There is a common fear by westerners of pickpockets. Rightfully so, tourists tend to be wealthier than the locals (especially the criminals) , carry a lot of cash for shopping, and make easy targets. However, there are ways to counter it.
I lived in China for a couple of years and never had my wallet or cell phone stolen. Fortunately for me I am 6'2 and a direct confrontation would be unlikely with generally undernourished street criminals. The first way to deter them is to be aware of your things. In China, guns are outlawed (communist governments tend to maintain a monopoly on violence) and that has cut down on violent crime considerably. Therefore, crime tends to be sneaky. I maintained everything on the front of my body. I tried to wear a jacket or a vest so that my wallet/cellphone is on the front of my body where a potential pickpocket would have to be face to face with me.
Never, ever put your wallet on your back pocket so that they can give skillfully lifted. In a crowded country, a pickpocket will most likely bump into as you have bumped into hundreds of times on the subway. Needless to say, you probably will not be their first victim and they have done this before.
Even though I have not been victimized, I have known those who have been. The common theme is that they have gotten lazy or complacent about pickpockets because the crime is not so visible. They have allowed cell-phones or wallets to dangle from jacket side pockets or put cellphones in back jeans pockets. When you go into slums in most other countries, it is dangerous and you are therefore on guard. In China, you never feel in danger. In China, you may be a bit taller than the general population, aware of the penalties for firearm possession, and a stereotype (whether you admit or not) that Chinese are not as threatening. While your instincts are probably correct, China isnt dangerous, but you should still be on guard.
Pickpockets come in all forms, well-dressed and demure can be the best pockets(Actually the better dressed they are, the more likely they are good at stealing). Do not underestimate or prejudge who they are. Pickpockets are generally quite intelligent and are interested in low-risk situations where they can make money with little trouble from the law.
The most common place to look out for is when you are at the market. When you are holding other bags of things in addition to your camera, cellphone, and , you may be more exposed to even a more brazen theft because you are weighed down by your purchases as well as lacking two hands to guard your belongings. You may be a normally careful, but when you are taking money in and out of your wallet making purchases, you will become lazy about putting your wallet in a safe place. The best way to do this is, before you shop, remove your cash from your wallet and store your wallet in a safe place on your person. The worst that happens is you lose some cash but maintain your IDS, credit cards, etc.
All in all, be careful and have a great trip. I want you to have a great time in China, and keeping your money and belongings is certainly part of it. If you are not interested in wearing a jacket, purchase a "fanny pack," think of it as a function first fashion accessory.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
How and Why to get your passport
Before you can consider going on a culinary vacation, and enjoying the exotic tastes, smells, and sight of Chinese food you need your passport. Before you travel internationally, it is essential that you first obtain your passport. It is wonder why so few Americans get one they are inexpensive and allow you to see the entire world. While it is very difficult for some people around the world, especially Muslims, to come to the United States you can invariably go to their countries and eat their food, shop till you drop, and meet their people.
Even if you think the United States is the greatest country in the world (we do not have the best food), you need to see how the rest of the world lives. I would argue the invasion of Iraq was a result of cultural ignorance on the part of American leadership and not understanding the rest of the world. Traveling for me always helped me appreciate what I like about the U.S. and what I like about another culture and country (I always liked the Big Gulp).
Though we have a rapidly depreciating currency, our lifestyle is still quite opulent compared to the rest of the world and you may as well enjoy it. If you have the gumption to travel with Duzitours and begin to explore the world outside of you, you will find how the rest of the world lives and eats.
It only leaves the how. Follow the link and get started exploring the world.
Even if you think the United States is the greatest country in the world (we do not have the best food), you need to see how the rest of the world lives. I would argue the invasion of Iraq was a result of cultural ignorance on the part of American leadership and not understanding the rest of the world. Traveling for me always helped me appreciate what I like about the U.S. and what I like about another culture and country (I always liked the Big Gulp).
Though we have a rapidly depreciating currency, our lifestyle is still quite opulent compared to the rest of the world and you may as well enjoy it. If you have the gumption to travel with Duzitours and begin to explore the world outside of you, you will find how the rest of the world lives and eats.
It only leaves the how. Follow the link and get started exploring the world.
