Learning the Way, Part 1

• No Tipping: no one receives a tip here in China. However, even without a tip, customer service is a priority.
  


• Taxi's: Many taxi drivers only want four passengers - many will not stop if they see more than four passengers. If you are in a large group - split up and walk ahead so the drivers do not think you are together. Many drivers will also refuse to turn on the air conditioning as they think it wastes gas. Carry a map with you - even if you can speak to them in Chinese many will act like they do not know where they are going to get more money out of you. If you think that you have been ripped off and know about how much it will cost - just pay them that and tell them to call the traffic police...they won't because if they are taking advantage of you the police will confiscate their automobile.
  


• Customer Service: wherever you go, the grocery store, WuMart, Lotus, the gym, there is a customer service representative waiting for you at the door. No, they do not earn a commission, their job is to make your shopping experience a pleasant one. Too tired to walk, sit, have a Coke and they will bring you things you might like to purchase. At restaurants, including McDonalds you do not carry your own tray or put it into the trash when you are finished...there is someone for that. And do not try to do it yourself, they will get offended and think you are trying to put them out of a job!





(notice in this picture all of the people in red shirts - these are attendants)





• Buyer Beware: Now that China belongs to the " " there has been a crack down on fake merchandise. However, if you are shopping and bartering then after a time the clerk will bring out the counterfeit merchandise....just like China Town in NYC - where walls become doors. It is also good to have a Chinese guide or have the ability to bargain in Chinese as you will get a better price. As well, if you are shopping at a "mall" then you give your merchandise to the clerk serving you - they in turn give you a receipt. You take the receipt to the cashier and pay for your purchases - you then take the stamped receipt back to your clerk and she ties all of your purchases together for you. P.S. If you want a bag, bring your own.
  



• Tour Guide: If you have a tour guide bear in mind that they will receive a kick back from the shop keepers and private drivers you use. If while bartering the shop keeper is using a calculator you will notice that they show the tour guide the calculator first, then they push a button and show you - that is the deal they are cutting with your guide to bring customers in.



• Watch Your Step: Watch your step for several reasons. First, broken concrete, or uncovered man holes exist as you walk down the street. Second, the men here have a terrible habit of clearing their throats and spitting...anywhere. Third, people think nothing of stopping a going the bathroom in the middle of the street. My father states that these are countryside people who have not been instructed otherwise...it is almost too much to handle - The toddlers and infants have split pants so they can just squat and relieve themselves...no need for diapers.



• House Shoes and House Clothes: I know understand why when you arrive home you immediately take off your shoes and put on shoes only to where in the house and you remove your street clothes because the pollution leaves a layer of grime - you do not want to dirty your furniture so you put on lounging clothes at home.



• Toilet paper: take your own wherever you go as the bathrooms do not have their own supply




• Bathrooms: you will be lucky to find a Western toilet. When in doubt head to McDonalds they usually have one. Beware of the smell even in clean restrooms as many do not have proper ventilation. However, you will always see an attendant there to assist.