Some tricks to get around China

Chris:

After one month of navigating this land of 1.3 million souls, here are my top tips for the clueless 'westerner':

EATING & SHOPPING

- Rub chopsticks together to dull any splinters before eating.

- Dine banquet style. Avoiding English menus in local restaurants can save you a lot of money. Instead of ordering marked-up stereotypical dishes catered to westerners in major cities, use the pictures on the menu or pointer cards to point to basic versions of chicken and rice for example. This will be necessary in smaller towns anyway.

- Shopping - At markets the Chinese bargain and they bargain hard. Asking prices are often inflated ten fold. My strategy is to keep your cards to yourself. Continue to say "too expensive" as the price drops. Don't show your cards when they ask for your preferred price for as long as possible, then don't worry about offering an insultingly low counter price. The true cost of goods and fakes at Chinese market may be shockingly low itself. Their final offer may drop drastically as you walk away.

- Fake clothing is often poorly made from cheap material. In my opinion is not worth your time unless the purchase is something you need while on your trip.

- You will come across shops for fake DVD everywhere in major cities. Stick to your own ethics on weather to buy them. FYI The quality is usually excellent (DVD 5 is good, DVD 9 is even better) and all come with full features for subtitles, etc. The packagining is stunning but the film synopsis will be littered with mistakes. Expect to pay between 7 to 12 RMB. Be prepared to fork over your films at the border as other countries take copyright laws seriously and will frown upon your purchases - just say you thought they were ligit as most copies look like the real deal anyway.

- Spend your money. Although China invented paper currency, it is worthless abroad and can't be exchanged in other countries. So get rid of all your cash before leaving.

- Many restaurants and shops have only squat toilets and many no WC at all! (the nearest public toilet facilities being the only option.. Either way, bring your own toilet paper everywhere. One giveaway for a western toilet is that they are sometimes the one and only stall that is not elevated 8 inches off the floor.

GETTING AROUND

- Essential - Ask your hotel to write down for you in Chinese characters the name and address of each stop on the next day's agenda when you arrive. Show your destination to drivers.and keep the concierge's phone number handy.

Pick up a Chinese SIM chip from newsagents and use your unlocked mobile as a taxi translation service. Simply call the phone number of your destination an hand the phone to your driver.

- Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong have excellent subway systems for 3¥ or less. The best value I have ever seen. The new lines are as advanced as Copenhagen or the new

er Parisian lines, and light years ahead of London.
- National rail tickets are only available at the station of departure or from offices in that city. These offices are much less crowded so ask your hotel for the nearest one.

- Book several days in advance as availability is limited. Travel C and D trains for long haul (excellent high speed service) and use K and T trains (cramped, but fine) for short trips of under 5 hours.

- Remember noise cancelling headphones because trains and public places are loud and people do not hesitate to blare their own music/ring tones.

- Bus lines are practical for short journeys under 2hrs especially since you can travel very comfortably in the luxury coach liners.

ACCOMMODATION

- YHA accredited hostels are of an excellent standard and value in China. A hotel quality room will run 100-150¥. The bar and atmosphere are also more fun, relaxed and filled with international travellers. Pick up the discount membership card which will pay for itself in about 5 nights.

- China's power outlets are 220 volts. Most accept American plugs and some in major cities also accept UK and European plugs.