Monday, February 19, 2007
I want to hear your favorite Chinese dish
Many people are exposed to different kinds of Chinese food (Dim Sum, Chop Suey, Kung Pao Chicken, Baozi) and depending on where you are you have tasted different things and different styles. Some may enjoy hot flavors while others prefer the coastal seafood. For those who have traveled extensively in China you may have stumbled across something unforgetable. I would love to hear anything from your past experiences about what Chinese foods you especially enjoy.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Bargaining in China
Many western people are not used to bargaining. We go to the shop, see the price and make a purchase. How simple. Even companies such as Carmax, advertise that you don't have to bargain (as if this is a positive thing!) When we go to China, we have a couple of things working against us: language and asymmetric information.
Your natural inclination as a Westerner is to be kind and not bargain with Chinese people. After all, you just arrived, and you are not to sure of your footing. This is a mostly passing notion that goes away once you have spent more than a couple of weeks in China. The population density of China (I don't like to say overpopulation) is conducive to aggressiveness. However, before you learn the language; it is daunting using a calculator to convey everything you would like to say. In the future, this blog will deliver some key phrases for your bargaining pleasure, so stay tuned.
Second is, we stay in an American mindset when we travel for short periods in China. We imagine how much something like this would cost in Walmart. Walmart buys from China, and so they pay a lot less than we would at retail. We generally don't realize how cheap things are to produce in China. If we have the money to travel to China, traditionally you are either wealthy/middle class or the children of at least middle class upbringing, so we have no ability to comprehend the cheapness of labor in developing countries and the price level difference. This is especially true if you are going to China and staying at 5-star hotels and drinking your daily Starbucks. They know how much they paid for what you are buying and no matter what happens, they will come out ahead. Traditionally, Chinese have said you should offer 10% of the asking price, and pay no more than 25%. This rule (guide) is especially useful if you do not speak Chinese, because I assure you, if you do not speak Chinese you will pay a premium.
In the end, if you feel that you getting a steal from them, you probably are not. However, if you are traveling in search of a connection, there is nothing so primal and fun in capitalism as going to a street market and negotiating smart with someone from across the world. I promise the time when you fought for a deal in the street market and got what you wanted and what you considered to be a good price, will be one of your most treasured memories in China.
Your natural inclination as a Westerner is to be kind and not bargain with Chinese people. After all, you just arrived, and you are not to sure of your footing. This is a mostly passing notion that goes away once you have spent more than a couple of weeks in China. The population density of China (I don't like to say overpopulation) is conducive to aggressiveness. However, before you learn the language; it is daunting using a calculator to convey everything you would like to say. In the future, this blog will deliver some key phrases for your bargaining pleasure, so stay tuned.
Second is, we stay in an American mindset when we travel for short periods in China. We imagine how much something like this would cost in Walmart. Walmart buys from China, and so they pay a lot less than we would at retail. We generally don't realize how cheap things are to produce in China. If we have the money to travel to China, traditionally you are either wealthy/middle class or the children of at least middle class upbringing, so we have no ability to comprehend the cheapness of labor in developing countries and the price level difference. This is especially true if you are going to China and staying at 5-star hotels and drinking your daily Starbucks. They know how much they paid for what you are buying and no matter what happens, they will come out ahead. Traditionally, Chinese have said you should offer 10% of the asking price, and pay no more than 25%. This rule (guide) is especially useful if you do not speak Chinese, because I assure you, if you do not speak Chinese you will pay a premium.
In the end, if you feel that you getting a steal from them, you probably are not. However, if you are traveling in search of a connection, there is nothing so primal and fun in capitalism as going to a street market and negotiating smart with someone from across the world. I promise the time when you fought for a deal in the street market and got what you wanted and what you considered to be a good price, will be one of your most treasured memories in China.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Looking to add to the BlogRoll
I would love to share links between my blog and others who are relating their blogs to travel, international business, China, or ideally Chinese cuisine. I have some other blogs which I am quickly becoming fans of, so don't hesitate to send me an email.
Send your email to galvin12@gmail.com, and share your link and your interests in relation to your blog
I just added a friend of mine's
blog as she sails around the world.
Send your email to galvin12@gmail.com, and share your link and your interests in relation to your blog
I just added a friend of mine's
blog as she sails around the world.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Fun video
It is the hugely popular baby panda, and its startled mother. Just in case anyone has missed it.
Tell me about your best Travel Experience
As a tour operator, I would love to hear about your favorite experience while traveling. It may have nothing to do with traveling to China, or internationally, or even nationally. I am of the firm belief that a great trip is usually from some sort of communication or understanding of something outside your day to day realm. This may be of a new understanding of your mate, your children or a stranger in a culture that you have never encountered. In the future, I will share with you some of my favorite past experiences and hope you will do the same.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
