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Business Cards

Business cards are essential when doing business in China - as first-time introductions to potential business partners are always accompanied by the exchange of business cards.

You can never have too many - make sure to have an entire stack printed and even better - make sure that your business card is bi-lingual (with one side printed in Chinese and other side in English, or in the foreign language of your choice).

When presenting your business card, always hold it with both hands with your name facing the recipient. It is not considered polite to just casually toss a business card over with one hand.

If you know for a fact that the recipient does not speak any other language except Chinese and you have a bi-lingual business card (with one side in printed in Chinese and the other side in English or your preferred foreign language), then it is considered courteous to hand over the business card with the Chinese side facing up.

When on the receiving end and accepting business cards, always accept by holding the card with both hands as well. It is then considered polite to glance at the card and put it away carefully - preferably in a nice, suitable business card holder. Shoving the card into a pocket is considered a no-no, especially when the pocket in question is a back trouser pocket.