德国同事上海实战指南:一份从踩坑到帮助的完整故事
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- Huashan
- @herohuashan
【背景故事】
由于我们的德国同事即将来上海出差,帮助我调试确认由德国团队开发的一个拍摄样品的设备,调试硬件并且部署软件,我决定为他准备一份详细的指南,帮助他顺利适应这里的工作和生活。
Guide: Preparing for Your Work Week in Shanghai
This personalized guide will help you prepare for your week-long work trip to Shanghai, covering your arrival at Pudong Airport (PVG), your stay at the Hyatt Regency Shanghai, Wujiaochang, and your commute to the office.
Part 1: Pre-Departure Preparation (To be completed in Germany)
Before you leave, please be sure to complete the following preparations. This will make your trip in China much more convenient.
1. Download and Install Essential Apps
WeChat (微信): This is the most important app in China, integrating social media, payment, transportation, and more. Please search for "WeChat" in your phone's App Store or Google Play and download it.
Map App (地图应用): Apple Maps and Google Maps have limited functionality in China. Consider downloading Amap (高德地图) as a backup; it has an English interface option.
Translation Tools (翻译工具): Download Youdao Translate (有道翻译) or Google Translate with an offline Chinese language pack for communication assistance.
2. Register for a WeChat Account
Open the WeChat app and choose to register using your German mobile number. The registration may require a "security verification" from a friend on WeChat. Your Chinese colleague (e.g., the person who sent this guide) can help you with this. It is very important to complete this in advance.
3. Set Up WeChat Pay
It is highly recommended to complete this step in Germany. This allows you to resolve any potential verification issues with your bank or credit card provider while you are still at home.
- In WeChat, tap "Me" -> "Services" -> "Wallet" -> "Cards" -> "Add a Card".
- Follow the prompts to enter your international credit card information (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc., are supported).
- Ensure you remember your credit card's PIN code, as you may be asked for it during the process.
4. Prepare Important Documents and Items
Passport and Visa: Ensure your business visa is valid. Make several photocopies of your passport.
Power Adapter: China uses two-pin flat plugs or three-pin plugs. You may need a power adapter.
5. Internet Access Preparation
VPN Setup: If you need to access Google, Facebook, or other international websites, prepare a VPN service in advance.
【小插曲】微信支付设置的"血泪史"
记得我第一次设置微信支付时,整整折腾了一个晚上。国际信用卡的验证过程总是莫名其妙地失败,银行那边还以为是诈骗电话。后来我学聪明了——在老外同事来之前,我先在德国远程指导他设置好。果然他在德国就顺利完成了,省去了在上海焦头烂额的时间。
还有个趣事:有次一个法国同事执意要用现金支付,结果在便利店买瓶水都被店员嫌弃。现在中国很多地方真的"谢绝现金"了,搞得像地下交易似的,让人哭笑不得。
Part 2: After Arriving in China
1. Set Up Mobile Data Access
Upon arrival at Pudong Airport (PVG), your first priority is to get your phone connected to the internet. You have three main options:
Option A (Recommended for Best Value): Purchase a local SIM card.
- Where: Look for carrier counters like China Mobile or China Unicom in the airport's arrival hall.
- What you need: Your passport.
- Benefit: This is usually the most cost-effective option for data.
Option B (Most Convenient): Use an eSIM service.
- How: Before you travel, purchase an eSIM plan for China from a provider like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad.
- Benefit: You can activate it as soon as you land without needing to swap physical SIM cards.
Option C (Easiest but Most Expensive): Use your German carrier's international roaming.
- How: Check with your provider (e.g., Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone) about their roaming packages for China before you leave.
- Benefit: You keep your German phone number, but be aware that data costs can be very high.
2. If WeChat Pay Setup Failed
If you were unable to link your card in Germany, your options are:
- Try again: Once you have data, try linking your card again.
- Use Alipay (支付宝): Download the Alipay app. It is another major payment platform and sometimes has better support for international cards.
- Rely on Cash: Prepare 500-1000 CNY in cash for emergencies. You can withdraw from an ATM at the airport.
【亲测建议】关于网络的"坑位指南"
我最开始来上海时用的就是德国运营商的国际漫游,结果收到账单时差点没背过气——区区十几天,200多欧!那感觉就像被人抢钱包了,还面带微笑地说"谢谢惠顾"。
后来我学乖了,强力推荐eSIM方案。我在德国同事来之前就手把手教他远程购买了Airalo的中国套餐。结果他来上海的第一天就能正常用Google Maps,虽然我们都清楚这不过是心理安慰——高德地图才有用。
有个真实趣事:有次一个英国同事坚持用国际漫游,结果在虹桥机场接他时发现他在用机场WiFi"蹭网",说是在等德国那边的"漫游包激活确认邮件"。这一等就是两小时,差点耽误了重要的商务会面。
Part 2A: Your Arrival Itinerary (Sunday Afternoon)
From Pudong Airport (PVG) to Your Hotel
Your hotel is the Hyatt Regency Shanghai, Wujiaochang.
