When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Canberra uses the AUD ($) and Shanghai uses the CNY (¥). Language shifts too — English in Canberra, Chinese in Shanghai. Be careful behind the wheel: Canberra drives on the left, Shanghai on the right.
- Country
- Australia
- Capital
- Canberra
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD · $)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- China
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY · ¥)
- Language
- Chinese
- Calling code
- +86
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Canberra and Shanghai?
Canberra is 2 hours behind Shanghai. Canberra runs on GMT+10 and Shanghai on GMT+8. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 6 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Canberra from Shanghai?
About 7,940 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 9h 50m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Canberra and Shanghai use?
Canberra uses the Australian dollar (AUD, $); Shanghai uses the Chinese yuan (CNY, ¥). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Canberra from Shanghai?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 00), then +61, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Canberra and Shanghai?
Canberra primarily speaks English; Shanghai speaks Chinese. English is widely used in business contexts in major cities of both, but written contracts may need translation.
Do Canberra and Shanghai drive on the same side of the road?
No. Australia drives on the left, China on the right. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.