Essential info for China
Time
The local time in China is GMT +8.
The local time in China is GMT +8.
Electricity
The electrical current in China is 220 volts, 50Hz. Different types of plugs are used but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common and expats should make sure they have compatible adapters.
Language
The official language in China is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects. English-speaking expats will do well to learn some basic phrases or even take classes in Mandarin Chinese.
The electrical current in China is 220 volts, 50Hz. Different types of plugs are used but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common and expats should make sure they have compatible adapters.
Language
The official language in China is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects. English-speaking expats will do well to learn some basic phrases or even take classes in Mandarin Chinese.
Safety
Expat should note that China is generally safe and what little crime exists is generally petty crime such as theft and pick-pocketing and foreigners should take extra care at places like street markets, tourist sites and popular expat bar areas at night where these thieves abound.
Expats should also be aware of the risk of heavy rains and typhoons which cause hundreds of deaths each year, particularly around the areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China.
Expat should note that China is generally safe and what little crime exists is generally petty crime such as theft and pick-pocketing and foreigners should take extra care at places like street markets, tourist sites and popular expat bar areas at night where these thieves abound.
Expats should also be aware of the risk of heavy rains and typhoons which cause hundreds of deaths each year, particularly around the areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China.
Local Customs
Expats should note that the Chinese have three names, the first being their surname or family name and as a result expats should prepare themselves for being called by their surnames. For clarity surnames may be underlined when written down and when addressing Chinese people, expats should do so beginning with their surname, using official titles. Western politeness is a foreign concept to Chinese and they don’t really bother with pleasantries. Foreigners should carry ID at all times as spot checks are common and failure to show evidence in ID will result in a fine or detention.
Expats should note that the Chinese have three names, the first being their surname or family name and as a result expats should prepare themselves for being called by their surnames. For clarity surnames may be underlined when written down and when addressing Chinese people, expats should do so beginning with their surname, using official titles. Western politeness is a foreign concept to Chinese and they don’t really bother with pleasantries. Foreigners should carry ID at all times as spot checks are common and failure to show evidence in ID will result in a fine or detention.
Business
The Chinese are a punctual nation and it is therefore rude to be late for business meetings. It is customary when meeting someone for the first time to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. When giving or receiving a gift or business card, it is customary to hold it with both hands and the Chinese consider gifts as an important show of courtesy. Business hours are Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and expats can relax as a five-day week is more normal in larger cities.
The Chinese are a punctual nation and it is therefore rude to be late for business meetings. It is customary when meeting someone for the first time to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. When giving or receiving a gift or business card, it is customary to hold it with both hands and the Chinese consider gifts as an important show of courtesy. Business hours are Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and expats can relax as a five-day week is more normal in larger cities.
Communications
Expats relocating to China should note that the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa) and the international access code for China is +86. International Direct Dialling is available in most major cities and phone cards are widely available. Expats will find that mobile phone networks are very advanced and mobile phone operators use GSM 900 networks and have roaming agreements with most non-North American international operators. Internet cafes are available in most main towns and high speed broadband ADLS Internet is found in most major cities.
China Expert International Ltd.
Destination Services for Expats and Solutions for Doing Business in China.
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