Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:00 pm Post subject: China Do's and Don'ts
Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
Behavior
Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.
Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.
Do not point when speaking.
To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.
It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.
Avoid acts that involve the mouth.
Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China - See international business gift giving.
It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.
It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.
The most acceptable gift is a banquet.
Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.
The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:
Clocks
Straw sandals
A stork or crane
Handkerchiefs
Anything white, blue or black
Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.
Do not discuss business at meals.
Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.
As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.
Sample meals only, there may be several courses.
Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.
Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.
Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.
Women do not usually drink at meals.
Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
Communications
Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.
Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.
Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.
Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.
Being on time is vital in China.
Appointments are a must for business.
Contacts should be made prior to your trip.
Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.
The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.
Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
Present and receive cards with both hands.
Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.
The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.
Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 11:17 am Post subject: Re: China Do's and Don'ts
Mike wrote:
Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
High heels and short sleeves are acceptable for women. However revealing clothing for women in a business meeting is definitely a no no, you won't necessarily offend the Chinese businessmen but they won't take you seriously.
In the business world China is not that much different to the rest of the world, just apply the common sense you can't go far wrong.
On the being on time front, well, if the person you're visiting is senior or of higher rank then you definitely don't want to be late. Anyway, it's always good to call if you're running late for whatever reason.
Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 11:28 pm Post subject: Tattoos on women
I'm seeing more Chinese women with tattoos lately, because the weather is warming up and they are wearing less clothing. _________________ EXPAT IN CHINA
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 6:38 pm Post subject: Re: Tattoos on women
Wocca wrote:
I'm seeing more Chinese women with tattoos lately, because the weather is warming up and they are wearing less clothing.
No reason to be shocked. This is NOT China in the 70's ...
I see tons of women with tattoos in Dongguan, and Dongguan is NOT Shenzhen or Shanghai ... and these aren't necessarily ladies of the night. Just regular women, working regular jobs (at least as far as I know ).
I think it USED to be frowned upon, but not any more these days.
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:15 am Post subject: Late late and late... always late
In mainland everyone is always late. If you are meeting a friend at let s say 2pm, this sort of means that he or she is gonna show up around 2.15 or 2.30pm. At least that s my experience.
And so you learn. Now when i want to meet up at 2pm i just tell them we ll meet at 1.30/1.45pm.
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