Last year, about 200,000 tourists from China visited the United States. Many U.S. travel agencies predict that the numbers will grow dramatically in the coming years. Travel reporter Peter Greenberg says it’s not a question of whether the Chinese tourist boom will hit the United States, but it’s a question of how soon, and whether American tourism officials will be ready for it.
Indeed, Americans need to prepare to deal with China’s latest ‘export’: tourists. However, my fellow Chinese also need to know ten things about the American society when they travel in the U.S.
1. Keep quiet in public areas.
2. Follow the rules, wait in line, and do not block the sidewalk.
3. Ladies and children first.
4. Dress properly at hotel, museum, theater, and the restaurant.
5. Appreciate the services. Be generous with tips.
6. Be ready to help others.
7. Be ready to say: “Thank you,”, “Yes please,”, “Excuse me,”, and “I’m sorry.”
8. No bargains unless you’re in flea markets.
9. Take care of one’s own trash.
10. Smoke in the designated areas only.
Honestly, I wish these reminders were unnecessary.
yep.. They're in it for a shock. I too wish that we didn't need that reminder but it is a fact of life in China.
To be fair, I've experienced a lot more pushing and shoving in Beijing than I did in smaller cities
Posted by: china newbie | October 1, 2006 1:08 PM | Permalink to Comment