[Elaine]

When I lived in Los Angeles, people were friendly. You know, they’d say ‘Hi’ or ‘Good morning,’ smile, etc. But when I moved to Hong Kong, I noticed that people aren’t friendly, and if you say ‘Hi’ or smile at them, they look at you as if you’re some kind of freak. Why’s there such a difference?

User Detail :  

Name : Elaine, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Asian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 14, City : Hong Kong, State : NA, Country : Hong Kong, Occupation : Student, 

[Tony]

That’s not true. When I was in the states, I found myself pretty much shocked by all the greetings I heard from total strangers! I’ve read from a book that Westerners, especially Americans, have a “low-level” way of communicating. That is, they need to speak up and state what they think! On the other hand, Asians have a “high-level” type of communicating, which means non-verbal cues are more preferred than the actual way of greeting. Thus, Asians do not need to say “Good Morning!” to each other. Asians do a more subtle way of greeting each other.

User Detail :  

Name : Tony, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Asian, Religion : Agnostic, City : Taipei, State : NA, Country : Taiwan, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

[M.K.]

I lived in Hong Kong for a year and found it to be the most impolite culture I have ever lived in (that includes the East End of London, notoriously rough). Having said that, it’s full of energy and life and surprises, so keep your chin up and remember the phrase is (something like) “dyoo lai lo mor!” (P.S. Be glad you’re not a gwailo.)
DIRECTOR’S NOTE: Y? would be interested in a translation to English of the expression above.

User Detail :  

Name : M.K., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 31, City : Sydney, State : NA, Country : Australia, Education level : Technical School, 

[Felix]

Actually that is true, perhaps your point of view is based on your experience in Taiwan, but the way Hong Kong people and Taiwan people treating customers are totally opposite, just be going to a local convenient store in two places you’ll feel the difference.

User Detail :  

Name : Felix, Race : Asian, City : Toronto, State : NA, Country : Canada, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

[Author]

Posts