P.R.C - The People's Republic of China

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If you're travelling to China with Sanya China you will be supplied with a 24 hour contact card with a bilingual member of our staff giving you instant access to translation if required.

Visiting China for the first time to do business can be very daunting due to the language barrier and culture. Sometimes it is difficult, but more often than not it is as easy to get along in China as it is anywhere else in the world. If you invest time and effort you will be rewarded many times over.

The best advice would be to prepare. Read up on the country, ask others who have visited China, and spend time conducting research. Please note that we have Chinese speaking staff here at Sanya China Business Travel, indeed all our staff have considerable experience in travelling to the P.R.C. so please don’t hesitate to ring if you are in any doubt.

When it comes to business meetings, the Chinese will always shake hands when being introduced to someone new and this should be done with two hands (as a sign of respect). Make sure you take enough business cards with you as they are exchanged with everyone you meet. Grasp the business card you are given with two hand, It is also polite to study the card for a while and then put it somewhere safe as the card is considered to represent the person to whom you are being introduced.

Always try to arrive at your meetings a bit earlier, as more often than not the first person to be introduced is usually the most senior. Remember this person's name so you can then refer to him as Mr. or Mrs. You should always wear a jacket and tie to your business meetings, and again, if you are invited out for meals with these people. Whilst at your meal remember if you don’t like something that has been served, just leave it and it will be taken with the next change of crockery. It is a Chinese custom for the host to serve the guests. However, you do not have to serve others back.

It is not uncommon for small gifts/souvenirs to be exchanged; it is usual to wrap them in red paper. You should never give clocks, green hats and white flowers as these are unwelcome.

You will tend to find that the Chinese people will ask you a lot of personal questions, like, “How much do you earn?” and, “Are you married?” etc. you should not be offended as they are just very curious. You will find them warm, generous, interesting and very easy to get on with. It will be a pleasure to have the Chinese as friends and business contacts.

If you require more detailed maps or indeed any specific travel advise please ring any of our team on 01256 863031 or email info@s-c-b-t.com.

It is important that you check the details carefully and ensure that they agree with your plans.

Present any Frequent Flyer cards that you hold at check-in to ensure that the correct bonuses are accrued to your account.

Ensure you carry your passport when travelling on domestic flights at all times.

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and that you check with Sanya Travel for any special visa requirements of countries you are visiting if moving on from the PRC. Failure to comply will result in you being refused boarding or departure from the Chinese mainland. Please ensure you comply with recommended and mandatory health requirements - contact us for latest advice or see www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively contact any member of staff.