Quick Facts

All international travellers require visas. Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to Mainland China for up to 15 days.

Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies and consulates. These must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer-term visas are often difficult to obtain.

For further details, consult your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.

View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and shopping malls.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

RMB 1.00 equals:

A 15% surcharge, inclusive of government tax, is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.

Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge, which varies between establishments. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.

Bank Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Some banks are open on weekends as well.

Office Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday

Shopping Hours
9am - 9pm or later throughout the week
Department stores are open 10am to 10pm every day.
Opening hours may vary.

Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

We do not recommend drinking water from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every hotel room.

Dress is generally informal in Shanghai except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.

Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop below freezing with strong winds. Light clothing is appropriate for the spring and summer months.

Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Mid-winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring (April to mid-May) and autumn (late September to mid-November) are the best times to visit. In the summer, expect hot and humid weather with temperatures as high as 40°C in July and August.