GZBILL

Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see. There is no lack of demand for US dollars amongst the local population. That demand has been squashed by currency restrictions and difficulties the People's Bank of China imposes on spending US dolars abroad. The RMB has been appreciating over the course of the past few years and it is not the result of a weakening dollar. It is the result of decades of currency manipulation that China started to see is no longer beneficial to its national interests. The RMB may well replace the US dollar as the de facto world currency, but not in this generation. One of the fundamental requiremants for a "world currency" is backing by a politically stable and dependable government. That will happen some day in China, but probably not until pigs fly.

This is the third time it's been posted here - the delay is 6 days, with no expedited service What I like are their claims that visa regulations have not changed. I mean, do they ever not lie?

The exchange rate has been fluctuating between 6.82 and 6.84 for a couple of months now. The best thing you can do is get a good job in China where you can elect payment in local currency.

That's not really a surprise, is it? I mean, I know very few Einsteins make it to Congress, but why wouldn't a creditor cut back on lending? All major US credit card companies are slashing credit limits and pruning out less creditworthy cardholders. The "China Credit Card Company" should be doing the same. Now what would be truly newsworthy -- and funny as hell -- would be to see the US Government slash government salaries, benefits and perks. It's about time the government started practicing what they preach and live within its means.

I would say I like the south better than the north. I like them both, but my point is that there are some general differences. Unfortunately even cab drivers in Beijing are rather intolerant of black people. There have been many times I have heard them make racist comments. It may seem more pervasive in the south because cab drivers in the south are generally more vocal and like to engage their customers in idle conversation. Funny, but the only time in over a dozen years that anybody made a comment about genitalia to me was in Beijing. An unusually talkative cabbie suggested I would do better with a Chinese wife than an American one (I will not get into the sorid details). When I feigned ignorance, he was explicitly graphic. My first couple of years ago I thought people speaking Cantonese were loud and abusive. Many, many times I would think people were fighting or arguing, but in the end they were just having a normal, friendly conversation about an exciting topic. That's just the nature of their language. yeah, i would have thought the comment about my genitalia was funny if the man hadn't made it to my wife (!) assuming I wouldn't understand. he was quite a jerk. my wife and i were taken way aback by the whole experience.... i agree about cantonese -- it sounds abrasive to me, perhaps because there are so many tones (8? 9?). just another reason i was so happy to be back up north with the regular old users of putonghua To your wife??? Some cabbies are just off the farm and really have no concept of social skills. Actually, I prefer Cantonese to Mandarin. They have a lot of really cute, graphic descriptions for a lot of concepts. If you want to say that someone is a pervert, you call them "salty & wet" and one of the worst insults imaginable is "lay down in the street." For me, it really is funny.

So true. The drive here to be unique is just ... well, ... insane. Given the structure of the Chinese language, I wouldn't think it unreasonable for them to not include every possible character in their database. It's also reasonable that they only allow Chinese characters in China. Even in the US there are limits on what you can name a child and it's not too rare to read where a court in the US has refused to allow a parents to give certain names to their children. I seriously doubt, too, that courts would allow you to use other than English letters in a name.

I would say I like the south better than the north. I like them both, but my point is that there are some general differences. Unfortunately even cab drivers in Beijing are rather intolerant of black people. There have been many times I have heard them make racist comments. It may seem more pervasive in the south because cab drivers in the south are generally more vocal and like to engage their customers in idle conversation. Funny, but the only time in over a dozen years that anybody made a comment about genitalia to me was in Beijing. An unusually talkative cabbie suggested I would do better with a Chinese wife than an American one (I will not get into the sorid details). When I feigned ignorance, he was explicitly graphic. My first couple of years ago I thought people speaking Cantonese were loud and abusive. Many, many times I would think people were fighting or arguing, but in the end they were just having a normal, friendly conversation about an exciting topic. That's just the nature of their language.

If I had to guess, I'd say artificial in one way or another. ----- Ok, now I just read the article. This reminds me of something ... ... Like between 2003 - 2006 when I was getting over 200% -- yes, you're eyesight is NOT failing -- returns on just about any reputable Chinese mutual fund, most of which were highly dependant on the Shanghai stock market. Of course, the Shanghai shares (and the companies) are still totally crap, but there was just too much liquidity in the market and people practically threw their cash at anything with a pulse (or lied about having a pulse). Deja vu?

