Travel to China - What should I know? How should I prepare?

[Randy]

In Reply to Parent Post by RosieA

Taxi rides are better than any amusement park ride I was ever on. Wear your seat belt and don't sit in the front!
Rosie

On Okinawa they used to be called "Skoshi Cabs" and they seemed to be driven by guys who trained to be Kamakazi Pilots

[RosieA]

And they never get out of first gear for some reason...I kept my eyes closed.

[andygr]

China is what you make of it.
Take some snacks over with you -they will come in handy.
Locals push, they are not rude it is just the way it is
Most hotels have bottled water avoid the taps.
You can also drink the local tea (cha)- whole tea leaves in boiling water- There are plenty of locations to get the boiling water. I have the glass jars you will see.
Be early to the airport first there is first on and it can happen that you get bumped to the next flight once they have their aircraft filled. They realy overbook flights.
I would never drive and as covered by others the cab rides are exiciting.
The local parks in the evening are great to get out and see. The exercizing and other activities like drumming groups are very intresting.
Learn to say hello- nehow- and thankyou -sha she ne- always smile but do not show your teeth.
TRY the local food and follow the following rule if it tasts good eat more if it does not tast good pass and try something else and if it was realy good you can ask what it was You can always find a starbucks and other western fastfood if needed.
Take some basic over the counter meds But if you get a chance you have to see a real local pharmicy!
Understand that they will tell you exactly what you want to hear. They aim to please. You need to work to make sure that you know what is realy going on and keep them on track.

[im871345]

Knee-How (Hi) Rosie,
Kiss Bow or Shake hands is a wonderful book and topic that can be found on the web that will help with culture issues.
I have been to Suzhou China (approx 1.5 hrs drive from Shanghai) 6 times for my company and I love every minute of every trip!
As far as safety, just be wise don't flash money etc.. use all the same common sense that you would if you were traveling within any foreign country.
TAKE YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER!!!!!!!!! and always have it with you, we call it our "visa" because you don't leave home with out it! The small kleenex pocket packs are great. No western toilets, you will have to over come this in your mind first and then it is easy from then on out. I am the master of the squatty potty now I don't mean to get too graphic here but just remember the closer you are to that ceramic hole in the ground the better, don't try and pretend there is a seat and there isn't.
Food... when in Rome...... if you are not a picky eater then go for it! I too take cheese and crackers and cup of noodles for back up. But because I was willing to try just about anything my coworkers and I seemed to bond quicker than others who wouldn't. If after I tried something and I didn't like it they had no problem with me telling them that I didn't like it.
Jet lag, I always try to stay up as long as I can the night before my flight, by the time I finally get on the plane and in my seat I am ready to sleep. If I need help to enduce the sleep tylenol PM works for me. The neck pillows in the airport are worth every penny!
Don't forget to have fun!!! The Chinese people I have worked with over there are gracious hosts. On the weekends they always planned at least one sight seeing day, and 5000 years of history provides for some very cool sight seeing.
Good luck, safe trip, and enjoy!!

[Ajit Basrur]

In Reply to Parent Post by im871345

I have been to Suzhou China (approx 1.5 hrs drive from Shanghai) 6 times for my company and I love every minute of every trip!

Hi, thats the place where I stay. Suzhou is a great place; clean, beautiful and full of history associated with it.

[im871345]

Suzhou is a very nice place and I can understand why they call it Paradice. The people are wonderful as well.

[Ted Schmitt]

Ok, back from my 2 1/2 week trip to China !

It was simply FANTASTIC !!!! No major problems and no major worries.

The pushing and not respecting lines / cues was a problem for me at first, but then after a few days, I "joined" in and did the same... I took instant soup packages just in case but ended up bringing them all back home... my box of granola bars went fast but that´s because I am a pig.

Lunches and dinners were an experience, luckily I am pretty good at Chopsticks. Be careful if you say you are a beer drinker, you´ll leave the table sloshed and speaking fluent Chinese (at least YOU will think so !)

But all in all and INCREDIBLE experience and will definitely be returning frequently for job related purpose.

[im871345]

Way to go Ted! Now the first trip is done and over with you can/will enjoy every trip much more don't forget to do the tourist things too