Travel Info
Travel Info
Weather
Haikou, the provincial capital, has a tropical marine climate with an average annual temperature of 20℃ (68F). The spring is warm and dry, while the summer is hot with heavy rainfall at times. During autumn, typhoons and rainstorms can be expected. The winter months are not cold, but there can be some cooler spells of weather.
The best time to visit Haikou is from November to April, to avoid the rain from May to October and the typhoons from June to September.
The highest temperature of 96.8℉ has been recorded in April, May, June and July, with the lowest – of 50℉ - in January.
The high season falls November to April, while the off-peak season is May to October.
2. What should I bring for my travels?
You need your passport and visa of course, but you should also equip yourself with sunglasses and comfortable clothing and shoes. With a tropical climate, you should also remember to take sunscreen with you when you’re out and about, along with bottled water. And don’t forget your phone and camera!
3. Electricity
In Haikou, the power voltage is 220V/50HZ. Make sure you bring an adapter so you can plug into the power.
Water
Tap water is not for drinking, but it is safe for washing, showering and brushing your teeth. Boiled tap water is drinkable and most hotels are equipped with a kettle.
Bottled water is easy to find in convenient stores for CNY 2 or 3. However the price might be higher in touristic areas. So, it is recommended to take some with you when you visit scenic areas.
Money
RMB is the currency abbreviation for the Chinese Ren Min Bi, China's official currency. The Chinese RMB comes in banknotes with denominations that include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Yuan as well as 1, 2, 5 Jiao (which equals to 0.1, 0.2 or 0.5 of 1 Yuan). Coins come in 1 Yuan and 1, 5 Jiao. The banknotes of both 2 Yuan and 2 Jiao are not widely circulated.
You can exchange any currency into Chinese RMB once you arrive in the country. All major airports and five-star Hotels have exchange points in their respective arrivals halls.
Banks usually offer the best exchange rates to travelers. Banking hours can vary, but most have business hours from 09:00 to 16:00.
ATMs
ATMs that accept international cards are marked with the logo of the international banks they accept cards from. Most ATMs offer English services and operate 24 hours a day, all year around. The exchange rate is similar to that for credit cards, but there is a daily withdrawal amount limit.
Tipping
While you might be used to tipping at home or when you travel to other countries, it is not required or expected in China.
However, under certain circumstances, tipping might be appropriate. If you have a private guide, or interpreter, someone who is used to Western practices, then they may accept a tip from you (although it is certainly not expected).
Credit Cards
China is basically a cashless society, but it is still accepted in most circumstances. Mobile payment with Wechat or Alipay is quite common. However, non-Unionpay credit cards might have limited acceptance especially in smaller stores. So be prepared, having some cash on hand.
Getting Around
In Haikou, there are many options for getting around, such as taxis, buses, minibuses. There are also cars and bikes for rent.
Accommodation
There is a huge range of hotels on offer in Haikou, including some famous five-star brands such as Marriott, Hilton and Sheraton.
VPN for China
VPN can be useful to access the internet, helping you to access your accounts on Google, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms. You may not be able to download a VPN in China, so you should arrange one before entering the country.
WiFi
WiFi is usually always available in hotels, in the reception area as well as in all rooms.
Toilet Facilities
There are two types of toilet in China, the western style and the squat toilet.
Nowadays most hotels and guesthouses are equipped with the western style ones and major airports and railway stations provide both types of them.
You will find squat toilets in most restaurants, scenic areas and other public facilities. And you need to provide your own toilet paper in most restaurants, scenic areas and other public toilets.
Time Zone
Haikou observes China Standard Time (CST), which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Food
There is a diverse range of cuisine available in Haikou, including plenty of local dishes. You should definitely try some of the delicacies. But you will also find many Western restaurants too, including McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and KFC.
Traffic & Driving
Depending where you’re travelling from, you may need to switch to the other side of the road for driving.
In China (except Hong Kong), vehicles drive on the right-hand side, but looking both ways when crossing a road is always recommended.
Safety
Haikou is a safe destination and people are very friendly to overseas visitors. Nevertheless, you can never be too careful when traveling in a brand-new environment. Take good care of your passport and other possessions.
Police Emergency Number:110
Ambulance Service Number:120
Fire Emergency Number:119
Language
English is not widely spoken in Haikou. Most local people can speak Mandarin, and staff at five-star hotels can speak English. If you go off the beaten track, to absorb local life, you will have to use body language and just go with it!