About Shanghai

General Information

Shanghai is one of the fastest developing cities in the world. It is said that if you leave Shanghai for 6 months the city will have changed when you return. The largest city in China, with a flourishing commercial and industrial center, Shanghai contains the most striking blend of oriental and western cultures of the past and present. In this city, European-style buildings can be seen standing alongside typical Chinese structures and ancient temples. Modern ocean vessels sail past junks in the world's busiest port.

Local area information

Business hours

Customs Allowance
Tobacco: 400 cigarettes
Liquor: two 75cl bottles of alcoholic beverages
Customs rules require an accounting of all valuables including watches, jewellery, cameras and currency that you are taking in. A copy of this is surrendered on departure and anything missing may well be treated as imported and duty required accordingly. Therefore make sure you obtain a police report for any goods stolen during your stay.
Recorded videotapes must be declared and may be viewed by the Authorities on arrival.

Airport Information

Public Holidays
Except New Year's Day and Labour Day, there is no official holiday for typical western holidays such as Christmas and Easter in China.

Transportation

Public transportation in Shanghai comprises taxis and buses. Confirm the fare to your destination with the driver before you get in the taxi.

Taxis are readily available and vary in price depending which type and size of taxi you take. The price upon entering is from RMB10.

 
Weather

Electricity

220 volts, 50 cycles
Plugs are normally 3/2 pin flat, suggest you bring an adapter just in case.

Emergency number

Measures
The system is metric although traditional measurements are still used and may vary to the western metric system.

Mobile Phone Network
GSM

Money & Credit Cards
Tourists can exchange their money in China for renminbi (RMB). Visitors would be wise to take travelers' checks as they command a slightly higher exchange rate than cash. The Bank of China operates exchange desks at all Hotels, Airports and Friendship Stores.

At present, most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Million Card, Master Card, Diners Club, Federal Card, Pacific Card and JCB Card can be used in hotels, but please be aware that some shops may not accept credit cards.

Visas & Permits
To obtain any type of visa, you will first need:
Actual passport of more than six months validity with a blank visa page.
One complete application form (The People's Republic of China Visa Application Form) with one recent passport size photograph (black and white or colour).

Tourist Visa (L Visa)
Three month visa that can be extended, in the past the Chinese authorities required proof of departure (return airline ticket etc), but this happens rarely now - and not if your port of entry is Shanghai.

Business Visa (F Visa)
A six month visa. This is very easy to get in Hong Kong, and you don't have to provide any different information than that needed for a tourist visa, but you do need to have been issued a China visa in the past (of any flavor). Please note through, if you go to CITS they will ask for a letter of invitation from a company, so it's best to go to a private travel agent. Most can get you a visa without the hassle of getting an invitation from a company, just keep asking round. The official explanation for the use of this visa is: "Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months."

Working and Living in China

To work and live in China the expatriate worker must obtain a health permit, a residence permit and work or business visa. Each family member planning to live in China must also obtain a residence permit and visa. This process usually takes from two to four weeks. By the end of all this, you should have a residency permit (a little green booklet), your work visa (an F or Z in your passport) and possibly your foreign expert's certificate (a maroon passport sized booklet).

Health Certificates

The Public Security Bureau requires health certificates for foreign nationals seeking residency in China. To obtain one, you need to have a complete physical examination which shows you are in good health and free of any communicable diseases (including an HIV test, Hepatitis B and Syphilis test and sometimes a chest x-ray and ECG). In Shanghai, the exam can be performed at the Shanghai Health & Quarantine Verification Office. You need to take 2 passport photos, company business license, and 500RMB. For physicals performed abroad, you must go to Shanghai Health & Quarantine Verification Office with the following:

•  Doctor's letter stating you are healthy.
• Original copies of all blood tests, X-rays, EKG/ECG readouts, and other required test. Each individual test result should be clearly identified as belonging to you.
• Health Certificate application (available at Health & Quarantine Verification Office when you get there).
• Company business license
• Passport and 2 photos

Residence Permit: After receiving your health certificate, it should be submitted along with your passport to the local health office for approval, after which the health office will enter the form for submission to the local Public Security Bureau.

The local Public Security Bureau then issues the residency permit.

Consulates