I agree. Somewhere in the picture there is logic, it's just the logic doesn't make much sense from a Western perspective. In the minds of the dry cleaner and hotel, it makes perfect sense that you pay for a service rendered, even though the service didn't meet reasonable expectation. I've witnessed several exchanges between Chinese people regarding pricing, fairness, and so on. From things as simple as buying fruit on the street, clothing, electronics, whatever. Usually, if you accept the first price, first offer, and fail to put your foot down over something unfair, you're considered a sucker. Most of us lao wai, fall in that category. One thing, is it's a good idea to speak up and let them know you're unhappy. If you think the haggling over prices makes you look like a sucker here, I suggest you never go to any South American country -- with the notable exception of Chile -- for more than 25 minutes. They make the Chinese look like total amateurs. I agree that service aboard short-haul flights on Chinese airlines is much better than on US airlines. Even their frequent flyer programs are far, far superior to US carriers. I do not agree, however, that customer service in the US is not as good as in China. As a whole, customer service in the US is much better -- as a whole. In China service is pretty good in upper middle class and better establishments in large cities. In your average stores and restaurants it's hit and miss. And in smaller cities it can still be really terrible. Back home it's usually good, but then if you get off the beaten path and end up at a KFC in the "hood" ... well, just hope you're wearing one of the better-made bullet proof vests. I never really thought of service being better in the north vs. southern China. I have found people as friendly and service as good in both areas. I think the difference is that in the north people just have much more time to talkk to you because of their less stressing lifestyle and their inherent interest in all things foreign. In the south people are used to expats plus they really are pushed to work hard and have no time (or energy) for idle chit chat while working. I would have to agree with you about the difference in south and north china. My wife, who is from the south, says that customer experience is better in the south than in the north for us because (as you said) they are more used to expats and provide a more western style customer service. That being said we always get more information, help, and suggestions on places of interest, things to do, deals, etc. here in the north than in the south. As she says, it requires much hard work in the south just to make a living and pay for the housing. Living in Guangzhou for so long, I've always had the impression that people in the south were friendlier -- always smiling. In Guanghzzhou is it extremely easy to make friends ... and quickly. People are more inclined to talk to you even though you are a complete stranger. The relationships that usually form, though, appear for the most part superficial. My perception of the people I met from north China was that they were cold and distant. I seldom saw people smiling. Then I realized that once you actually spoke to someone and broke the ice, they are as warm and friendly as any you have ever met. Then I moved to Beijing. People here seem cold and distant

I don't think you'll find anything, anywhere here that is extremely accurate unless it is in the south. In Guangzhou I'd get the Hong Kong forcast and that was pretty reliable also for Guangzhou. In Beijing I use: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=33 The problem in Beijing, though, is that they seed the clouds so it can rain almost any time the local government wants it to.

I agree. Somewhere in the picture there is logic, it's just the logic doesn't make much sense from a Western perspective. In the minds of the dry cleaner and hotel, it makes perfect sense that you pay for a service rendered, even though the service didn't meet reasonable expectation. I've witnessed several exchanges between Chinese people regarding pricing, fairness, and so on. From things as simple as buying fruit on the street, clothing, electronics, whatever. Usually, if you accept the first price, first offer, and fail to put your foot down over something unfair, you're considered a sucker. Most of us lao wai, fall in that category. One thing, is it's a good idea to speak up and let them know you're unhappy. If you think the haggling over prices makes you look like a sucker here, I suggest you never go to any South American country -- with the notable exception of Chile -- for more than 25 minutes. They make the Chinese look like total amateurs. I agree that service aboard short-haul flights on Chinese airlines is much better than on US airlines. Even their frequent flyer programs are far, far superior to US carriers. I do not agree, however, that customer service in the US is not as good as in China. As a whole, customer service in the US is much better -- as a whole. In China service is pretty good in upper middle class and better establishments in large cities. In your average stores and restaurants it's hit and miss. And in smaller cities it can still be really terrible. Back home it's usually good, but then if you get off the beaten path and end up at a KFC in the "hood" ... well, just hope you're wearing one of the better-made bullet proof vests. I never really thought of service being better in the north vs. southern China. I have found people as friendly and service as good in both areas. I think the difference is that in the north people just have much more time to talkk to you because of their less stressing lifestyle and their inherent interest in all things foreign. In the south people are used to expats plus they really are pushed to work hard and have no time (or energy) for idle chit chat while working.

