Re: For Those Of Us Going To Vietnam/China Soon...
I only have experience in Shanghai, so your mileage may vary, but--
You're right about the water. Even when buying bottled water, stick to the more expensive varieties like Nestle. As far as food goes, there's an enormous variety, and you'll have to rely on your wits and common sense to help you determine if there is a safety issue. I'm pretty sure I ate "beef" that was not from a cow, but never had a digestive problem with anything other than sushi from a Japanese restaurant I had dined at over a dozen times prior to that.
Watch your currency. Counterfeiting is rampant in China, and the 50 and 100 RMB notes (which are worth roughly $6 and $12 US) aren't trusted. Every store will scan every large bill you use. If taking a cab, try to use as exact currency as you can to avoid getting large bills in change. Cabbies may also choose not to accept a 50 or 100 for fear of counterfeits.
If you find yourself negotiating with a vendor of knockoffs (watches, purses, suitcases, etc.), know that their starting price is going to be about 3x what you should pay. My first counter-offer was generally 10-15% of what they started at. They'll try to laugh at you and come back at about 85% of their original, but just stick to your guns and don't let them run you over. They'll generally come down a lot if you break it off and start to walk away. (If you're in Shanghai and are looking for knockoffs, the best area is in the lower level of the Metro station at the Technology Park station.)
This will sound racist but I only mean it as based on my experiences. You may find a lot of bars/clubs operated by Filipinos. I was ripped off on the check or change every time I went into one of these places, and no times at any other. They'll also try to hustle girls (or boys) at you while you're having your meal or trying to enjoy the horrid covers band. Again, this did not happen at any other establishment I went to.
If you've been to China before you probably know this, but the Chinese have little concept of "personal space". They'll get right in it and not think a thing about it, especially in elevators, the Metro, or when negotiating with you.
Most stores and many restaurants can accommodate English speakers quite well. Cab drivers, not so much. Be armed with an English/Chinese tourist map, which the hotels should have. You really don't want to be wasted at 3am with a cabbie who can't understand you or read the map you brought. It makes a good story once it's over, however.
If you happen to be going to Shanghai, a couple of areas you might want to check out. The first is Yu Yuan gardens and the neighboring market. The gardens should be pretty this time of year, and the market is what I would call a typical 21st century Chinese market. The second is the Temple of the Jade Buddha. If it's too far away for you to reach try Jing-An temple, which is more centrally located. The third is an area called Xin-tiandi, which is an upscale, reasonably westernized shopping and dining area with some of the best restaurants I've been to anywhere in the world. More expensive for certain, but quite good. Another is Nanjing Road, which is the major retail street in Shangai, with a lot of department stores, restaurants, etc. You'll get hustled for knockoffs or girls about every 15 steps, just say "Boo Yow", which means "don't want". If you're interested in live music, try the "House of Blues and Jazz". As the name suggests, they book blues and jazz artists, generally from the west. You might not have ever heard of these performers before, but they're generally pretty good. The drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but it's a nice place and the crowd is a very international mix.
There are 2 types of Karaoke in China. The first is what you would expect, the second is more "hostess" oriented. Even if you wind up in the second type you should be able to avoid any impropriety by letting the mama-san know what your intentions are or are not.
That should be more than enough. Let me know if you have any other specific questions, and definitely enjoy your trip!!
P
pkjensen
(view)
I only have experience in Shanghai, so your mileage may vary, but--
You're right about the water. Even when buying bottled water, stick to the more expensive varieties like Nestle. As far as food goes, there's an enormous variety, and you'll have to rely on your wits and common sense to help you determine if there is a safety issue. I'm pretty sure I ate "beef" that was not from a cow, but never had a digestive problem with anything other than sushi from a Japanese restaurant I had dined at over a dozen times prior to that.
Watch your currency. Counterfeiting is rampant in China, and the 50 and 100 RMB notes (which are worth roughly $6 and $12 US) aren't trusted. Every store will scan every large bill you use. If taking a cab, try to use as exact currency as you can to avoid getting large bills in change. Cabbies may also choose not to accept a 50 or 100 for fear of counterfeits.
If you find yourself negotiating with a vendor of knockoffs (watches, purses, suitcases, etc.), know that their starting price is going to be about 3x what you should pay. My first counter-offer was generally 10-15% of what they started at. They'll try to laugh at you and come back at about 85% of their original, but just stick to your guns and don't let them run you over. They'll generally come down a lot if you break it off and start to walk away. (If you're in Shanghai and are looking for knockoffs, the best area is in the lower level of the Metro station at the Technology Park station.)
This will sound racist but I only mean it as based on my experiences. You may find a lot of bars/clubs operated by Filipinos. I was ripped off on the check or change every time I went into one of these places, and no times at any other. They'll also try to hustle girls (or boys) at you while you're having your meal or trying to enjoy the horrid covers band. Again, this did not happen at any other establishment I went to.
If you've been to China before you probably know this, but the Chinese have little concept of "personal space". They'll get right in it and not think a thing about it, especially in elevators, the Metro, or when negotiating with you.
Most stores and many restaurants can accommodate English speakers quite well. Cab drivers, not so much. Be armed with an English/Chinese tourist map, which the hotels should have. You really don't want to be wasted at 3am with a cabbie who can't understand you or read the map you brought. It makes a good story once it's over, however.
If you happen to be going to Shanghai, a couple of areas you might want to check out. The first is Yu Yuan gardens and the neighboring market. The gardens should be pretty this time of year, and the market is what I would call a typical 21st century Chinese market. The second is the Temple of the Jade Buddha. If it's too far away for you to reach try Jing-An temple, which is more centrally located. The third is an area called Xin-tiandi, which is an upscale, reasonably westernized shopping and dining area with some of the best restaurants I've been to anywhere in the world. More expensive for certain, but quite good. Another is Nanjing Road, which is the major retail street in Shangai, with a lot of department stores, restaurants, etc. You'll get hustled for knockoffs or girls about every 15 steps, just say "Boo Yow", which means "don't want". If you're interested in live music, try the "House of Blues and Jazz". As the name suggests, they book blues and jazz artists, generally from the west. You might not have ever heard of these performers before, but they're generally pretty good. The drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but it's a nice place and the crowd is a very international mix.
There are 2 types of Karaoke in China. The first is what you would expect, the second is more "hostess" oriented. Even if you wind up in the second type you should be able to avoid any impropriety by letting the mama-san know what your intentions are or are not.
That should be more than enough. Let me know if you have any other specific questions, and definitely enjoy your trip!!
