🏮 Culture & Etiquette Guide

Use two hands when giving or receiving anything valuable (business card, gift, phone).

Offer and accept objects, drinks, or money with a slight nod of thanks.

Stand in line and keep your place; queues matter in metros and ticket offices.

Pour tea for others before refilling your own cup.

Say "不好意思 bù hǎo yì si" (excuse me) when squeezing past.

Try every dish offered as a sign of appreciation.

Tap the table twice with two fingers to say thanks when someone refills your tea.

Give or receive a business card text-side up.

Offer to pay the whole bill; the host usually insists.

Keep your voice moderate in public transport.

Stick chopsticks upright in rice – that symbolises funeral incense.

Touch someone's head or shoulder unless you are close friends.

Jump the queue or crowd the counter.

Write names in red ink; it's reserved for the deceased.

Open gifts in front of the giver unless they insist.

Finish every last bite; leaving a little shows you are satisfied.

Point with one finger; gesture with an open hand instead.

Blow your nose loudly at the table.

Split the bill item by item in local eateries; it looks stingy.

Discuss politics or territorial disputes with new acquaintances.