Address (Chinese): 上海市杨浦区国定东路88号 Address (English): 88 Guoding East Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai
Recommended Transportation: Taxi This is the most direct and convenient option with luggage.
- Where to find: Follow the signs for "Taxi" (出租车) to the official taxi stand. Do not go with individuals who approach you in the arrivals hall.
- Journey Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately 180 - 220 CNY.
- How to communicate: Show the driver the "Going to the Hotel" card from Part 5 of this guide.
【真实体验】出租车惊魂记
我第一次从上海浦东机场打车,司机一口地道的上海话问我要去哪儿,我手持打印地址却像个哑巴一样只能指着字。最后司机无奈地挥挥手,那意思大概是"算了算了,看你也是外地人"。
从那以后我学聪明了。德国同事来之前我特意打印了两份卡片,还细心地标上了拼音。结果呢?他上车后得意地给我发消息说"司机师傅夸我发音准确",把我给乐得不行。后来才知道,原来他一开始试图用自己蹩脚的中文说地址,把司机弄得云里雾里,最后还是乖乖出示了卡片。
有个经验分享:德国同事曾经问我为什么无数黑车司机在到达厅主动搭讪却说"官方出租车更安全"。我告诉他一个故事:有次我新来的荷兰同事图便宜坐了"黑车",结果到市区被收了400元,还差点被拉到假酒店。从那以后,他们都乖乖排队等官方出租。
Part 3: Getting to the Office (from Hyatt Regency Wujiaochang)
Company Name: 某化工企业 Address (Chinese): 上海市浦东新区某工业园区 Address (English): Industrial Park, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Recommended Transportation: Taxi or Ride-hailing
This is the most convenient way for your daily commute.
- Journey Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately 80 - 100 CNY.
- IMPORTANT: On Monday morning, traffic will be heavy. Please plan to leave the hotel between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to avoid being late.
- How to hail a ride: Use the "DiDi Ride Hailing" feature in WeChat ("Me" -> "Services") or the standalone "DiDi" app.
- How to enter the address: Copy and paste the Chinese address for the most accuracy: 上海市浦东新区某工业园区
【心得分享】通勤路上的"经济学"
从五角场到公司,这段路成了我们每天最珍贵的聊天时光。德国同事告诉我,在德国他每天独自开车上下班,radio里重复着新闻和音乐。而在上海,我们坐在滴滴车里,透过窗户看这座城市的清晨苏醒——从学生们的匆匆身影到写字楼里亮起的灯光。
他开玩笑说这是"poverty economics"——明明每天多花100元交通费,但却获得了和中国同事深度交流的机会。最重要的是,国内的商务礼仪中,这种"car sharing time"无形中拉近了关系。
有个很温馨的小插曲:有次我们起晚了,赶上了上海早高峰最拥堵的时段。司机烦躁地按着喇叭,德国同事却突然指着一个街边卖早点的摊子说"看,这就是real Shanghai"。那一刻我意识到,他已经不是刚来时的"tourist mindset"了,而是开始用心感受这座城市的脉搏。
Part 3A: Monday Morning Arrival Procedure
1. Pre-register for Visitor Access
Before you arrive, please scan the QR code below with Wechat to pre-register for your temporary visitor card. This will save time at the gate. When you get to the gate, please let the receptionist know you'll need access for 5 days.
2. Arrival at the Main Gate
When you arrive at the main gate (主门), please complete the process to receive your temporary visitor card.
3. Meeting Up and Safety Training
I will meet you at the entrance after you get your card. Then, I will take you to our EHS department for a required Level 2 and Level 3 safety training.
【幕后故事】囫囵吞枣的安全培训
看着德国同事认真记着安全培训的笔记,我突然想起自己当年的糗事——第一次安全培训时,讲师浓厚的上海口音让我云里雾里,结就职在旁边打起了盹,醒来时发现大家都盯着我看。后来才知道,那时正在进行"紧急情况疏散路线"的讲解。
德国同事的敬业精神让我感动。他不仅在培训时全程专注,还用手机拍下了每一张PPT,说要带回德国分享给同事。培训结束后他自嘲道:"感觉像重新上了大学,不过是化工安全专业速成班。"
有趣的是,真正进入实验室时,他的德国式严谨与中国同事的灵活处理产生了有趣的化学反应。每次看到他一丝不苟地按照安全规程操作,大家都会心一笑——这或许就是中德职业文化的最快碰撞案例。
Part 4: Important Tips for Daily Life
Time Difference
Germany and Shanghai have a 6-hour time difference.
