China

ATM access 

5/5 stars – They’re pretty much one every corner – though there are withdrawal limits for some. Thankfully, most ATMs will have an English option too. 

Tipping 

Definitely not common, sometimes even considered rude 

Phone and Internet access 

Pretty good, but many sites such as Facebook and Google are blocked 

Daily cost 

Get ready for one of the cheapest trips you’ll ever take! 

Coffee:  NZ$4.40 (regular cappuccino)
Water:  NZ$0.45 (330mL bottle)
Beer:  NZ$1.35 (domestic beer)
Food:  NZ$11 (hot pot)
Taxi:  NZ$10 (airport – downtown Beijing)
Big Mac:  NZ$4.45 (the classic)

Daily budget 

Budget:  Around NZ$90/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks, and admission to The Great Wall)
Moderate:  Around NZ$165/day (3x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks, a train ticket and Forbidden City tour)
Luxury:  Around NZ$220/day (3x restaurant meals,   supermarket snacks and a Beijing highlights tour)

Safety rating 

3.5/5 stars - It’s a very safe place, you’ll need just the regular dose of common sense. Your biggest safety concerns are the hectic roads, so eyes off your phone when crossing the street! 

Travel Money Trivia 

Two-name confusion 

Renminbi and yuan are used interchangeably, but renminbi is the official name. 

Inflation elation 

In the past 40 years, the yuan has inflated up over a whopping 1000x. 

Paper makers 

China not only invented paper, but also came up with paper money. 

Crafty creators 

China was also the first country to use metal for making coins. 

Weight in silver 

Yuan was originally called ‘kuai’ (meaning lump) – as it was literally a lump of silver. 

Let's talk money 

China is one huge place – teeming with attractions, people, food and history. To get the most out of your holiday, set yourself a currency alert on the Yuan, get yourself a Currency Pass and lock in your cash at the best rate. 

• You’ll mainly use cash to pay 
• Haggling is acceptable at markets 
• Watch out for knock-offs 
• Buy a VPN to access blocked sites 
• Hide your money to avoid pickpockets 
• You only need to tip your tour guides 
• Pick up a good guidebook with street maps to help you navigate before you go 

Must do 

Great Wall of China 

You can choose which segment you’d like to walk based on your fitness level and what sights interest you the most. 

The Forbidden City 

The largest palace complex in the world is worth ticking off your itinerary. 

Terracotta Army 

See the hundreds of carefully crafted life-size models made to serve as a guard for the First Emperor Qin in the afterlife. 

Chengdu Panda Base 

Check out the mesmerising Giant Panda up close in this non-profit research and breeding centre. 

Yúngāng Caves 

A cluster of Chinese Buddhist cave temples with incredible carvings, statues and artwork is something not to be missed

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Travel Money NZ has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money NZ accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.