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China’s currency is called yuan, also written as renminbi and referred to in spoken language as kuai. One yuan divides into 10 jiao. The most common coins include 1 yuan, and 5 and 1 jiao. Bills in circulation are 1, 2, and 5 jiao, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan.

You can exchange currency at major banks and international airports. Most decent hotels will change money, but for guests only. Exchange rates are decided centrally. Convert any left-over renminbi back before you leave, although usually only exchange counters at airports and ports will do this. You must present recent exchange or ATM receipts for double the amount you want to re-exchange.

The Automated Tellers (ATMs) that accept foreign cards are principally those belonging to the Bank of China. Occasionally (at Beijing Capital Airport for instance) other Chinese bank ATMs work too, but the presence of familiar logos on the screen does not guarantee that foreign cards will work. There are many usable ATMs in banks, shopping malls, and hotels around the city center.

Credit cards are widely accepted in upscale restaurants and top-end hotels, and in large tourist shops, but always check before attempting to make a purchase that your foreign card is accepted. The commonly accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and American Express.

Some hotel foreign exchange counters will no longer exchange checks, and will send you to the Bank of China. All popular foreign brands are accepted, but occasionally cashiers nervous of responsibility will reject those that look unfamiliar. Keep the proof of purchase slips and a record of the serial numbers in case of loss or theft.

It takes as little as four days to send airmail and postcards overseas. Visitors can send mail by standard or registered post, while EMS (Express Mail Service) is a reliable way to send packages and documents abroad and within the country. Most post offices are open seven days a week.

International and long-distance phone calls can be made from most hotels and card telephones. It is usually necessary to ask receptionists or operators to place the calls. In cheaper hotels you may be asked to first pay a deposit. Most public phones require an IC (integrated circuit) card, sold in shops and kiosks wherever the letters “IC” are seen.

To call China from abroad, dial your international access code, China’s country code 86, then 10 for Beijing, followed by the local number.

Visitors with mobile phones from almost anywhere except North America and Japan can use the Chinese system (Americans can only use the Chinese system if they have an unlocked tri- or quad-band phone). Just buy a local pre-paid SIM card from any phone shop. If you do not have a phone compatible with the Chinese system, the cheapest option is to buy one, not rent.

Personal computer ownership is limited in China, so internet cafés (wangba) are common. You can also get online at many China Telecom offices. Many foreign media sites are blocked by the government.