Frequently Asked Questions

China is not immune from the virus, but the rates of infection are quite low, and stable. Following the opening up of the country late last year, a wave of infections swept through the country, but since then the situation has been quite stable.

We recommend the normal personal protections. Wear a mask on the plane, and in any situation where large groups of people are in close quarters. Keep a tube of hand sanitizer handy, and be alert.

China’s visa application process is comprehensive. The visa application form used to be 4 pages, now it is 10 pages. But I applied for a visa recently, and the process was pretty good. I got a dual entry business visa after a 10-minute interview, and it cost a little over US$100. The express process takes 3 business days (where I applied – it may be different where you are,) Make sure you can show a flight and accommodation for every night you will be in China.

By far the best way of expediting the visa application is with a letter of invitation. AZ Global can arrange a letter for you. Just let us know and we will send you a letter.

The Great Firewall of China means that while you are on the ground, you won’t be able to access Facebook or Twitter, and many Google functions will be disabled. The simple way to get around these blocks is to install a VPN on your phone or notebook or tablet before you leave home. Most VPN providers allow you to install on multiple devices.  VPNs are illegal for Chinese citizens, but foreigners won’t have a problem.  As for hacking or theft, the risk is no different wherever you are in the world.  Take the usual precautions.

Shanghai is a world city, with an amazing food scene, great shopping, and lots of sightseeing opportunities.  It is a city of 25 million people, and yes, some of them are scammers. Stay away from students who want to show you their art, or tea shop proprietors who love to meet foreigners. Don’t go down dark alleys at night with some person you have just met.  But these are the same warnings as any other big city in the world. If it’s your first time in China or Shanghai, the golden rule is, stick with a crowd.  There will be plenty of us at the conference who do know their way around the city.

Of course!  It’s up to the two of you to plan their time in the city while you are at the conference, but we have a travel and touring agency available to help you plan the time in town. 

If your kids haven’t seen Shanghai yet, it’s an amazing city with plenty for the whole family to get involved in.

Late October is going to be cool but pleasant in Shanghai. It is the middle of Autumn/Fall season and the trees will be turning all sorts of hues and colours in Shanghai’s many parks.  It doesn’t get too cold in the evenings yet, and can still get the occasional warm day.  Expect temperatures ranging between 14c -22c (57f – 72f).  Pack a coat for the evening if you are going out.

Chinese business people often dress in an open-neck shirt. Ties are not often seen. You can dress up in business attire or wear more comfortable clothes if you choose.  Bring something to keep warm if you are going out at night, as the evening temperature will be in the mid teens Centigrade, or 60s Fahrenheit.