Currency exchange services are generally available at airports, hotels, local banks and ATMs. Most international debit and credit cards can be used to withdraw cash from Chinese ATMs. The local currency is the Chinese RMB. 1 US Dollar = approximately 6.13 RMB ATM machines are available at most banks and shopping centers throughout Harbin city. Union Pay, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted at banks, restaurants, and shops. Most traveler’s checks can be cashed at banks.
Health insurance is strongly recommended for travelling or living in China, although it is not legally required. If you are visiting AIR, you can purchase suitable travel insurance from your normal insurance provider, bank or travel agent. If you are employed at AIR, you will be provided with basic health insurance as part of your social insurance package.
Beijing is situated in the north of China, and has a continental climate. Winters are cold and extremely dry, with a monthly daily average temperature in January of ？3.7 °C (25.3 °F). Summer is hot and more humid, with frequent thunderstorms. The monthly daily average temperature in July is 26.2 °C (79.2 °F). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times of year, but are very short. For more current information and weather forecasts, please visit: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/
There are two international airports in Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). PEK Located in Shunyi District, about 20 km north-east of the city centre, It has three terminals (T1, T2 and T3).
The simplest way to pay for utilities is online. Both WeChat and Alipay have English interfaces and allow users to top up their water, gas, electricity, and mobile phones. The first step is to open a domestic bank account and enable online banking in person. To pay electricity, link your utilities account to the payment platform, then specify the amount of money you want to recharge. To complete the transaction, enter your six-digit Alipay or WeChat Wallet payment PIN.
Mains electricity in China is 220 V. If you are travelling from a country that uses 110 V mains supply (e.g. Japan, North America), you may need a converter for electrical devices (e.g. hairdryer, electric shaver). There are two types of wall socket in China (see photo). Some wall points only have one of the two socket types. The two-pin socket at top can take plugs with two flat pins (Type A, as long as the two pins are the same size), or two round pins (Type C/E/F). German standard plugs should fit these. The three-pin socket at bottom takes Type I pins (same as Australia and New Zealand). You may also find extension packs with universal sockets, which can take UK and other types of plug. If in doubt, bring a universal adapter plug with you. These can also be bought in China.
？？An invitation from Chinese Academy of Sciences must be presented as supporting material in the application for an entry visa to China. Diplomatic, service, or official passports must be brought during the trip and official invitation is highly recommended to？be presented when？passing through the immigration at？the borders.
Visiting AIR