China

You want to come to China for the 2008 Olympic Games? A few advices…


Advices

Arrival

Once you arrive in China, make sure to take a taxi from the city. A lot of people will ask to take you but the price will be doubled or tripled. Sometimes they will make you pay in USD or by the number of people. Dont leave any tip.

Have the address written in Chinese characters if you are not going to a famous hotel. Remember that even written in English, addresses does not ring anything to drivers. Ask for a receipt, it canbe useful if you forget anything in the cab. At night, be sure to check if the driver is not sleepy or drunk.

Transportion

City transportations are cheap and useful. They are your best bet to travel. However they can be very crowded. Getting in and out can be impossible since people getting on dont wait for others to get off.
Taxis are stiil cheap but 10 times more expensive than the bus. Both can be very slow because of the traffic.

Trade

Chinese sellers try to take advantage of the tourist. Shirts said to be 400rmb are not worth more than 40rmb. Always try the marchandise on. A size tag can be easily remove in less than 10 seconds. Fake bills also are common on markets.

Students

In large cities, some feamle students will approach you to ask to show you an exibition or to take a tea. They will carefully pick the tea house. You will be overcharged for your tea ar your painting. Sometimes a couple of tea can be up to 1000rmb. Dont ever follow these “students”.

Night

China is a very safe country. But try not to respond to provocations when you have drank a little bit.

Walking

Be careful when you cross the street. Cars dont respect you and dont let you get through.

The Chinese face.

Losing the face is hard on Chinese people. When you get angry, you lose your face. However when it comes from a foreigner, it can show you are not willing to back up.