For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton has provided the following information to help you plan for and enjoy your stay with us.
Maglev Train
The Maglev train operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The fare is RMB50 each way to and from Pudong International Airport and Long Yang Subway Station.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to flag down, except during rush hours and wet weather. Only a few take credit cards. The starting fare is RMB11.
Buses
Public buses are rarely used by visitors unless they are conversant in Mandarin. The buses can get very crowded during rush hours (6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.). The bus fare is RMB2 for non-airconditioned buses and RMB3 for air-conditioned buses.
Trains
The railway service in China is very extensive. All Chinese express trains are categorized into four different classes - soft sleeper, soft seat, hard sleeper and hard seat. Shanghai Railway Station is 15 minutes from the hotel, while Shanghai South Station is 40 minutes from the hotel.
Subway
Clean, modern and dependable, the Shanghai subway is a convenient way of getting around the city. Tickets can be bought from the ticketing booth or machines, with fares ranging between RMB3 and RMB8.
Currency/Banking
Transactions are done in RMB and 1USD is equivalent to RMB7.1 at the current exchange rate.
The Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan.
A currency exchange service is available at the hotel's front desk. You may also change your money or cash traveler's checks at banks and bring along your passport to facilitate exchanges.
Banking hours for local banks are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, with half days on Saturdays. Foreign banks have slightly different hours. ATMs are also located in the hotel vicinity for convenience.
The starting fare for a taxi in Shanghai is RMB11 (US$1.40). The fare to Hong Qiao Airport is RMB50, to Pudong International Airport is RMB150, and to Maglev Train station on Long Yang Road is RMB60.
Clothing
For visitors on business, business wear is the norm. On other occasions, casual or smart casual attire would see one through the day and night. The summer can be hot and humid, hence, light clothing is adequate. Winters can be extremely cold and windy, hence it is advisable to bring a winter coat or down jacket.
Visas
Inquiries for visa application should be made at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country prior to arrival. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days, but can be extended for 30 days. For business visa extensions, you will need to bring your passport and registration or temporary residence from your hotel, plus a letter from the business that invited you, to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Division for Aliens at 333 Wusong Lu (Tel: 6357 6666) on weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
Health Requirements
It is advisable to get immunization against influenza, cholera, diptheria and tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Japanese B Encephalitis, polio, rabies and typhoid.
Language
The national language of China is Mandarin. However, English is widely spoken in Shanghai, especially in the city center.
Electricity
220 - 240 AC/DC voltage.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected though welcome. You can tip in American Dollars as this is preferred over the RMB. Most restaurants and hotels include a service charge as part of the bill, but you can still leave small change for the wait staff if you like.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day (January 1)
Chinese New Year (February 6 - 8)
Tomb-Sweeping Day (April 4)
Labor Day (May 1)
Dragon Boat Festival (June 8)
Mid-Autumn Festival (September 14)
National Day (October 1 - 3)