Translation & Localisation Services - Understanding Chinese Cultures

A temple in Southern Taiwan © Pei Chi Lo at Peizweb.com

Some Advice for Business Travellers to the Region

• There is no need to bow when greeting. Unlike the Korean and Japanese cultures, Chinese people only bow when it's a very formal occasion. Just shake hands, look your host in the eye, and smile.
• Give and receive business cards with both hands, take a good look at the card before putting it in your wallet. Never put a business card in your trousers pocket.
• In negotiations, let the decision-maker do most of the talking to avoid coming across as arrogant.
• Your hosts will often insist on buying you a meal, a drink or a gift. The more you politely decline, the more they will insist. In general, accepting the offer makes both sides happy.
• In contrast to practices in western cultures, do not open gifts in front of the giver.
• If you are invited to someone’s home, always remove your shoes before you enter. It is considered rude and dirty not to.
• Chopsticks should be respected; never plant them in your rice.
• Eating and drinking are an integral part of any negotiation. The cry of ‘gānbēi' (乾 杯) literally means ‘dry glass’ and requires everyone to do just that! Stick to non-alcoholic drinks if you want to avoid the consequences of too many 'gānbēi' rounds.