About Xiamen 

Xiamen, a city of Fujian Province, is located at 118°04’04’’E and 24°26’46’’N. A scenic port city on the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is one of the nation’s five special economic zones. The city encompasses 1,699 square kilometers, including 158-square-kilometer Xiamen Island and Gulangyu Islet. By the end of 2024, the city was home to 5.327 million permanent residents. Reputed to be a “garden on the sea”, Xiamen is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, which ranges from verdant mountains and tranquil lakes to boundless seas and sandy beaches. The city is also nicknamed the “Island of Egrets” as Xiamen Island was said to be a habitat of egrets in ancient times. 

Climate 

With a subtropical climate, Xiamen has an annual average temperature of about 21°C. The city is generally mild and rainy, neither sweltering in summer nor freezing in winter. Each year, typhoons bring ample rainfall. 

Time 

Xiamen adopts the Beijing Standard Time, which is 8 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is not adopted in China. 

Currency and ATM Service 

The official currency of China is RMB. Retailers in China generally do not accept other currencies; therefore, it is advisable for visitors to change their foreign currencies into RMB in advance in order to make cash payments. No restrictions are imposed on the amount of foreign currencies, checks or credit cards brought into China. However, non-residents carrying more than USD 5,000 (or its equivalent in another foreign currency) or RMB 20,000 in cash should declare to the Customs. 

Credit Cards 

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and other major international credit cards are accepted at most establishments or can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the city, although some small shops and restaurants may only accept cash payments. 

Electricity and Water Supply

The power supply in China is 220-240 volt, 50 hertz. Two/three-pronged plugs are used. Please check before using an appliance. Tap water is not drinkable. The delegates are advised to consume bottled water which can be purchased at the hotel or any nearby convenient stores. 

Postal Service 

Post offices are generally open from 9:00 to 17:00. 

Tipping 

Tipping in China is not customary for restaurant waiters or taxi drivers.

Useful Telephone Numbers 

Police: 110

Fire: 119

Medical Emergencies: 120

Transportation: 122

Mobile Phone Information 

Local phone services are reliable. Both GSM and CDMA cellphone systems are in operation. Most cellphones can be set in different roaming modes for different networks. Almost all GSM cellphones used in China support the GSM-900 and GSM-1800 protocols. Long-distance calls from Xiamen can be placed directly by International Direct Dialing (IDD) or with the operator’s assistance. Telex and facsimile services are readily available at all major hotels. 

Smoking 

In Xiamen, smoking is banned in all indoor public space and is also prohibited in open-air space in kindergartens, schools, child welfare institutions, women and children’s hospitals, fitness and sports venues, and cultural relic sites that are open to the public, though designated areas are usually provided for smokers.