2. In China, Mr./Ms. should be added to last name. In the U.S., first names are used almost immediately right after the introduction. Introductions are often accompanied by a relative soft, lengthy handshake or a nod in China. Introductions are often accompanied by a relatively firm handshake in the U.S.

3. In both China and the U.S., a doctoral title (Dr.) is often used in introductions as a sign of respect and status. Other titles: president, chairman; in China, the list can be longer: general manager, director, etc. These titles may be used in China long after introductions.

4. U.S. businesspeople do not always exchange business cards unless there is a reason to contact the person later. U.S. businesspeople tend to glance at the business card and then promptly put it in the pocket. Chinese businesspeople almost always exchange business cards at the first meeting. Chinese tend to use both hands when presenting their cards.

5. Class distinctions in the U.S. are subtle. Rank and seniority is apparent in Asia. In Japan, the person of lower rank bows first and lowest. When the Chinese or Japanese enter a meeting room or elevator, the highest- ranking person enters first. If there are guests, guests enter first. In China, senior person should be acknowledged first.

6. In China, business dining is usually held at lunch or dinner (not at breakfast). In the U.S., business dining may be held at breakfast. It is a good gesture for international businesspeople to try to use chopsticks in China. When not in used, chopsticks should not be placed in an upright position in the rice bowl (should be placed on the chopstick rest).

7. In China, fine restaurants may include a service charge; e.g., 15%. In China, tipping is generally not expected for Chinese customers. In China, U.S. businesspeople should tip at places international businesspeople stay or dine. In Hong Kong, tipping is expected.

8. In the U.S., a tip of 15% is adequate; 20% when the service is excellent; no less than 10% or report to the manager and no tip when the service is poor. Wine steward: 15% of cost of the bottle. Bartender: 15-20% of the tab. Coatroom attendant: $1 per coat. Parking valet: $2-5 to bring your car to you. Washroom attendant: 50 cents to $1.

9. Taxi driver: assume 15% will be enough. Food delivery: 10%; 15%-20% for difficult delivery. Grocery loader: $1-2. Barber, hairdresser, manicurist: 15-20%. Hotel doorman, bellhop, airport skycap: $1 per bag. Hotel housekeeper: $2-5. Tip jars: no tip required; optional. Handyman, gas attendant: no tip.

10. In the U.S., limit the price of the gift to $25 or less (bring a bottle of good wine to the host family is a good thing to do). In Japan, major gift giving times are Ochugen (July 15) and Oseibo (December): imported liquor, designer products, such as Gucci and Tiffany & Co. In China, bring a small, high-quality, U.S. made gift for the first meeting and family visit.

11. In the U.S., gifts are opened in front of giver. Appreciation is expressed verbally. A written note of appreciation may follow. In China, gifts should not be opened in front of giver. Accept the gift with both hands. In China, four is the most negative number. One should not give a gift certificate in the amount of 140 or 400 Yuan. In the U.S., 13 is not a good number.

12. In China, gifts should not be wrapped in white or black color. Expect the Chinese to decline the gift a couple of times before they eventually accept it. Gifts to avoid are: clocks, white flowers, cutlery, and handkerchiefs.