Exactly. Why I can't agree with everything that is done here or the method in which it is done, a lot of times I can see their logic. Other times I can't and try to change things. The trick is knowing when to just give up. Regarding customer service, maybe things aren't what we'd expect. My experience, however, is that there has been a vast improvement over the past 15 years. Vast! I go into some establishments now and the people are so nice and attentive that it makes me want to just poke their eyes out! Your mileage may vary. Is China different? Yes. That's why China is China and not the US. The same can be said for any country in, say, South America, too. If you need plain vanilla, don't leave your house.

And it's not going to be getting any better. After China and India, there are a multitude of poor backwaters that will take their place when US manufacturers decide they need new slave labor. Sometimes people get the shaft not because others shaft them, but because they were moronic enough to sit on a phone pole.

Right. They're making some tough choices. Either keep 2.5 million people employed or close down the steel factories. Tough choice. Interesting that China has ramped up steel production by 20% in these uncertainn economic conditions. Of course, rather than understand the country's injection of trillions of RMB into the economy to stimulate the already massive amount of construction and add numerous new ships to it's now miniscule armada could account for that, some choose to whine and moan about their own irresponsible business decisions that put their company in financial ruin. Seems convenient to just blame it on the economy and / or some other country. Personal accountability at a new low. I like how they keep riding the environmental aspect. Hypocrisy at its finest! Steel producing regions in the US were virtual environmental slums years ago and one of the only reasons we do import steel is to keep that from happening again. Of course, now the environment is better in those highly industrialized areas, but somebody forgot to tell that to those people living there who all of a sudden can now glow in the dark or sprout 7 fingers per hand from drinking their own well water. This whole escapade smells so much like the old nationalistic auto industry death rattle: foreign cars are driving us out of business. Yeah, right.

Which hotel?

There are only two options: 1. Illegal Sat TV; or 2. Sat TV provided by an authorized government controlled company. Choosing #1 will not ordinarily get a subscriber arrested and / or deported. You would, though, be subject to losing whatever you paid for the service as well as periodic confiscation of any Sat TV dish on the exterior portion of your premises. Every once in a while building complex management offices will get orders from the Public Security Bureau and warn tenants of impending dish raids. Most people ignore the notices and then after a few weeks you see window washer type scaffolding appear and go up and down sides of the building plucking all visible dishes. People crazy enough to complain when their dish is snatched are the ones generally fined for having an illegal dish. Option #2 in virtually every case provides far inferior and more restrictive services (i.e. channel selection) than option #1. This IS the Freedom Of The Press thread, isn't it?

Very interesting article. We've been hearing about this in Chinese news lately. If over time, the Yuan increases in value on the world stage, this small "test" move could impact the US dollar. For me, a freely convertible RMB couldn't come soon enough.

There are only two options: 1. Illegal Sat TV; or 2. Sat TV provided by an authorized government controlled company. Choosing #1 will not ordinarily get a subscriber arrested and / or deported. You would, though, be subject to losing whatever you paid for the service as well as periodic confiscation of any Sat TV dish on the exterior portion of your premises. Every once in a while building complex management offices will get orders from the Public Security Bureau and warn tenants of impending dish raids. Most people ignore the notices and then after a few weeks you see window washer type scaffolding appear and go up and down sides of the building plucking all visible dishes. People crazy enough to complain when their dish is snatched are the ones generally fined for having an illegal dish. Option #2 in virtually every case provides far inferior and more restrictive services (i.e. channel selection) than option #1.

Chinese people really do enjoy their holidays. One of my co-workers asked whether people in the US get such a holiday... Wow! It went by totally unnoticed here. Not only did my son still have school, but we didn't give any time off to our staff that fell within the age range mentioned.

I'm not sure whether the guy is legally licensed with Dream or not. Dream offices are based in Beijing, and there is also a big office in Shanghai, so they do provide service in China. Impossible for him to be licensed. No Sat TV is legal unless provided directly by the government. Try asking him for a valid fa piao that specifically states the concept as Sat TV. In Guangzhou, Shanghai and now Beijing I've seen the Sat dish raids following months of warning notices on compound bulletin boards. They simply use window-washing equipment to scale even the highest buildings and pluck Sat dishes off your balcony. Some hotels obtain special licenses, though. And in Beijing the diplomatic compounds get legal Sat TV and special cable services.

