Communicating Language

There are hundreds of different dialects in China, and many of them are like totally different languages, though they are all lumped together into the category "Chinese" The official language of China is Mandarin Chinese which is actually a northern dialect, and this is what the people of Beijing speak. Most hotel staff can speak English, so this is not a big problem. On the street it may be difficult to communicate. If you are going to take a taxi, get someone to write down the address of your destination in Chinese. Street signs have a map, it is easier to figure out where you are. The official language spoken in China is based on Beijing dialect and is called Putonghua or Mandarin. Many people in Beijing are learning spoken English in order to welcome foreign visitors and the Olympics in 2008.

 

Telephone Code

The country code for China is 86 and the city code for Beijing is 010. To call a Beijing number from other cities within China, you need to dial the city code 010 first, and then the number. When calling from abroad, the first zero is not needed. For example to call Beijing from the United States, first you need the international access code and then 86 (the country code for China) and then dial 10 (the city code for Beijing without the initial zero) and last dial the 8-digit number. When making local calls in Beijing, you just dial the 8-digit number, no city code.

 

Note: when dialing a 3-digit emergency number no city code is required no matter where you are within China.

 

Usually you can make domestic or international phone calls in your own room at hotels and the money cost will be put on your bill. When you are out, phone calls can be made in post offices and public telephone booths. To make an international direct dial call from Beijing, dial the international access code "00" plus the country code of the country you are calling, then the area code (if the initial code of the city or area is zero it should be dropped off)and the number.

 

For detailed info of most big cities and provinces please read Area Code & Zip code of China Cities.

 

Public Hotline

In Beijing the commonly used public hotline numbers are listed below:

 

110 Police

114 Local Telephone Number Inquiry

116 Domestic Long Distance Inquiry

117 Time Inquiry

119 Fire Company

120 Ambulance

121 Weather Forecast

122 Traffic Police

184 Post Code Inquiry

185 Emergency Mail

 

Embassy

If you have any serious trouble, contract embassy as soon as possible.

 

Internet

In recent years, internet has developed quickly in Beijing and other cities of China. Online access, e-mail services and PC rentals are being provided at most large hotels, and charges for them will be put on your hotel bill. Internet cafes are available around the city at many locations and are quite inexpensive by foreign standards. 

 

Mail & Zip Code

For information about mail or postal service in China please read Post and Telecom.

 

Fax

Fax is an efficient way to communicate all over the world and most Beijing hotels provide fax services.