Useful Numbers
   Police: 110
   Fire Department: 119
   Public Security Bureau: 6357-6666
   Visa Card Hotline: 10-800-110-2911
   MasterCard Hotline: 10-800-11-0-7309 (only in certain provinces)

   Mobile Phones
   Network accepted in Shanghai is GSM

   Public Phones
   In China, telephoning is relatively easy if you adhere to certain procedures. The best way to place a phone call is to go to the local post office. At most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to ask the operator. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls with a phone card which u can buy in stores.

   Currency
   
   The currency in China is RMB. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.
   The RMB is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan (?), also known as "kuai," divided into 10 jiao, which is again divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100.

   Credit Cards
   Most major credit cards -- including American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa -- are accepted at hotels and certain restaurants and shops.

   Taxes
   Taxes are not applicable.

   Tipping
   It is not a custom to tip and not necessary to do so.

   Electricity
   The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because a wide variety of plug types are used.

   Shopping and Business Hours
   Shops are usually open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday.

   Clothing
   Dressing in Shanghai is casual but modest. Bring along some heavy clothing for the winter whereas light clothing is adequate during summer.

   Banking Hours
   Banks: Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although all foreign banks have slightly different hours (Japanese banks tend to close at 4:30 p.m. and American ones at 6 p.m.). Half days are the rule on Saturdays. For more information on banking in Shanghai, click here.

   Holidays
   Jan. 1, New Year's Day; Jan. 24-26, Spring Festival Chinese New Year; March 8, International Women's Working Day; May 1-2, International Labor Day; May 4, Youth Day; June 1, Children's Day; July 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party; Aug. 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese PLA; Oct. 1-2, National Day. If you'd like to know more about China's customs and culture, click here.

   Population
   Shanghai: 16 million.

   Language
   The official language in China is Mandarin but distinct dialects are spoken throughout the country. Shanghainese speak Mandarin or Shanghaihua, however most tourist hotels have staff whom are fluent in foreign languages.

   Religion
   China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Some 2% to 3% of the population practice Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam. An estimated 1% are Christianias.