Population: Approximately 41 Million 
Language: Mandarin. A local dialect is also spoken, not understood by outsiders. Outside large hotels, very little English is spoken. 
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity.

Climate: Varies widely according to latitude and elevation, from subtropical in the south, to high tundra in northern areas.  
Local Time: GMT +8 
Currency: Chinese Renminbi (RMB) is the medium of exchange. The basic unit of RMB is yuan, in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The yuan is divided into 10 jiao, which is further divided into 10 fen.  
Credit Cards: Accepted in large hotels, but generally not in wide use.  
Business Hours
Government Offices: 8:00-12:00, 14:30-18:30;
Businesses: 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00;
Banks: 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00.
Post Offices: 08:00-19:00 hrs
Travellers cheques: Travellers cheques and currencies may be exchanged into Yuan in major banks and hotels. 
Tipping: Small tips are expected, in addition to hotel and restaurant service charges. 
Nightlife: There is no recognised nightlife suitable for tourists at present.
Electricity supply: 220V, 50 Hz 
Photography: Film is available but may have been poorly stored. You are advised to bring an adequate supply, including spare camera batteries. 
Tourist Information:
Yunnan Airlines - Bangkok: (66-2) 2163067-8; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Air China -Kunming: (86-761) 2730022; Bangkok: (66-2) 6310731-4; Hanoi: (84-4) 8269233

Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration -Tel: (86-871) 3543560, 3545832; Fax: (86-871) 3517048