Working Abroad - Packing Tips and Know-how

Great article on ' packing tips from travel pros' click here
 www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/business/06PACK.html

At expatknowhow we advise the following:

• Be clear on the type of trip you are taking and therefore what may be needed – location/weather type/air-conditioning/walking/entertaining/health needs etc….. 
• Plan the best type of luggage to use case/backpack and properly label and ensure the case is easily distinguished with a strap, ribbon or colourful tape. Many cases look the same when waiting at a conveyor belt. 
• Be clear on what items you may be able to buy that are cost effective when you get to your destination. 
• Plan your wardrobe; try to create a capsule set of items that can be mixed and matched and easily interchangeable and also try to choose items that do not easily crease or are easy to wash. Try to minimise footwear/bags by choosing a neutral colour that will go with everything.
• Plan your items and find a dedicated space to lay them out in advance of the trip. Or if space is an issue put the items in the case/backpack loosely as you think of them so they are all in one place when the time comes to pack. 
• Be clear on airline weight restrictions and carry on rules. Check the airline website. 
• When packing; place the heavy items at the bottom of the case (shoes/wash bag etc.) so that light items are on top and don’t get crushed.
•  Decant or buy small items of toiletries, many makes today have travel size options. 
• Make use of shoes and heavy items at the bottom of the case by filling with socks/underwear/swimming costume etc… 
• Wherever possible pack clothes in a tight roll and pack into a space tightly, this will minimise creases and crush marks. 
• If space is a serious issue then it may be worthwhile to vacuum pack some items. 
• When going to a cold country wear any heavy items boots/coat onto the plane to save the space and weight in the case. 
• Be prepared and always have a spare change of clothes and any spare glasses, medicines or contact lens solutions (be clear on the airline liquid restrictions) etc.. in your carry on luggage, as these may be needed in case the flight is delayed or you miss a connection or if the cases don’t arrive at the final destination.

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Working Abroad - China Cultural Briefing

It won't have escaped your notice that China is vying for position as the world's leading economic super-power. Improved international relations, government reforms and increased foreign investment make it an attractive location for international business.

 Awareness of Chinese culture will help communications and avoid ‘culture shock' when travelling. The ancient culture of the third largest country in the world, home to a fifth of the citizens of the planet, is fascinating and complex and there is much to learn. Here is just a brief overview;

Confucianism is a major influence permeating all of Chinese society. Revolving around the concept of harmonious relationships, it is manifest in an aversion to conflict, maintenance of proper behaviour and the preservation of ‘face' (honour or respect). Sincerity is valued above all qualities.

 It is important to be reserved and courteous when greeting in China. Here are a few tips to follow:

• If you are applauded as a welcome, return the applause 
• Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first 
• Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners (do not be overly vigorous when shaking hands as this can be interpreted as aggressive) 
• Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone 
• Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they wish to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use. 
• Be ready to laugh at yourself – the Chinese have a great sense of humour!

For much more information on business etiquette in China, see our guide, ‘Doing Business in China' – currently available to download for FREE. click here to subscribe to our newsletter worldwise.

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

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Working Abroad - Business Link to China

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have recently launched 'LinkToChina' – the new UK-China business match-making project launched by the BCC and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (The Chinese Chamber of International Commerce).

Go to this link to find out more details:

http://linktochina.tvchamber.co.uk/

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

Need help or support for your business trip or relocation?

Then contact us at now at expatknowhow:

http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Contact

http://www.expatknowhow.com/

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or sign up to our Blog http://www.expatknowhow.blogspot.com/  for more know-how.

Working Abroad - Relocation to China

Interested to find out more about what companies are saying about and doing when relocationg people to China.
The Cartus Survey Shows Global Relocation Assignments into China Continue to Grow.
Click to go to this great article from Cartus  Relocation to China

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

Need help or support?
Then contact us at now at expatknowhow:
http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Contact
http://www.expatknowhow.com/
Follow us on twitter @expatknowhow
or sign up to our Blog http://www.expatknowhow.blogspot.com/  for more know-how.