Visas
Do you need a visa to enter China?
The answer is yes. There are very few exceptions. Count on getting a visa. Visas take time to process and are a rather complicated affair, depending on the mood of the Central Government at the time. Security is heightened when there are major events taking place in China,like the G8 Summit.
Business Cards
Business cards are held in high esteem and are seen as a reflection of that person. Business cards should always be presentedwith both hands, facing the other person so it can be readed.
When presenting your card, begin with the person who is in the most senior position and work down the line. Introduce yourself and your team by their name and job title.
Taxis
They rarely speak anything other than Chinese, so how are you going to tell them where you want to go?
Carry a business card of your destination, especially your hotel, and show it to the driver.
Of course, you can always take a picture of your cards and show him your phone. Don’t assume that because your hotel has an English name that the taxi driver will pronounce it the same as you. The Chinese name might be completely different from the English name.
At the airport, or train station, there are always people coming up to you asking you where you’re going and wanting to give you a ride, ignore them. Go to the taxi line-up and get in line.
Restaurants and Table Manners
If you’re eating with your Chinese business associates, and you have been invited to their dinner party, no need to pay the bill. The host is always responsible for the bill.
Tipping is generally not a practice in China.
You may see a 10% service charge at the bottom of your bill in better restaurants.
Health
If you do run into trouble with your stomach and can’t find anything to eat, there is the ubiquitous KFC.
It’s far better than what you get in other parts of the world. The benefit is that it’s been cooked at a super high temperature and any germs have been killed.
It’s always handy to have an antibiotic and anti-diarrhea medication on hand for emergencies.
Buy it before you come to China. There are Chinese equivalents, but you might not be able to read the Chinese packaging.
Power and Plug Converters
The power output in China is 220 volts, compared to 110-120 volts in the United States and Canada.
Plug converters are a necessary item to pack.