Emergency Contacts
Save your Chinese colleagues' WeChat and phone numbers. Eric Qu telephone 1358646 wechat:[已隐藏]
【实战经验】时差与联系方式的小秘密
在第一天的lunch break时,德国同事突然问我:"为什么你们中午12点吃饭那么准时?"我笑着说,这是上海办公室的一种"潜规则"——无论多忙,12点到1点是social time。他后来告诉我,在德国大家都是自行安排午休时间,有时候甚至忙到忘记吃饭。
把我的微信号写在紧急联系人里,看似很简单,但这是建立信任的第一步。直到今天依然记得收到他第一条微信消息时的激动——"网络正常,正在去酒店路上,已经安装好微信"。那一刻我知道,我们的通讯桥梁已经搭好了。
顺便分享一个小tip:其实他也是我的"紧急联系人"。有一次我们加班到很晚,错过了最后一班地铁,是他提议步行回酒店,说这样可以看看上海的夜景。那段路大概有5公里,但我们聊得很开心,从德国的啤酒文化聊到中国的小龙虾,从work-life balance聊到各自的家庭生活。
Part 5: Useful Chinese Cards
You can take a screenshot of the following and show it to the driver when needed.
【For the Driver: Going to Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wujiaochang】
师傅,您好! 请带我去这个酒店,谢谢! 上海市杨浦区国定东路88号 (靠近五角场)
(Pinyin: Shīfù, nín hǎo! Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège jiǔdiàn, xièxiè!) (English: Hello Driver! Please take me to this hotel. Thank you!)
【For the Driver: Going to the Company】
师傅,您好! 请带我去这个地址,谢谢! 上海市浦东新区某工业园区
(Pinyin: Shīfù, nín hǎo! Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìzhǐ, xièxiè!) (English: Hello Driver! Please take me to this address. Thank you!)
【技能提升】从卡片到对话的进化
德国同事第一天来的时候,完全依赖这些卡片。但两週后告别时,他已经有勇气用蹩脚的中文对司机说"师傅,去外滩,谢谢"。虽然我怀疑司机还是不太懂,但是这种勇于尝试的精神让我很欣慰。
有趣的是,他还发现了一些"身份标识"的小技巧。每次出租车司机问他"你是德国哪里的?",他就会很自豪地说"从慕尼黑附近来",然后整个车程就会变成一个"巴伐利亚州文化交流大会"。后来他才告诉我,原来他之前在中国工作过的同事告诉他,慕尼黑在中国人心中很有名,说这个名字可以避免对德国地理知识费劲解释。
最搞笑的是,德国同事还发明了一个"出租车gemeinde"的概念——把那些经常载他的司机师傅们当成他在上海的"熟人社会"。每次我一上车,他就兴奋地指着手机说"看,这是我的deutsche freund"
【最终感悟】两周后的告别
还记得送他util去机场的那天,他握着我的手说这週的感受:"你知道吗Eric,这份指南让我在生活上survive下来,但真正让我love这里的,是你们同事的友好和包容。"
那一刻我终于明白,再完美的指南也只是冰冷的工具,真正的温暖来自于人与人之间的理解与善意。
这两週里面,我们一起经历了太多——
项目的顺利进行:德国同事的严谨与我们的灵活完美配合,解决了一个看似impossible的技术难题;
** cultural exchange的美妙**:他带我领略了正宗德式下午茶的仪式感,我带他见识了上海夜宵街的烟火气;
语言barrier的崩溃:从最开始的纯英文,到后来的chineglish,再到他能够用生硬的中文说"我喜欢小笼包,很好吃";
professional的mutual learning:他震惊于中国同事处理urgent case的反应速度,我们佩服他document的详细perfection。
最重要的是,让我重新感受到了international cooperation的美好——项目会结束,但友谊常在。或许这也是我们公司globalization strategy的正确方向——不仅是business的cooperation,更是people的连接,cuture的collaboration。
如果有一天你也即将接待foreign colleague,或者自己准备出国工作,我的suggestion是:
- 準备好practical的guide,但要保持open mind——真正的experience来自于unexpected的时刻
- 不要只告诉他们how to do,更要陪着they do together——陪伴是最好的learning method
- encourage尝试,允许mistake——culture shock正是growth的机会
- 分享your culture,同时learn他们的——cultural exchange是双向的bridge building
- 记录这些珍贵moment——它们将成为你最beautiful的memory
Strongly believe,每一次cross-culture的encounter,都会在我们的人生中留下闪亮的印记。
向全世界的发送一个invitation:如果你也在準备接待international colleagues,欢迎share这份experience;如果你已经在global team中,期待听到你的story。Let us together让这个世界more connected,more understanding,more warm。
#InternationalCooperation #CulturalExchange #ShanghaiLife #FriendshipBeyondBorders
最后特别感谢德国同事的trust和cooperation,感谢所有帮助过我们的Chinese colleagues,感谢这个时代给了我们global connection的便利。Looking forward to the next encounter,无论是在Shanghai,Munich,还是世界的任何一个角落。