. Most major hotels in larger
cities will add the charges to your hotel bill, however, some business
travelers report having to pay for the calls immediately after they are
completed. If you are unable to place a long distance call from your
room, even when such services are noted in hotel literature, contact the
front desk or operator and tell them you wish to have your room phone
reconnected to long distance service. Some hotels turn off long distance
service to unoccupied rooms and forget to reconnect promptly once a
guest has checked in.

Collect calls are much cheaper than direct calls from China. Because of
the changing rates, the least expensive method for placing phone calls
varies. Currently, the AT&T, MCI and Sprint cost-per-minute for calls to
the United States that are longer than a few minutes is substantially
less than the Chinese rate.

IDD (International direct dial) and DDD (domestic direct dial) phones,
fax, international/domestic post, telex and telegraph are available at
the better hotels or the local Post & Telecommunications offices. Check
costs, minimum connection time, fax paper charge and service charges
when calling or faxing from a hotel.

If you have an international calling card with one of the major long
distance carriers, check with your representative before you go about
the most economical rates and method of calling. Calls to China from the
United States are usually less expensive than calls from China to the
United States.

Another option is the IP Telephony card, which must be purchased from a
domestic telecom provider for use within China. The card functions for
all intents and purposes like a calling card; however, it routes calls
through the Internet, thus allowing significant savings for a minor
reduction in sound quality. International calls cost approximately
\$0.60/minute and the cards are available in denominations up to RMB500
(approx. \$60). Ask the hotel concierge or have a Chinese-speaking
member of your company inquire at the local phone company office.

**- News Media**

English-language media published in Shanghai includes China Daily,
Shanghai Daily, Shanghai Star and China Today. There are also some
locally published monthly entertainment magazines geared at expatriates,
and you should look for them at the concierge desk of your hotel. They
include the Shanghai Scene, Shanghai Talk and City Weekend. Many foreign
newspapers (The Asian Wall Street Journal, the International Herald
Tribune, USA Today) and some U.S. news magazines may be available at
hotel kiosks at prices higher than in the U.S. Most major hotels in the
large business centers offer at least one or two satellite television
channels, such as CNN, BBC and Star TV; however, reception varies.

**- Mail**

Airmail/domestic stamps are available at the front desk or kiosk in most
major hotels. Some hotel business centers provide comprehensive letter
and parcel services. Major international courier services operate in
many cities; however, service takes three or four days instead of
overnight. Rule of thumb: If you need it and it cannot be sent by fax,
bring it with you.

**XI. TIME**

All of China is in the same time zone, and referred to as "Beijing"
time. Beijing time is 13 hours ahead of the east coast of the United
States (EST), except during daylight savings time when the difference is
12 hours. For example, 9 a.m. in Shanghai is 8 p.m. the previous evening
in New York (EST).

Chinese time is 16 hours ahead of Pacific Time.

**XII. BUSINESS HOURS**

Business hours vary with season and location but are normally 8:30 a.m.
to 12:00 noon; 1:00 p.m. - 5 p.m. Use your weekends for sightseeing or
report preparation. The commercial centers in most hotels can provide
you the one-day travel agents\' information.

Banking hours usually run from 9 a.m. to noon, and then from 1 p.m. to 5
p.m., while on Saturday's hours are from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Some banks
close on Mondays. Department stores usually open at 9:00 a.m., and close
around 9:00 p.m.

Also, do not plan a business trip for the key Chinese holidays. Days to
avoid include October 1 (Chinese National Day, similar to the U.S.
Fourth of July), May 1 (International Labor Day) and the Spring Festival
(Chinese New Year, which is based on a lunar calendar and falls in
mid-January to mid-February, depending on the year). National Day and
Labor Day are both week-long holidays, and Spring Festival lasts at
least two weeks, when much of the country shuts down and the
transportation networks are overloaded with people heading for home or
back to work.

U.S. exporters are also discouraged from visiting Guangzhou during the
twice per year (April 15-30, October 15-30) Canton Trade (Export) Fair
which features mostly light industrial export items. Hotel and
restaurant prices double or triple during the fairs while traffic jams
worsen, meetings are difficult to arrange, and transportation in and out
of the city is booked well in advance.

**XIII. LEAVING CHINA**

Make sure to confirm departure arrangements at least 72 hours before
flight time. If you don't, you will risk losing your seat. The concierge
at your hotel, or someone with your host group, can handle this detail.

The RMB 90 airport departure fee is now included in the cost of your air
ticket fee. Your passport, boarding pass and exit form must be presented
to the border control officials before you will be allowed to proceed to
the gate. Expect crowds and delays each step along the way; so allow
about two hours prior to your departure time for international flights.
Don\'t be late.

Welcome to China! We encourage you to come over and explore this dynamic
country.

(ATO Shanghai Office - December 2004)

**Appendix A. Post Contact Information**

Shanghai Agricultural Trade Office, Shanghai (ATO/Shanghai)

Tel: (86-21) 6279-8622

Fax: (86-21) 6279-8336

Email: atoshanghai@usda.gov

Beijing Office of Agricultural Affairs (FAS)

Tel: (86-10) 65321953 ext. 300

Fax: (86-21)65322962

Email: agbeijing@usda.gov

Agricultural Trade Office, Beijing (ATO/Beijing)

Tel: (86-10) 8529-6418

Fax: (86-10) 8529-9962

Email: atobeijing@usda.gov

Guangzhou Agricultural Trade Office, Guangzhou (ATO/Guangzhou)

Tel: (86-20) 8667-7553

Fax: (86-20) 8666-0703

Email: atoguangzhou@usda.gov