Tips for getting around in Beijing
1. Local assistance
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We will provide a few mobile phone numbers
of local organizers along with the ISSAC 2005 registration materials,
in case that you are lost or need assistance.
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2. Safety
In general, Beijing is a quite safe city. But we would like to remind you:
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Watch out both automobiles and bikes when you cross streets.
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3. Weather
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It is hot and humid during the summer of Beijing. The highest temperature in the second half
of July
can be over 35(centigrade) or 95 (Fahrenheit). Occasional rains are possible. |
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4. Rush hours
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Traffic moves slowly during rush hours (7:00 -- 8:30 and 17:00 -- 19:00) in Beijing. |
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5. Transportation
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A.
By taxi |
It is quite convenient to take taxi in Beijing. Although most of taxi drivers only speak Mandarin,
they
are willing to provide
their service if you pinpoint where you would like to go on a map of
Beijing.
(There is an English-Chinese map of Beijing in every ISSAC 2005 registration bag.)
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Tips for taking taxi |
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Besides obvious signs of taxis,
the second letter of the plates of
all authorized taxis is "B"
(the first
letter is a Chinese
character meaning Capital).
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The cost for a taxi ride is calculated by a meter. The receipt is printed out by the meter.
You are advised to keep the
receipt, which could be helpful to find
the driver when necessary.
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Here are a few notes in both English and Chinese for communication with taxi drivers.
You may print out some of them if necessary.
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B.
By subway |
Unfortunately there is no subway line passing the ISSAC 2005 conference site. However, you
may
reach subway
Lines 1 and 2
by either taxi or buses stopping by the hotel. Line 1 has two
stops on
Tiananmen Square, which is very close to the front gate
of the Forbidden City. Line 2
has a stop
near Lama Temple. |
C.
By bus |
There are many buses stopping by the Friendship hotel. Please consult with the hotel reception desk if you want to take a bus.
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6. Cash
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Big shopping malls may accept international credit cards. Except stores specialized for
international
guests, most of grocery
stores only accept Chinese currency, called "Ren Min
Bi (RMB)". It is more
convenient to use cash
(small pieces such as 10 Yuan, 20 Yuan, ...).
You can exchange Chinese
currency at the airports, the Bank of China
(there is one within
the grand building
of Friendship
Hotel, and automatic banking machines
with signs of
international credit cards. Exchange rates are listed at
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/home/biznews.html
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7. Electricity and adapters
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Electricity in Beijing is of 220v. You might need adapters to use laptops
and
other electronic appliances.
Friendship Hotel provides adapters to its guests.
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8.
Food
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Menus in many restaurants contain graphic descriptions of their dishes. Some restaurants have
English menus.
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9.
Water
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Although it is heard that tap water in Beijing is drinkable, most of residents still drink bottled
water
or boiled water. |
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10.
Tips for service
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Waiters, waitress and taxi drivers usually do not expect tips.
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11.
International hospitals in Beijing
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