Traveller's Notes

Or what we learned...

• Carry tissues - you will be grateful.
• Make good use of individually packed wet wipes - you will reduce the risk of getting sick.
• Fancy hotels = expensive services; cheap hotels = uncomfortable beds but cheap laundry.
• Learn to do your business while squatting.
  
• Keep an eye out for others' business on the streets.
• Wear the provided slippers in your hotel room. Either the carpet is already gross and/or your shoes have gross stuff on them.
• Carry a phrasebook and point at what you want to say.
• Don't expect peasants to be able to read. Charades are the order of the day.
  
• Sit in the front seat of a taxi. Say "ni hao" (hello) and either give the driver the Chinese characters for where you want to go or point at the spot on the map. Then pretend you know where you're heading. Steel yourself (remember, you are sitting in the front seat).
• The Shanghainese have cross-cultural taxis taped - many commercial places and most ex-pats have name cards with both English and Chinese addresses and maps on the reverse.
  
• Failing a name card + map, ensure that you have a local phone number for someone who speaks both English and Mandarin. A mobile phone with a local SIM card can be useful too.
  
• Looking both ways before crossing the street is inadequate. Continuously scan all directions as you cross the street. Expect to feel targeted. Aim for where other people / bicycles / rickshaws / cars / buses will have been (as opposed to where they are or may be going). He who hesitates is lost.
• If you master the Mandarin phrase to ask how much something costs you will be quoted a better starting price. Be prepared for Mandarin numbers in response!
• If your Mandarin numbers are as shaky as mine, barter by writing down numbers / punching them into a calculator.
  
• Make copious use of "Xie xie" (thank you) and smiling.
  
• Blonde hair is a magnet for unwanted touts.
  
• If touts don't get the message when you repeatedly say "no thanks" or shake your head, say "Bu yao" ([I] don't want it) or just "Bu" (no). When all else fails say "bu, bu, bu". The touts may look offended, but they will get the message.
  
• Watches offered for sale on the street are fakes. So are brand name bags. Surprise!