Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Kingston uses the JMD ($) and Shanghai uses the CNY (¥). Language shifts too — English in Kingston, Chinese in Shanghai. Be careful behind the wheel: Kingston drives on the left, Shanghai on the right.
- Country
- Jamaica
- Capital
- Kingston
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD · $)
- Language
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Calling code
- +1
- 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 Kingston and Shanghai?
Kingston is 13 hours ahead of Shanghai. Kingston runs on GMT-5 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?
Standard 09:00–17:00 workdays don't intersect. Most teams compromise with one side meeting early (before 09:00) or late (after 17:00).
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 Kingston from Shanghai?
About 14,204 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 17h 13m, 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 Kingston and Shanghai use?
Kingston uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD, $); 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 Kingston from Shanghai?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 00), then +1, 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 Kingston and Shanghai?
Kingston primarily speaks English, Jamaican Patois; Shanghai speaks Chinese. English is widely used in business contexts in major cities of both, but written contracts may need translation.
Do Kingston and Shanghai drive on the same side of the road?
No. Jamaica 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.