When you are getting ready for business travel to China for the first time, you may be unsure of a lot of things. One of the most important things you can do is to take special consideration when packing your clothes for the trip. Your attire will play a very important role in the success of your business when in China.
The first thing you should do is make sure that all of your clothes you bring are conservative. All clothing should be dark or neutral. Black, brown, and tans are all appropriate colors to wear on business travel to China. On the other hand, if you wear a bright red shirt or a bright red dress, you are going to find they may be offended.
As a woman from the United States or another country, dress shirts that reveal a little cleavage may be appropriate for a business meeting. In China, however, showing any cleavage at all during a business deal is often deemed as inappropriate. Therefore, it is essential that all of your necklines are kept high. You also need to make sure your high heels are not worn during any business, as well.
If you have been invited to a formal dinner when on business in China, men will find that an ordinary suit is the appropriate attire for such an occasion. Women, on the other hand, will have a few more options and may wear high heels and more brightly colored clothing at a formal party. However, to be safe and not take any chances of offending anyone, stick to the colors of white, tan, brown, or black when dressing for the occasion.
While many countries are more relaxed about the attire worn in business, China is not. Wearing a bright, fun tie with your suit may actually be deemed offensive. Before you plan your trip, take some time to learn a little about the culture and what to expect when you are in China. Doing this research can help you to have a more successful business trip and can actually show them just how much you respect them and their culture.
If you are planning on business travel to China, there are several things you will need to know before you get on your flight. Every country is different and, if you are not careful, you could easily offend someone without meaning to do so. In fact, you could blow your business deal before you even sit down.
One of the first things you should know is that the majority of businesses in China are closed between the hours of noon and two o’clock in the afternoon. If you plan on eating at a restaurant or doing business between these hours, your needs will not be accommodated during this time period. Along with this, you will always want to check the Chinese holidays before you travel, as most of them close on major holidays.
Another things to consider before you travel to China on business is how you plan to dress. Your attire is best kept to the more conservative style. This means no bright colors, no jeans or shorts for business meetings, and women should stick to high necklines. Along this same line of thought, women should also leave their high heels at home, unless they plan on attending a formal party.
When addressing those that you meet, it is customary to use formality. Mr., Miss, and Madam are all acceptable, but you will want to use the last name of the individual first. In other words, if you are introduced to Mr. Jung Ho, he would become Mr. Ho Jung. Of course, you must also remember that while in your home country, the terms of friend and comrade are acceptable to address someone, in China it may be considered rude.
When traveling to China on business, you will no doubt feel nervous. The most important thing is to be pleasant to all and to compliment them about the food and the actual atmosphere. Going to another country and complaining about long lines or traffic is going to be rude. This is their country and home. Instead, find something to compliment them on and you will find you fare much better.