Before your departure:

_ Be prepared to be grabbed, pushed, followed, stared at... but move axay and stay calm and polite. In China personal space and privacy are not valued in the same way as in the West. So don't get upset, because no one will understand you.

_ Be aware of pickpockets, keep your money and valuables in a safe place.

_ Check for fake items like silk and pearls, but also for fake money.

_ Learn some basic greetings and numbers in Chinese, it will be easier to negotiate a price.

 

Do's:

_ Start by deciding what you are willing to pay for an item.

_ The vendor will quote you a price, usually the price is overestimated

_ Get expressions of shock and suggest a number that's around 75% of the original price, or lower if you feel daring.

_ The vendor will react and find a middle probably at up to 50% of the original quote.

_ Buying more than one of something gets you a better deal.

_ Hide your jewelry the day you go marketing. You'll get a lower starting price if you don't flash your wealth.

 

Don't:

_ Don't enter into negatiations if you aren't seriously considering the purchase.

_ Don't haggle over small sums of money.