Advice on Visiting China

[Xylia]

1. Very few stores accept American currency, but some of the bigger ones do.
2. You can bargain with the small stalls that sell suvineers. Don't try this with the department stores.
3. If they think you're a foreigner, they will always try to swindle you. Naturally, they will think that because you're willing to shell out for a vacation, you're willing to pay more for trinkets the locals pay less for.
4. There aren't many Western-style toilets. In China, you stoop down and instead of a seat, there are footholds.
5. Even the highest-class resturants have bad bathrooms. McDonald's is pretty decent though. When you get far into the countryside, the restroom toilets are usually just holes in the ground.
6. Everything's cheaper except electronics, which are generally a little more expensive than in America.
7. One American dollar is worth 8 Chinese dollars (which, in case you didn't know, is why it costs $15 to dine at Mickey-D's). If you can't figure it out, don't round off to 10. It may seem helpful, but since the numbers are generally pretty high (for things like clothes) then the numbers'll be pretty wacky.
8. Chinese people are pretty hospitible. It's like, an unwritten tradition to invite people in for tea. Don't forget to take off your shoes.

I hope that helps a little. It's hard to remember. I haven't been in China since the summer of... fifth or sixth grade.

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With regards to the toilets, yes, they aren't the western toilet bowl and seat to sit on type. The footrests either side of the hole in the floor type are a bit tricky for those who aren't use to them. If you are going to use one, I suggest you either wear a skirt for girls. Guys should consider wearing shorts, and drop and hold your trouserwear with one hand around your knees before crouching down and pushing your manhood backwards with the other hand. Otherwise, bitter experience will give you wet pants and worse, unspeakable splashback.

Don't have ice in China, no matter if it's McDonalds or whereever. It will invariably give you more problems and the need to visit the fearful hold in the ground toilets!!!

A Veteran.