Tiramisu

I've read lots of great posts on Asia and clothing but am still worried about clothes. What do you wear that's comfortable yet decent looking? I'm travelling wiith my boss on my first business trip. We're both young women and dress casually at the office. On this trip we'll be touring factories and going out a bit at night. I want to pack as little as possible to save room for shopping.
Thanks in advance.

Mthomp77

Ask your customer/supplier what their dress code is. Most Chinese businesses dress in business attire (suits) especially for foreign visitors.

Evening will most likely be casual wear.

If you all are traveling business class, you will have lots of space in allowed luggage for purchases!

Cheers,

Michael

Tina_Perth

It would depend, I suppose on what type of business the factory is. When we visited Tianjin last year and several factories in trophy-making, steel-working etc, the boss of the factory was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and trousers. We wore similar styles, my husband wearing same as our host and I (38 years) wore pants or a plain dress (as in China they are extremely hospitable and lunch or dinner usually followed). Sorry to say differently to you Mike, but I don't think a suit is necessary, especially if it is as hot as it was in July when we visited.

For the plane - I always wear a jersey type, (no creases) straight-through dress with straps or short sleeves, take a cardigan and wear slip-on shoes. The reason is: nothing around my waist which I sometimes find uncomfortable if sitting for long periods, no problems with security buzzers (no buckles etc) and you can slip your shoes off for security (metal support) and also in the plane for comfort. The short sleeves are great if you turn up somewhere hot. I also take a spray can of Evian Water as the air can be very dry on the plane and it is so refreshing to have a mist on your face without messing up your makeup.

You will find China an amazing experience! Good luck.

cjbryant

If you are touring factories because you are in the process of establishing a business relationship with them then I would recommend a womans pant (preferred) or skirt suit. If you are visiting factories as a tourist, it won't make any difference.

Particularly as you are young (as stated) you'll need to do what is necessary to establish your credentials and the chinese way of thinking about business is VERY different from that of the Western world.

If you're going out at night with the folks from those factories business attire will still apply so either a suit refreshed with a clean blouse or perhaps a "little black dress" with scarf or jacket. You'll typically eat late and meals are a long process.

If you're going out at night on your own, more casual attire is fine.

If you would like to share where in Asia you are going, what types of factories you'll visit and where you are from I can give you more details.

I'm a woman who has been doing business with China for over 10 years and have learned a lot about the Asian ways of business in the process.

Although things are easier in general for business women now than they were when I started, its still very much a mans world in parts of Asia.

In fact, most of my new relationships start via e-mail and 9 out of 10 times the Asian respondent assumes I am a male as my title is Director and I am clearly a decision maker... my first name is Carol, which to an Asian could be either masculine or feminine.

With regard to having room for shopping...I always go to Asia with two suitcases - one with my clothes plus one empty for my loot on the return trip

cjbryant

BTW, on the plane wear something comfy, loose and not prone to wrinkling. Plan to take your shoes off and where the slipper socks that should be provided in your travel kit from the airline.

If you are on an overnight flight you can bring sweats / sleepwear in your carry on and change into them for sleeping overnight. Comfort will vary a lot depending on your class of service and airline. Jammies are offered on most overnight first class flights and most of the first class cabin will change into them.

If you are on a daytime flight you could still slip into a sweatsuit for comfort on the trip and change back into less casual attire prior to landing.

Don't plan to travel in your business attire.

Drink plenty of water and get up and walk and stretch periodically.

marmot

Tiramisu, I am an American woman who works in manufacturing in Asia. People dress casually in factories all over Asia. In fact, other than in banking and finance, you will find that business casual is appropriate everywhere in China. Having said that I always wear business suits, just because I like to be formal. I might suggest that you compromise and just wear a blazer with casual pants or skirt. One thing for sure, you should wear comfortable, flat shoes.

