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General Information:
Mandarin is the official language.
The staff in major hotels usually speak English too. There is no Value Added Tax or VAT in Sanya.
However there is local tax on hotel rooms which varies between 2 to 11% per night, depending on the hotel’s rating.
This might not be included in your quoted room rates, so make sure you check before booking.
Weather:
Sanya has a tropical climate, with day-time temperatures ranging from a low of 21°C in January to 28°C in July 83°F
Peak summer temperatures could reach 32°C or 90°F
Night-time temperatures are always comfortable, due to the trade winds coming in from the ocean. For year round average temperatures, please visit our Weather Page.
What to Wear and Pack for your Trip:
With its sunny and warm climate and relaxing carefree lifestyle, casual wear such as shorts and t-shirts is recommended during daytime and, of course, don't forget your beach wear. For the evening, smart casual wear is recommended.
It is advisable, particularly in the summer months, to bring a proper sun screen to protect yourself and children from prolonged exposure to the sun.
It is also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses while in the sun.
Government Formalities:
Visas can be obtained for a 15-day stay, with extension possible, for international visitors arriving at Haikouor Sanya from countries that have diplomatic relations with China
To be on the safe side, check with your local embassy or consulate for visa requirements from your own country, since the regulations vary considerably.
Upon arrival, you may be required to fill out a customs declaration form and retain it until departure.
It is advisable to fill out these forms for expensive items, such as computers and video cameras, so that you are not charged import duties. Please bear in mind that firearms and drugs are prohibited.
Credit Cards and Currency:
Most credit cards are accepted at major establishments such as hotels.
However local restaurants and shops will usually only accept cash.
Foreign visitors should bring travellers’ cheques to exchange at local banks or hotels (passport required).
The Bank of China charges a 0.75% commission for this service.
There are also a number of ATMs in major hotels and around the city (not all of them, unfortunately) that accept international cash cards.
The local currency is the RMB or Yuan.
Check with your local banks for up to date exchange rates prior to your departure.
Telecommunications:
IDD calls are available in most hotels and phone cards are also widely available.
The country code for China is 86 and the area code for Sanya is 898.
Mobile phone services offered by China Telecom and China Unicom are available from local branches, where you can buy phone SIM cards with your own number by leaving a small deposit. Internet and email services are available in most hotels, but check prior to booking, otherwise you can go to an internet café.
Wireless Internet access is also available in a number of bars.
Local emergency phone numbers are 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and 119 for the fire department.
For directory assistance (in Chinese), call 114.
Hospitals:
There are many well-equipped hospitals, such as Nangken Hospital, People's Hospital, Traditional Medicine Hospital, the Ophthalmology Hospital and the Stomatology Hospital, are available all over Sanya.
Try to avoid the small local clinics. For assistance, contact your hotel reception or dial 120 for ambulance services. Dial 110 for police if you encounter emergencies on the road.
Post Office:
The postal code for the Sanya area is 572000.
Reliable mail services are available to all corners of the world, including general and express mail and special deliveries.
The central post office also offers stamp collecting services. |
