VISA application and invitation letter

The participants can visit China in two ways: short time traveling visa and scholar visa depending on the countries. Since it takes about 1 month to obtain a complete visa letter from the local municipal government, we strongly urge you to give us the complete visa application information of you and accompanying persons before June 15, 2007 either via the website or email if you need a visa letter. The information includes: your name on passport, issue place and date of the passport, date and place of birth, title, the intended date of entry and stay period, the nearest Chinese consulate to your resident, your CV, and how will your travel expense be covered.

Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation to attend the Conference should write to the Conference Secretariat. This procedure is designed to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference and does not cover registration fees or other expenses. The invitation does not imply provision of financial or other support.

Insurance

No responsibility can be assured for any kind of personal accidents, sickness, theft, or property damage suffered by conference participants. Participants are advised to arrange whatever insurance they consider it necessary.

Currency and credit cards

The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan (RMB). The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 7.525 RMB as of September 10, 2007. Major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at some hotels, department stores and restaurants.

Tipping

Tipping is not a part of Chinese custom. A 10 to 15% service charge may be added to your bill at some tourist hotels thus no tipping is expected unless you are provided with extra service. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he/she assists with luggage or provides extra service.

Electricity

The standard domestic power supply in China is 220 V AC at 50 Hz. The standard sockets are two parallel lines and three lines as shown on the right photo.

Time

China is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime.

Business hours

Typical business hours in government and private offices are from 8:30 to 17:30, and they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Most shops and banks are open from 9:00 to 19:00 or later, and open seven days a week.

Weather

Xiamen is a subtropical coastal city. The temperature in September is between 20 to 30 C. The averaged precipitation in September is about 110 mm with 11 days of precipitation, but the chance to get precipitation to the end of the month becomes smaller. You are recommended to have summer dress and bring umbrella with you.

Transportation

With 62 international and domestic air routes opened, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is the fourth largest air traffic hub in China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Daily direct domestic flights are available from major cities, e.g., daily 10 flight from Beijing, 18 flights from Shanghai, and 5 flights from Hongkong. In addition, you can also go by direct flight to international destinations such as Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.

Going from one place to another within the city is fairly easy with over 50 public transport routes with a fare of RMB 1~2. Taxis can be hailed with ease in the downtown area and at major scenic spots on the outskirts.