Tiramisu

Thanks All. I was thinking of sweats and sneaks for the plane. Also thinking a pair of "dressier" sneaks, more urban style for all the walking? Altho' dressy sneakers seems like an oxymoron! Tina is right about things around your waist hurting on a long trip. While travelling to Germany years ago my jeans almost killed me!

We'll be visiting Shanghai and Hong Kong. And looking at furniture and fixtures for houses.

What should I do about money? Should I rely on ATM's, travel checks??

Cicerone

Don’t bother with travellers checks, as merchants don’t really like them anymore in these days of ATMs. You will find ATMs everywhere in Hong Kong, a bit less so in Shanghai but still should be no problem. Bring a small amount of walking around money for your first day so you don’t have to find an ATM the minute you hit a city. Pay with credit cards at hotels, shops and restaurants to the greatest extent you can, you will get the best exchange rate that way, in my experience. Smaller shops and restaurants may not accept them, and if you are bargaining, paying by cash will get you a better price. With items you are having shipped, always pay by credit card so you can work with the credit card company if the package does not arrive.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are probably the two most fashion forward cities in China, so you will see all kinds of looks on the street. As a young person (I mean under 30), I am sure dressy sneakers are fine and a la mode, as I recall very high platform sneakers and shoes are popular (maybe to make up for women being on the short side. . . .) I would not worry so much about what you wear, people are fairly relaxed about dress (and I am a lawyer and work with fairly sophisticated clients). It is still true that in Asia the guy wearing the T-shirt is probably the owner, and the guy in the suit is his junior assistant. . .so don't be deceived by looks. If you are there to BUY a good or service rather than selling it, they will be interested in talking to you no matter what you are wearing.

I am always freezing on the planes so I wear layers and a bring shawl even when traveling in summer. Can’t stand those socks they give you (polyester) so bring my own. Hats off to Tina Perth who wears a DRESS on a plane, I could not sleep in one.

Can you describe what house and home wares you are looking for, I can give some reccos for Hong Kong. Have to say that places like Pier 1 in the US usually have better prices for unusual Asian home decor than you could find, as they buy in bulk. Do some looking around before you go so you can get an idea of prices and quality.

Bring an empty duffle bag or sport sac to carry home your purchases (or your dirty laundry so your purchases can go in a suitcase.)

Tina_Perth

Thanks Cicerone, but they are like long T-shirts, soft jersey fabric that doesn't wrinkle, but still look good. I couldn't stand to wear sweats. I can't sleep on planes anyway, usually some screaming kid somewhere.

Rdodone

Hi Carol,
You said you always took 2 suitcases - one to bring home things you purchased. Ever have any problems through customs coming back to US? I heard that in Minn customs is strict. LA- not too much. Why this I do not know. I would like to bring home some things however I have heard not such a good idea.

makersrn

We were in China last year. For the flight over and back- I would suggest you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing...it's a LONG flight. While there, casual clothing is all you will need. You can always dress it up with jewely if need be. We went to many factories and never saw anyone "dressed up". Comfortable walking shoes are a must! They love US currency and most everywhere accepts it- many places prefer it. Be sure to have lots of $1 bills. Use a credit card where you can, and ALWAYS bargain. You also might consider carrying along some travel toilet paper and hand wipes- bathroom facilities in many places leave a lot to be desired.

MrTraveler

Are you also asking about what you should wear on the plane??? That pretty much is up to you. Are you concerned about what your boss might think??? If she doesn't care, I'd dress as casual as possible. It's a LONG flight!! Sweats are a good idea.

Also, when are you going?? The time of the year and the weather plays a big part too.

Neil_Oz

Other posters may have had different experiences, but I never encountered anyone in China who expressed a preference for US$ over local currency - nor have family members who've been living and working in China for several years. Nor can I think of any good reason why they should. You should definitely carry yuan, including a good supply of lower denomination notes (10s, 20s) for casual purchases, taxis, admission fees etc.

mrwunrfl

You can take just one bag. Buy a second one there and fill it up. You can get a suitcase at a very low price, with quality that is good enough.