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Q: Did you guys give any hongbao to random strangers??
This time of year always makes me uncomfortable. If you drive or not there are always a million extra people being "helpful" these days hoping and praying you will give them a hongbao.
Like 4 doormen fighting for the chance to hold the door open for you.
Luckily, there seems to be a rule at my complex where they cant do this, but it seems every other community I visit has like 6 people screaming " Happy new year!" at you at every car park entrance.
Shopping malls have like 8 guys standing there to give you the parking tickets.
A few days ago we went to this little shopping complex, and there was the lightest rain, and my wife had literally 6 men holding umbrellas for her while I had 2.
I feel uncomfortable as hell walking past everyone and giving nothing, and I also feel like these hongbao should be like a reward or bonus, yet its not deserved as they are lazy as hell the rest of the entire year.
My Chinese friends dont seem to mind as they say its just once a year and its fun and important for these people.
I usually wont give at all unless A: They dont ask, then ill surprise them and they seem to appreciate it or B They want a hongbao so badly they are being really helpful where its worth it to give them 5 or 10 kuai. ( Ex: My hotel has free parking in my womans hometown but its always full and parking is hell, but they moved some cones and let me park next to a Benz SLS AMG. That was worth a few kuai)
How about you? Does it make you uncomfortable? Or do you walk past without a care?
Do you even notice it?? Anyone prepare hongbao?????
I have never experienced this. But, at Christmas, I find some poor kids in my town and play Santa. On Christmas Eve, I take toys, leave them on the doorstep, knock and walk away. And, this year, I bought books and toys and took them to the local orphanage for the kids. I tip a disabled person on the streets usually. And, occassionally, I will do the the "keep the change" thing with some vendors.
No, I never give tip in China, buTT....
I'm looking forward to learn how it sounds 'stingy foreigner' in Chinese.
It made me uncomfortable, when they refused to take a little extra money at 'street shoe repair' and similar. Since then, I stay away of tipping in China.
yongge:
xiao qi de laowai
I was called that once by a girl who was trying to get money out of me.
I've never noticed that before. And who just carries hongbaos in their pockets?
Lord_hanson:
I also never noticed. Is it a southern thing or national thing?
Banned in my district just like street sellers, ebikes and beggars.
Next district saw a lot of them, but I don't go there often.
Never heard or seen this. Maybe I'm in the wrong circles.
Never had the guards in my complex do that, but I do tip good help. For example my water delivery guy once passed me on the street while I was carrying a bunch of heavy shit in the hot summer and stopped to give me a ride.
He gets a nice hongbao
My current housekeeper actually does a really good job and shows initiative
she gets a nice hongbao
But I wouldn't give one out to somebody I have basically no contact with.
btw, love the SLS. Always had a thing for gullwing doors, I saw one of those classic 53 300SLs in HK a few months ago.
Seriously considering a new build delorean with the supercharged engine and some serious performance. If I put down the deposit now it should be ready by the time I'm done with my MBA.
i give the guards american scotch whiskey at christmas every year and tell them its what we do, but i dont participate any giving on chinese new year, the wife takes care of all of that for my benefit i suppose, the nanny gets a gift for christmas as well, and the kids in my classes get american chocolate when i dress up as santa.
i have never liked gift giving on holidays, gifts when you dont expect them seem more genuine, but my wife hates getting roses four or five times a year because it will never be on valentines day because its like an obligation not a gift, many fights over this but im stubborn.
I have never experienced this. But, at Christmas, I find some poor kids in my town and play Santa. On Christmas Eve, I take toys, leave them on the doorstep, knock and walk away. And, this year, I bought books and toys and took them to the local orphanage for the kids. I tip a disabled person on the streets usually. And, occassionally, I will do the the "keep the change" thing with some vendors.
