Ascott The Residence

General Information

Climate

The climate of Shenzhen is sub-tropical. The average year-round temperature is 22°C. August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 28°C. January is the coldest month, with an average of 13°C. The rainy season falls between April and August.

Clothing

Dressing is informal and casual at most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots.

Currency

The currency in China is Renminbi. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.

Customs

Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. When you enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent.

Foreign tourists are not allowed to take objects out of China for other people.

There is also a limit to the import of certain items according to the quantity and duration of stay. Chinese herbs, medicine and cultural relics, ammunition and drugs are not permitted.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the Customs. Clinics and hospitals are available and medical facilities are adequate. You should purchase prescription medications from international clinics to assure quality, as there are very few regulations governing the production and sale of pharmaceuticals in China. Prescription medications can be found at the international clinics by manufacturers with American parent companies, and are of a reliable quality. Regular business hours of most clinics are 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Local Area Information

Shenzhen is located in the southern portion of the Guangdong Province, on the eastern shore of the Pearl River Delta and just North of Hong Kong. The location gives it a geographical advantage for economic development. The municipality covers an area of 1,953 km² including urban and rural areas, with a total population of 8,615,500, at the end of 2007. The second busiest port in mainland China, ranking only after Shanghai is located here. In 1980, the first Special Economic Zone of China was built in Shenzhen and since has grown to be a city known for its rapid economic development and a multitude of domestic and international businesses.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted is GSM.

Public Phones

In China, the best way to place a phone call is at the local post office. At most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to ask the operator. There are public phone booths where you can make calls with a phonecard.

Shopping and Business Hours

Major malls and shops are usually open from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. throughout the week.

• Banks & government offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
• Commercial offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

Taxes are not applicable.

Time Zone

GMT + 8.  

Tipping

Tipping is currently discouraged by authorities and is not required in China (even at upscale restaurants and hotels). It is also not expected that you tip taxi drivers. However, if you have received exceptional service, you may consider offering something extra.

Visa

Valid visas are required to enter Mainland China.