Do you talk to the strangers when you travel around? especially in China?

Question

Are you shy to express yourself because you can't speak Mandarin or any local languages?

Or, you would just try your best to use body language or drawing whatever on notes....?

Or may be you just ignore them?

Or you "block" them?

Answer 1

So the question is in China: Never. Unless I am asking for help, then I will try to locate an officially looking guy, like police or shop owner.

Some one asked me (A 50+ old women plus 15 daughter) outside the hotel asking for money, they are lost and need money to go back to home town. They want to go to my room for a break. No way. I only offer, if they want, I call their relative when I am back to hotel to come and help them.

Some one (two of them) well dressed, asked me for US$40 for them to take a taxi to the airport and meet their boss. They must be joking, I did not spend that kind of money to take a taxi. Do not think that I am well-dressed business looking man from Hong Kong will be that stupid.

Yes, I talked to people when I am in US or Canada or England or Singapore...

Answer 2

Oh absolutely... and strangers talk to me. Almost every time I go to the grocery store I talk to someone. The other day this lady and I had a long talk about energy vitamins.

In foreign countries I haven't had any problem. I speak three languages and can fudge my way through a fourth, so I squeak by. I've heard that unless you are in the remote areas of China, you will find English speakers. The country is really promoting English now, especially on the cab drivers and service people, because of the Olympics.

Answer 3

Absolutely I talk to strangers when I am traveling... that is one of the reasons to travel.

I don't speak chinese, but I speak 4 other languages and I have found that I can get along quite nicely with any TWO of those languages... someone in the area always speaks English, French, Spanish or German so I can get along.

Answer 4

Depends on my mood. I don't speak chinese, except for the simple words. But when people approach me wanting to talk to me it's usually because they want to practice their english or just becaue they're curious about the foreigner. I don't live in a big big city so that helps. But I usually just try to mime my way through things if I need something. But I try to make sure it doesn't get out of hand when they're practicing, when I'm ready to go I don't give them teh chance to keep me around, you have to clearly and firmly end the conversation.

Answer 5

I went to several places in China for several times for holiday.
I remembered talking to local either small children or some old folks relaxing at the park or places our tour group would go. It is just very natural that when someone spoke to you, you just respond or vice versa. BTW, my mandarin is just ma ma fu fu but we still understand each other!

Answer 6

althout i'm a chinese
and i can speak chinese
but i also tell you
China is dangerous
lol.............
however
NEVER EVER reply to a stranger in China when you are in the remote areas of China,

i'm from China

Answer 7

you could drop me off in the middle of shanghai, and i would come out of there with new friends within hours

Answer 8

In bars and hotel lobbies i talk to other tourists. I never talk to people on the streets when i go to china, I don't want to risk being scammed.

Answer 9

Only when I need to ask direction. NEVER EVER reply to a stranger especially when they ask your for help.

Even if it is for an old lady, don't do it.

Answer 10

igrone bascily...