Preparing for China JACKSON COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INSTITUTE

Transcription

1 Preparing for China JACKSON COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INSTITUTE

2 Some Basics Please pack light clothes with layers. Check with Delta: Carry more cash with you than you would in the United States. While most ATMs accept foreign bank cards, you'll want to avoid the withdrawal fees they charge. Exchange before you go at Remember 6.36 yuan = $1.00 and most things are cheaper in China. Exchange money accordingly. After the 2008 Olympics, almost everyone speaks a bit of English. But younger persons are definitely better at it. If you're lost, you can ask them for help, most of them would be more than happy to help a "lao wai" (foreigner)

3 More Tips You can't drink tap water. Tap water in China is NOT drinkable. Most hotels have a table water heater, boil water before drinking it, or buy bottled water. Almost all public restroom are squat style, and most of them do not provide toilet paper. Buy small packages of tissues and hand sanitizers. Make sure to bring them with you EVERYWHERE you go. Don't forget to buy adapters if you have anything that will need to be charged

4 Helpful Phone Applications WeChat IMoney Betternet VPN

5 Business/ Public Behavior Shaking hands is the most commonly used way of greeting in a formal occasion. However, wait for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture, especially when it s a female. Conversation: Make an effort to learn and use at least a few words in Chinese; Make sure you know the meaning and appropriate occasions for what you say. During a meal, expressing enthusiasm about the food you are eating is a welcome, and usually expected, topic of conversation. Chinese landmarks and weather Climate and geography in China Your travels in other countries Your experiences traveling in China Chinese art Try to avoid topics related to government and politics in a formal setting

6 Business Card Exchange The Chinese are very keen about exchanging business cards, include your professional title on your business card, especially if you have the power to make decisions. Present your card with two hands. When receiving a business card, make a show of examining it carefully for a few moments; then, carefully place it into your card case or on the table, if you are seated at one.

7 Gift Giving Appropriate business gifts : stationery with company logo or the specialty of the city or state you are from. Appreciated personal gifts (preferably made in U.S.A): College gear Bowtie/Tie Plates Glass Art Chocolate Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. Taboo Gifts: Clocks Umbrellas Sailing Boat

8 Shopping in China Goods in big department stores are expensive. Some second or third tier international brands become luxury goods in China and are double in price. Be prepared to be bombarded by vendors Don t be surprised at how aggressive these vendors can be. While walking down any city street, it is not uncommon to have someone selling something at your elbow at all times. Just say No, thank you. Learn how to haggle Bargaining is expected in China, even from foreign tourists. Don t agree to the first price they quote to you. If they tell you something is 100 Yuan, try offering them half of that or even a third of that and then work from there. If they don t speak much English, try typing the numbers into your phone or a calculator to help facilitate understanding. Never act like you absolutely must have the item! If vendors do not accept your price, pretend to leave and refuse to buy their goods. They might call you back and sell to you at your price.

9 Suggested Shopping in Goods: Silk Products Traditional Chinese Clothes Tea and Teas Sets Low-end Electronic products Smart phone Accessories Fake Luxury Brands Souvenirs Key Chains, Small magnets 5-10 Yuan Small Framed Paper cut Yuan Large Paper cut Scrolls Yuan Small Chinese screen Yuan Large Silk Scroll Yuan

10 Other things Before you go: Crossing the street can be hazardous. Follow the lights if necessary but you re actually safer following a crowd. There are scams to watch out for in China. Knowledge about counterfeit money and things like the Tea House scam will help you travel without a problem. Check the weather in Beijing and Shanghai to pack accordingly Learn Some Basic Chinese! Nǐ hǎo! - Hello Nín hǎo! (Greet a senior person and show respect.) Xiè xie Thank you Bú kè qi You are welcome Duì bu qǐ - Sorry Méi guān xi - That s all right Zài jiàn See you

11 Possible Culture Shock ointernet there are lots of sites that are not available in China. For example, you can t use Gmail and Facebook in China unless you have a VPN which provides security for all your transactions and makes it look to the Internet like you re in another country. otalking loud in public overy crowded odifferent food

12 Everything you need to know about China in ten minutes

13 Have a nice trip!