It appears that no organization, company with international ambitions would afford not to be in China as China is an increasingly important manufacturing and trading hub for many international business travelers. However, the journey can be daunting for both inexperienced and seasoned travelers since it presents unique challenges and opportunities when compared to work-related visits to Western countries.
Here are some important tips for ensuring an effective, economical and enjoyable business trip to China:
Plan well before china visit
1. Ensure you have applied for a visa to travel to China
2. Change plenty of Reminbi notes as credit cards and US dollars are not widely accepted
3. Reserve hotel rooms and domestic air tickets ahead especially if travelling during golden travel peak periods in China.
4. Prepare a small medical kit as you may fall sick from the local food or from too much hectic travel
5. Have a handy English to Chinese phrase book as most Chinese do not speak nor understand English
6. Get a useful business guide on insider guide to Chinese business culture
7. Prepare mentally that some parts of China will be crowded, nosiy and dirty
8 Hire a qualified Chinese interpreter to escort you during china business trip
Traveling in China on its holidays can be a nightmare. Plan your trip carefully so you know what to expect on the Chinese Official Holidays. China-briefing.com is a good source, so search for the current year. While the holidays may be the same from year to year, even tied to fixed dates, the entire holiday period will shift. New schedules are posted in December, just a week or so before the year begins. Do not assume the May Day holiday is May 1-3. It might be April 29 and 30 and May 1. That mistake might ruin sightseeing and cause you to be stranded without transport tickets.
Hire a qualified interpreter for your first business trip to China
In today’s globalized economy, one cannot down play the significance of translation services during overseas trips. To make your business trip a success you need to communicate with your potential customers in their own language. By communicating with them in their own language, you can gain their trust and their business as well.
China's official language is Mandarin, you should be prepared for the possibility in Chinese business life that the person you are speaking to does not have a complete command of the English language. Beware: your Chinese counterparts with good command of writing English≠ Good command of spoken English. Having the ability to communicate effectively through an excellent interpreter is critical.
Well many people look for interpreters when they go to china for the first time. What many do not understand is that although they may find someone with reasonable English skills, what they do not realize is that most of these translators do not fully understand business English. Phrases like “bottom line”, net, gross, margin, supply chain, not to mention key industry specific nomenclature are all foreign to them. And it is likely that they will give you the impression that they fully understand what you are trying to convey but in fact, really do not. In today’s globalized economy, one cannot down play the significance of translation services
Rely on a unprofessional or simply a unskilled interpreter can be a nightmare to your business trip in China and in fact this could completely messed up even the most carefully planned business trip.
Unlike most interpreters in China, our interpreter fully understand western business mentality. Not only can we offer interpreter service but also China Business consultancy service. We will act as your own business interpreter, assistant, Consultant, a buying agent and legal counsel. NOT ONLY help you overcome the language barrier, But also stand your side and try our best to protect your interests in business processing.
Take taxis everywhere
Chinese taxis are cheap and efficient. Take them everywhere. You will rarely pay more than the equivalent of US$10 to get from meeting to meeting in major cities in China.
Taxi industry is very tightly regulated in China. One or two complaints from customers can make them lose their license, so normally cab drivers won’t rip you off too much. The taxi stop at the airport is supervised by a special team. You’ll wait at the line and the operators will call the cab for you. Make sure you always get the receipt in case you left something in the car.
You should also think about getting a hotel car to pick you up this is usually like 2-3 times more expensive ($60) but is a much more comfortable ride after a 12 hour flight and they know where they are going.
If you have a lot of meetings, it would be better to hire a car and driver.At some times of the day it could take an hour to get a taxi.
Register with Ctrip, Elong to reserve hotel rooms and domestic air tickets
Ctrip (http://www.ctrip.com) and Elong( http://www.elong.net) are the Chinese equivalent of Expedia. It's one of the best sites for booking hotels in China. Their prices are competitive and the service is reliable. You can even receive immediate booking confirmation by text message to your mobile phone.
Know that some hotels cater to the domestic market, not foreigners
For some business people, it's much more convenient to stay in a name-brand hotel that caters to foreigners such as a Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott. Staff at hotels like these, including those who work in the business center, will speak English.
Staying at a hotel that caters to domestic Chinese tourists can be frustrating and disorienting since they may not have English-speaking staff or English television channels. However, these hotels are often cheaper.
So how do you identify whether a hotel caters to the Western or domestic market? Check Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com). Chinese-style hotels usually have lots of Chinese reviews from DaoDao and few reviews from Tripadvisor members.
Communications
You're going to need a mobile phone while in China, and a local telephone number. Bring an unlocked phone with you, then purchase a SIM card at China Mobile. For 100RMB (about US$15) you can get the SIM card and 50 minutes of prepaid talk time. Later you can recharge the phone with more minutes by purchasing a recharge card at a local convenience store
A booth located in the baggage claim area at Beijing airport sells SIM cards.
At the Shanghai airport, there is a vending machine that sells disposable mobile phones with prepaid minutes
One of the most economical communications tools is Skype which works over most Internet connections in China. You can call other Skype users throughout the world for free or pay a low rate for most calls to landlines or mobile phones in other countries.
Conclusion
Going to China is not an obvious or simple decision. Weigh your reasons and the costs and benefits carefully. If you decide to do it, establish contacts and plan an itinerary ahead of time. Be prepared for travel challenges. But, also be prepared for delightful, savvy business people, wonderful food and a cultural adventure.
Please visit: http://www.tommyconsulting.com/Business%20Trip%20Management.html
Email: tomlee@tommyconsulting.com, Skype: tomleeli
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