Below you'll find insider tips on getting the best from Beijing, from hints on finding a home to reviews of the hottest restaurants in town.
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Money
The use of plastic may be becoming more popular among Beijing’s 18 to 24 year olds, but the primary method of payment among most residents is still cash. In banks, shops and restaurants... read more
Local Currency
Taking its name from the People’s Bank of China (Zhongguo Renmin Yinhang), Chinese currency is known as Renminbi or ‘people’s money’. The basic unit of Renminbi is the yuan (or kuai in... read more
Banks
Beijing is stuffed full of banks, all battling for the custom of a growing middle class with rising incomes. Major domestic banks such as Bank of China (www.boc.cn), China Merchants Bank... read more
ATMs
There are more than 3,000 ATMs in banks throughout Beijing, as well as in many supermarkets, hotels and shopping malls. Here you can use your domestic debit card to withdraw a maximum of... read more
Money Exchanges
As long as you have your passport, you can exchange money in most hotels and in major branches of large domestic banks, several of which have exchange counters at the airport. The... read more
Credit Cards
Almost all of Beijing’s three, four and five-star hotels accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diner’s Club. Visa and MasterCard are now accepted at some high-end restaurants... read more
Tipping
Tipping is rare in Beijing. Until recently it was discouraged by the government and banned by restaurant owners. However, waitresses and taxi drivers are becoming more accustomed to... read more
