Practicalities in China

Doing Business

Doing Business in China (Asialink Business)

China Cultural Awareness Guide (Asialink Business)

China Country Starter Pack (Asialink Business)

China Guide- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette (Commisceo Global)

Australia-China Trade Report (Australia China Business Council)

Passport and Visas

You must apply for a visa to enter China. It is advised that you apply for your visa well in advance of departure. Visa regulations change regularly. We suggest you check current requirements online from your local Chinese embassy’s website. Severe restrictions can apply during the lead up to important or sensitive anniversaries so time your travel accordingly.

It is easy to complete the Chinese visa application online at: http://www.visaforchina.org

Banking

Before You Leave

Be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling to China; otherwise, it is quite common to have your account locked to protect you from suspected fraud.  

Make sure your bank cards are ‘valid’ for the entire period of your travel.

It is recommended that you carry in some cash as (depending upon the length of your visit) this can save you quite a bit of money by bypassing the withdrawal fees charged by Australian banks and also removes the additional fees charged by the bank to withdraw cash as foreign currency.

Note: There is a limit of $10,000AUD that can be imported into China

Exchanging Money

We suggest that you exchange a % of foreign currency that you have brought with you at the airport when you arrive. This is the easiest location to exchange money; this may not be possible if your arrival time is very late at night. Don’t worry; you can also exchange money at the Bank of China, although there will be long queues and you will need your passport.

When you exchange money, be sure to save your receipt, as you will need this if you are hoping to exchange local currency back into your foreign currency before you leave.

ATMs

ATMs commonly accept foreign bank cards. This is an easy way to obtain local currency. Be sure to look for GlobalAccess, Cirrus, Interlink, Plus or Star symbols before you
begin. Most ATM’s have an ‘English’ menu option select this and follow the ‘prompts’.

Note: Generally the maximum withdrawal is either 2,500 or occasionally 3,000RMB.

Language

Chinese cities which have hosted large international events such as the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo will have taxi drivers and hotel staff who speak a little English, bilingual signage and restaurant menu’s. Those in provincial cities and towns may have no English at all, with all signage, maps, menus and transport timetable in Chinese characters.

It is recommended that you learn some basic Mandarin before you travel.

Depending upon the way in which you learn there are a couple of other options:  

• Formal - Enrol in a class at your local TAFE, Confucius Institute or Adult Education Centre.
• Visual - Use language books with pictures like: Easy Peasy Chinese - a very good book with lots of images and large bright coloured Chinese characters

• Aural – Earworms Rapid Chinese Language (program) for your ears set to music that’s fun to listen to on the bus or train. Listen to this in the car / on the train /or play as background music around the house.
• Interactive Games & Apps – Browse the downloads available on the ‘App’ store including: Train Chinese, My Chinese Coach, First Steps Chinese, Chinese Skill, Chinese Slang
• Reference & Translation – The best translator with handwriting options and character recognition is ‘Pleco’ other options include: Qingwen and iTranslate

Some other Suggestions:

If you speak Mandarin your brain is different

10 Chinese songs to learn Mandarin with

Written Chinese Mobile App – Chinese/English Dictionary

Written Chinese Mobile App – Chinese Character Flashcards

Line Dictionary – Chinese English Phrases

Popup Chinese – Chinese lessons, podcasts, videos & stories

World Nomads App – Learn Mandarin Chinese

Learn to read Chinese... with ease! TED Talk by ShaoLan Hsueh