American Chinese Culture Differences
I stepped foot on American soil again after 15 months. My first trip back and I first stop off in Las Vegas. What a wonderful place to start a US visit. I was here for a trade show and my booth was located next to a company from China and a company from Taiwan. Funny how I did not actually escape my current state of Chinese comfort by coming to America. So during these few days I noticed the following:
(1) Chinese love to push the elevator close button with a vengence. Americans seem to just wait for it to close.
(2) American stores have the largest drink selection bar none. I know size limits Chinese 7/11’s but they just do not have the selection American drinkers have. The gas station across from the LVHilton had pop, water, energy drinks, wine, beer, tea, some other health drinks and more. There was not just one type, but many different brands of the same type of drink. However, I could not find asparagus juice, apple milk, jelly drinks, or different varieties of teas.
(3) Does Americans know you can take a SIM card out of a phone and use another SIM card in the phone? In the U.S. you need to buy a pre-paid phone. Crazy-loopo way to use the technology that is built in every GSM phone. The USA is always so far behind in phone technology. I guess that is why it took Samsung and LG so long to break into this market. They were trying to figure out when the American public could handle phone upgrades.
(4) People actually drive Segways in the USA.
(5) People in the USA don’t have a clue on how to ride a scooter. Sadly a man died today and a 4 year old boy is in critical condition here in Las Vegas after getting hit. In Asia people drive crazy fast on scooters, but car drivers are used to them. In the US scooter drives need to be much more defensive.
(6) On the subject of scooters. I drive with three or four people on my scooter. I did once have 6 individuals on mine for a mile ride. Now this is with my little 2 year old sandwiched between me and my wife or with him standing in the front holding on to the mirrors. Not sure if you could ride with 3 or more people on a scooter in the U.S.
(7) What happened to people welcoming you in a store and thanking you for coming when you leave? In Asia it is second nature.
(8) Most Asians find it hard to accept fine dining. Taking time to eat and hang out. Fill the belly quick and move on. Plus keep costs to a fine minimum.
(9) Asians grab all show material you have displayed, even if they don’t know what it is they are grabbing. US customers just take what they need and even then they want it sent to them.
(10) Never really thought that McDonalds was that much different in other countries, but after talking to a few Chinese people I have found out they dislike McDonalds in America. The taste is a bit different (fatter or greasier tasting) plus in Asia they have a few different toppings.
(11) Airports serve beer in America, instant noodles in Asia.
(12) Airports in the USA are fancy, in Asia they are like waiting in a train or bus station.
(13) Restaurants and public areas have hot water. In Taiwan all water from a faucet is cold. I’m not sure why that is? Maybe it is because of the lack of water heaters tanks. In just about all houses they use instant water heaters – the unit turns on when you turn the hot water faucet on and it will take a little bit for the hot water to come through.
Well, this is my quick list. There is much more to add, but my mind is still trying to adjust to this America I have been away from for the past 15 months.
