.A gift may be refused one or two times before it is accepted. .If you are invited to someone's home, bring good quality sweets, fruit, flowers, or imported spirits to the hostess. .Do not give red or white flowers. .Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils, as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship. .Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals, as they are associated with funerals and death. .Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper. .Gold and red are lucky colours, so they make excellent gift wrapping. .Elaborate gift wrapping is important. .Do not give odd numbers as many are considered unlucky. .Never give a quantity of four items. .Eight is a particularly auspicious number, so giving eight of something bestows good fortune on the recipient. .A small gift for the children is always appreciated; however, do not give green hats. .Always present gifts with two hands. .Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
.Table manners are rather relaxed in Hong Kong, although there are certain rules of etiquette. When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour. .Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a seating plan. .Wait for the host to tell you to start eating or for him to begin eating. .Food is served on a revolving tray.
.You should try everything. .Never eat the last piece from the serving tray. .Burping is considered a compliment. .Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. .Always refuse a second serving at least once if you don't want to appear gluttonous. .Leave some food in your bowl when you have finished eating. .When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks in the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl. .The host offers the first toast. You may reciprocate later in the meal.
Business Etiquette and Protocol in Hong Kong
Building Relationships & Communication
.Although businesspeople in Hong Kong do not require long-standing personal relationships to do business, many businesses are family- owned, so personal relationships are an integral part of the enterprise. .Once you have begun to work with a Hong Kong businessperson, it is important to maintain the relationship. .When you first meet, expect a fair amount of small talk. Your Hong Kong colleagues will want to get to know you well enough that they are comfortable working with you. .Do not be surprised if you are asked questions that might be considered extremely personal in your home country. .The Hong Kong Chinese are generally sophisticated and cosmopolitan. .They are quite familiar and comfortable with people from other countries. .Although some businesspeople may overlook poor behaviour for the sake of the business deal, many will not. .The Hong Kong Chinese take a long-term view of business relationships. .Hong Kong Chinese are direct communicators, although they also make use of non-verbal communication. .In general, businesspeople are non- confrontational and will never overtly say no, so that they do not embarrass the other person. .If someone sucks air through his/her teeth while you are speaking, it means that they are unhappy with what you have just said. If at all possible, try to re-state your position or modify your request, since you have made the other person extremely unhappy. .As in many Asian cultures, silence is a form of communication. .Resist the urge to jump into the conversation if your Hong Kong business colleague remains silent for a minute.
