What you absolutely need to know before travelling to China on business
Top Ten Tips from a tried and true China travel expert

Business is booming in China. It’s true, over the past few years the opportunity for western companies and entrepreneurs to profit from the world’s largest market has increased significantly. China’s recent entrance into the WTO has only served to increase the accessibility of this newly emerging market.

With these advanced opportunities, come formidable challenges. The Chinese culture is still very much different from the North American way of life. It’s one of the reasons why travelling and doing business in China is so exciting.

When I first started planning and leading corporate missions to China some ten years ago, I remember the big questions when planning for my first visit –

• What paperwork is needed to get into the country?
• How do you develop and then access a network of key contacts?
• How do you ensure the investment in the trip (i.e. travel costs) is offset by measurable returns?
• What about daily issues – food, lodging, language, business culture?

The answers to these and other questions come from experience. Understanding the Chinese culture, the Chinese business "modus operandi" and establishing a network of reliable contacts and key alliances – all of these things are important before travelling.

So, based on much experience and lessons learned during countless trips to China, here’s my quick top ten list of some of the practical tips for the business traveller in China:

9. Get your shots! – Consult a travel medical professional for the proper inoculations. China is a big country; you’ll need different shots depending on your travel itinerary. It’s also recommended bringing a handy medical kit with you including some over the counter medications – just in case. Often the Chinese equivalents of Western over the counter medications can be hard to come by. It’s always best to keep the medication in labelled packaging or bottles.

8. Know your numbers – Make sure you have addresses and phone numbers for your country’s Consulate in the Chinese cities you are visiting. These numbers can come in handy in case of an emergency .

7. Valid Passport – Valid Passport – This seems to be an obvious consideration, but inactuality the Chinese require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your visit. If you’re travelling in December, keep in mind that you’ll need a passport that is valid through June.

6. You’ll need an invitation – In order to conduct business while travelling in China, you require a personal invitation from the Chinese government and a valid VISA. PBB’s qualified travel professionals can assist you with every facet of obtaining this vital documentation.

5. Personal relationships are key – Without access to a network of qualified contacts in China, your business trip will be futile. In China, personal relationships are not just important – they are necessary. If you don’t have these contacts, your travel professional must have the ability to identify the required business pa and set the appointments.

4. Proven experience in China is critical – Make sure your travel professional and trip organizer has past experience organizing and arranging travel in China. Knowledge of the country’s business culture, logistics issues and other matters is a valuable bonus, too.

3. Get cultured – The Chinese business culture is far different than our Western society. There are small, sometimes subtle, cultural differences that if ignored can become a dealbreaker. I have grown accustomed to providing a guide to these tips and tricks to any group we send to China. The Chinese love to combine business with pleasure -be prepared to conduct business around the dinner table. Another tip, always present your business card with both hands extended; receive your Chinese counterpart’s card in the same fashion. Always take time to immediately read the card.

2. Frequency matters – Don’t expect that one trip to China will net instant returns. Remember, personal contacts are key, it may take several trips to build a trustworthy relationship with partners or vendors, before the deal can be made. However, once you gain the trust of your Chinese business associates, the opportunities are unlimited. It is also important to extend invitations to your Chinese contacts to visit you in Canada.

1. Don’t go it alone, utilize an experienced China travel expert – Travelling to China is sure to be an exciting experience, but there are many serious considerations that should not be overlooked. China is a vast country with very different customs and culture – you’ll need an experienced travel professional such as PBB who understands all the intricate details. We recommend travelling in a group, led by seasoned professionals and translators.

Of course, there are other key tips and pointers to consider. China has untapped potential that when explored, can be very rewarding.

Josephine Boyle is Director of PBB Corporate Travel, a service of PBB Global Logistics. PBB has been organizing and leading business travellers to China for over a decade. She has led Trade Missions to selected cities and regions in China. Call Josephine for more details on how you can be involved 1-800-665-2978.