Last updated: 28 Mar 2013

Visiting

Business hours

Official working hours for private and government offices are from 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Many close for lunch from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Almost all government offices, institutions, schools and other official units do not work on Saturday and Sunday.

Most shops are generally open from 9.00am until 8.00pm every day, including most public holidays with the exception of Chinese New Year.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Chinese currency is Renminbi (RMB) and is calculated in yuan (commonly called ‘kuai’). One yuan is divided into 10 jiao (also known as mao) and each jiao is further divided into 10 fen (ie. 100 fen into a yuan).

Time zones and time differences

All of China is set to Beijing time, which is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Perth, Western Australia is in the same time zone as Beijing.

To find out the current time in Beijing, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

China's country code is 86.

For calls to China from Australia dial: 0011 + 86 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from China to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Electricity and water

China’s electricity supply is 220 volts, 60 Hz; 1, 3, phases, 2, 4 wires. Some hotels also have 110 volt connection points. Connections can be angled three-prong, flat two-pin, or round three-prong. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry a multiple international adapter.

Tap water at most hotels is not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Tea is often provided free in hotels.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Dispute Resolution

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

APEC Business Travel Card Scheme

Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.

IP Passport fact sheets

These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.

The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.