Useful information
Area: 16,800 sq km
Population: 17.55million (2009)
Main language: Mandarin (putong-hua)
Time zone: GMT/UTC plus 8 hours, 6 hours earlier than Israel
Telephone area code: 010
Postal Code: 100000-102629

Useful Phone Numbers (In Beijing area)
Police: 110
Fire Department: 119
Ambulance: 120
Tourist Hotline: 6513-0828
Local directory assistance: 114 (Chinese); 2689-0114 (English)
International directory assistance: 100

Currency
The RMB (RenMinBi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan, also known as "Kuai", divided into 10 "Jiao", which is again divided into 10 "Fen". Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. For up-to-date RMB currency rates, click here.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards common in Israel, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club- are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and shops in Beijing.

Working Time
Standard working hours in Beijing are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some offices will take a 1 hour lunch break around 12:00 pm.

Business Days and Hours
the official business week in China starts on Monday and ends Friday. Some shops will be open over the weekend as well, opening at 9 am and closing between 7-9pm.
Bank branches opening hours are from 9am to 4pm or 5pm. Most Chinese Banks have some branches open during the weekend (Saturdays and Sundays).

Holidays - 2012

Government
Beijing’s municipal government is operated by the local Chinese Communist Party officials, headed by the Beijing CPC Secretary. Local government figures also include a mayor, Vice-mayor, and numerous bureaus focusing on specific affairs as law, public security and others.
Being the Chinese capital, Beijing hosts all major national government and political institutions.

Climate
Unlike Israel, Beijing’s climate is diverse and divided into 4 clear-cut seasons. Spring is Dry and windy, with an average temperature of 19°C. Summer is hot and humid, rainy at times, with an average temperature of 30°C. Autumn is usually warm and dry, offering the best weather for traveling, with an average temperature of 18°C. Winter is dry and cold, heavily influenced by the Siberian winds. The average temperature during the winter is around 1°C. For up-to-date Beijing Weather report, Click here.

Electricity
The voltage in China is 220 volts, 50 Cycles. Common electric plug types are different from the ones in Israel, so using an adapter is needed for non-local electronic goods. Most High grade hotels have built-in adapters in bathrooms for electric shavers, hair dryers etc.

Religion
China, although officially atheist, has always adopted new religions. China is filled with popular beliefs, various gods and traditional practices. Buddhism, Daoism (Taoism) and Islam are practiced by about 2%-3% of the population. Christianity is practiced by about 1%. 

Health and Medicine
The standards of medical care and the range of familiar medications available in China are often limited, particularly outside of major cities. Medical personnel in rural areas of the country may lack adequate training. Some hospitals in major cities have specialized departments for treating foreigners. Hospitals and doctors often require cash payment, prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. Medical evacuation from China is very expensive.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides country specific information for travelers and residents.

If you encounter a medical emergency while in Beijing, you can contact:

United Family Hospitals
#2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: +86 10 5927-7000
For Emergencies +86(10) 5927-7120

Dental treatment:
King’s Dental
Shop 118,G/F Beijing Towercrest Plaza No 3, Maizidian West Street Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: +86 10 8458 0388

While traveling or living abroad, a comprehensive medical insurance is advised. David Shield, a privately held company that acts as the overseas medical insurance division of several insurers worldwide, has teamed with IsCham Beijing and offers a discounted rate for IsCham members for insurance products. (Contact details here)