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Weather

Beijing weather in mid-May is generally warm and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures usually range from around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F). The temperature difference between day and night can be noticeable, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended for early mornings and evenings. May is also relatively dry in Beijing, although occasional showers may occur. Light and breathable clothing is suitable during the day, and it is advisable to bring sun protection when spending time outdoors.

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.

Currency, Exchange, and Payment Methods In China

Chinese Currency

Renminbi (人民币) or RMB is the official currency of China, and it means “people’s currency” in Chinese. The basic unit of RMB is yuan (元), and the sign of yuan is ¥. CNY is the abbreviation of Chinese yuan, which is also been used widely to refer to Chinese currency.

Currency Exchange

After arriving in China, you can find many places to exchange Chinese currency, such as the exchange vendors in the major international airports, hotels, offices of local banks, and ATMs across the region. Exchanging major international cash, such as U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pounds, etc. into Chinese Yuan is not difficult in China. The exchange rates are regulated; however, the commission fees are varied from different banks, hotels, and airports.

Payment Methods in China

Credit and debit cards may not cover all your expenses in China. With the widespread popularity of digital payments, many businesses no longer offer point-of-sale (POS) systems for credit and debit card users. However, you can still use your bank cards via POS systems at selected hotels, shopping malls, and larger restaurants. Cash is still widely accepted. It is also very reliable. You’d better always bring some cash with you including some small changes.

Digital payment is the norm in China, with Alipay and WeChat Pay leading the way. Since July 2023, they've started accepting international cards through their apps, though success may vary depending on the user's country and bank.

Guide to Payment Services in China (23.9MB)

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 five time zones. Beijing time (UTC + 08:00) is the only official time throughout the country; China Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 8). China does not operate Daylight-saving Time.

Transportation

Public Buses

Buses are the main means of transport in Beijing. Please prepare small bills as not all buses will carry change. Buses can be very crowded during peak times, which are generally from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

The Subway

The subway system in Beijing has 15 lines. The fare is 3 - 9 yuan. Trains run from 5:30 in the morning until 11:00 in the evening. A ticket can be bought at the ticket office at each station or at an automatic ticketing machine. Subway stops are announced over the train's speaker system in Chinese and English.
Beijing subway systems enables 'tap-and-go' fare payment for foreign MasterCard, Visa cardholders.

Taxis

Taxis in Beijing have several colours. All of them show a taximeter inside. You can easily find them in every part of Beijing. All Taxis will charge 2.3 yuan per kilometer with a base rate or minimum charge of 13 yuan.

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