Business cards...

This will no doubt seem strange, but one of the most important things to arm yourself with, before doing business in Hong Kong, is Business Cards, or Name Cards as they are also known.

Name cards are used all over the globe, but nowhere are they taken more seriously than Hong Kong. Hong Kong business card etiquette is essential to doing business in the city.

Literally, everybody has a business card in Hong Kong. From the chairman of a company to shop assistants, they are a way of life. Any employee who represents a company to outsiders should carry name cards.

To Hong Kongers, business cards represent that a company is proud to be associated with their representative. In a town that thrives on commerce, exchanging business cards is an important formality.

If you are given a name card and don't offer one in return, you can basically close-up business then and there.

Offer your card with both hands, printed side up and facing the receiver for easy reading. Accept someone else's card with both hands and give it due attention before putting it away. And please... Don't write on someone's business card.