Voltage and Plugs
The supply voltage in China is 220V. The normal socket shape is shown in the picture. Most luxury hotel rooms are equipped with universal sockets, and guests can also rent adapters at the hotel's front desk.
Dialling Chinese Numbers
When you dial a landline number in China from a foreign mobile phone, enter the China area code (+86) and city area code (e.g. +10 for Beijing) before the landline number.
When you call a Chinese mobile phone from abroad, enter +86 before the mobile number.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Traffic police: 122
- Medical emergencies: 120
Purchasing a Chinese SIM Card
Nationwide telecoms companies such as China Mobile and China Unicom have counters in major international airports. Foreign visitors can purchase a Chinese SIM card at these counters (a passport must be presented).
Tap Water
Foreign visitors should boil tap water or buy bottled drinking water. Drinking the tap water directly is not recommended.
Traffic Safety Tips
In China, cars are driven on the right. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
Health and Medical Advice
It is generally a good idea to bring common medicines (e.g. painkillers, digestive medicines). If you take a regular prescription medicine, stock up before departure and bring doctor's certificates and medical records.
If you fall ill, visit the international medical department of a general hospital or a foreign-funded hospital. Travellers should purchase medical insurance before departure.
Cultural Taboos
China is a multi-ethnic country with very different customs. Please be aware of cultural taboos, especially in minority areas. For example: take off shoes when entering a Dai bamboo building; do not order pork in a Hui restaurant; in Xizang (Tibet), do not touch Buddha statues, scriptures, or other sacred objects.