Quick Answer
You do not need to memorize rules.
If you stay calm, practical, and observant, you will do well.
Most friction comes from overreacting, overexplaining, or insisting.
The Core Reality (One Sentence)
China rewards calm cooperation more than expressiveness.
Keep this in mind and everything else becomes easier.
DO: What Works Almost Everywhere
Be Practical and Direct
- Say what you need briefly
- Use your phone to show, not explain
- Move to solutions quickly
Efficiency is polite.
Follow the Flow
- Queue where others queue
- Walk with the crowd, not against it
- Observe before acting
Mirroring behavior works.
Stay Calm in Public
- Keep your voice moderate
- Control body language
- Step aside if confused
Calmness builds trust.
Use Technology
- Show addresses in Chinese
- Use QR payments
- Use translation apps
Phones reduce friction.
Accept “Good Enough”
- Small imperfections are normal
- Close-enough solutions are fine
- Moving on matters more than correctness
Progress beats precision.
DON’T: What Commonly Causes Problems
Don’t Argue Publicly
- Avoid debates with staff
- Do not escalate disagreements
- Do not demand explanations
Public arguments are uncomfortable for everyone.
Don’t Over-Explain
- Long explanations confuse
- Repeating louder doesn’t help
- Background stories are unnecessary
Less language works better.
Don’t Expect Western Norms
- Service style may feel neutral
- Smiles are not guaranteed
- Small talk is optional
Neutral does not mean unfriendly.
Don’t Force Rules From Home
- Tipping is unnecessary
- Loud friendliness can feel awkward
- Personal space expectations differ
Adaptation is respected.
Don’t Assume Bad Intent
- Delays are usually procedural
- Confusion is usually language-related
- Neutral tone is normal
Most issues are not personal.
Situational Do & Don’t (Quick Reference)
In Restaurants
Do
- Point to menu items
- Pay quickly
- Leave calmly when finished
Don’t
- Tip
- Rush staff verbally
- Argue about small issues
In Transport
Do
- Follow signage
- Stand aside if lost
- Use apps for taxis
Don’t
- Block doors
- Stop suddenly
- Expect verbal instructions
In Shops
Do
- Check prices clearly
- Pay by phone
- Ask simply
Don’t
- Haggle in normal stores
- Assume negotiation everywhere
- Touch items unnecessarily
In Crowds
Do
- Keep moving
- Protect your space calmly
- Be patient
Don’t
- Push aggressively
- Stop abruptly
- Expect personal space
Common First-Timer Traps
- Thinking more talking solves problems
- Interpreting neutrality as rudeness
- Treating differences as mistakes
- Expecting exceptions
Awareness fixes most of these.
Reality Check
- Locals know you are a visitor
- Effort is noticed
- Calm behavior is respected
- Mistakes are forgiven
You are not expected to be perfect.
What Locals Do Instead
- Stay practical
- Avoid drama
- Use phones
- Move on quickly
You can copy this easily.
Checklist (Save This)
- Stay calm and brief.
- Use visuals instead of words.
- Follow local flow.
- Avoid public arguments.
- Accept workable outcomes.