I think if Chinese automakers can grasp the concept of quality AND price they'll be another automotive powerhouse like Japan. Don't worry they will do that... How long it will take is the question. I remember there was a time when Japanese stuff was call junk and look now where they are. Yea .. now if only the USA carmakers could do it in cars made for USA consumption (not for export to Europe). I'm not sure if US automobiles are of lesser mechanical quality that, say, Japanese cars. At one point they truly were, but over the past few years my family members that own American cars say that they are very pleased with the actual quality. It's the service they say still sucks. The last time I bought a car in the States I had to make the decision between Saturn (GM) and Lexus or Infiniti. I went to several of the GM dealers and met the stereotypical high pressure money grubbing salesmen. I told them I'd like to test drive a car and they first wanted to "pre-qualify" me, have me sign all sorts of releases and then the salesman said he had to accompany me for the 10 minute test drive. Par for the course, right? I went to the Lexus dealer. The guy saw I was wearing jeans and driving my brother's old jalopy and wouldn't even talk with me. I went to the Infiniti dealer. Immediately the saleman asked me if I wanted some juice and whole wheat muffins and asked me what kind of car I was interested in. He gave me a very brief run-down on the differences between the various models and said he'd be back in 15 minutes to help with any questions. I looked around and afrer a while the guy came back and asked me which one I wanted to test drive. Amazed, I told him and he gave me the keys and walked me to the car. He said it had a full tank of gas, but if I needed more just fill it up and give him the receipt. I was shocked that he wasn't coming with me. I told him I'd be back in about 15 minutes and he said, "Why so fast? Take your time. Go pick up your wife and some friends and talk them for a drive. It's only 11 am now and we don't close until 9 pm. If you're gonna be later than 9, give me a call and I'll wait for you." I bought the Infiniti. Easy bargaining process. Very low stress. When it was time for all the preventative maintenance like oil changes, I was amazed that the dealer only charged about 50% more than if I had gone to a fast-food type of place. I brought my car in in the morning, got a LOANER, went to work and after work drove the LOANER back to pick up my car. Not only did they do the maintenance, but they washed & waxed the car and left roses in the car that I could give to my wife. All the while even the lot boy called me by name. I wouldn't care if all US auto manufacturers / dealers went directly to hell in a handbasket. And I wrote a letter to Lexus, too. The moron got fired and is now working for -- surprise, surprise -- Ford.

I think if Chinese automakers can grasp the concept of quality AND price they'll be another automotive powerhouse like Japan. Don't worry they will do that... How long it will take is the question. I remember there was a time when Japanese stuff was call junk and look now where they are. Agreed! Now look at Korea. After Japan got its act together, Korean made products were the new junk. Now they are starting to get their act together. As long as they don't screw up, it's just a matter of time for China.

Actually, the service you have is illegal. Sat and / or cable TV that is not directly provided by a government licensed entity (i.e. state owned company specifically authorized to provide the service) is illegal. Often there will be campaigns conducted by the PSB to destroy any Sat TV dishes that are visible on the outside of apartment buildings. This is one reason why all these Sat TV dealers are only reachable via a disposable cell phone number.

I think if Chinese automakers can grasp the concept of quality AND price they'll be another automotive powerhouse like Japan.

sary hrd tu tipe lafing tu hrd Totally agree! Deep down, though, you really should feel sorry for someone who can write that and honestly believe it. GZBILL, I agree with you on just about everything, except this. My question, How can somebody from another country think they know more then a native born and raised and educated from that country? What do we really know about China and it's culture? Just what we read in books and see on TV News and documentaries? In my opinion, I think the person that grew up there knows the best. When the person that grew up there shows, by what they post, that they have the grasp of a three year old, then you don't have to be a rocket scientist to be right. And it really isn't rocket science. You see this a lot in the uneducated sector -- often with poor self-esteem -- of every country where they take a non-threatening factual comment and get defensive to the point where what little reality they do hold turns into steam. Next will come the "Foreigners should get out of China!" rant and then it just goes downhill from there. Some people who grew up here never really grew up. You need to PM me. We need to talk. If you think we need to talk, then let's hope you have the intellect and manual dexterity to make use of the PM function and initiate contact. Or might it be beyond your capabilities?