Shopping
Shopping in China is great fun, interesting and challenging. Here is some advice for smart shoppers:
Shops in China usually are open from 9:00am to 7:00pm, although others until 9:00pm. 'Night Market' may remain open until midnight or even all night during weekdays. However, times vary by season: hours are longer in summer and shorter in winter.
Credit Cards including Master Card, Visa, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Million, Federal, all are acceptable in most large Chinese department stores. However, cash is more prevalent in China. Be sure to carry sufficient small notes to facilitate buying from street vendors so they won't be required to make change for large notes.
Bargaining is the norm, especially in the market or small shops. Try to bargain whenever you shop. Be sure to bring a calculator to help you with conversion rates. If you make a counter offer, you should be prepared to buy the item if your offer is accepted.
Carefully check the quality of your purchases to ensure there are no flaws and to distinguish genuine from fake.
Always ask for receipt. It is a valid voucher if you need to return purchases. Furthermore, China customs sometimes will require receipts to be shown when you leave China.
Special local products are available, especially antiques, jade, pearls, paintings and calligraphy among others. You should be careful as to their authenticity. High value items should be bought in regular legal shops.
Make sure that the antiques you buy carry a wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China. Be aware that antiques dating before 1795 cannot be legally exported. Please keep the purchase receipts as Customs will ask you to provide them when leaving China.
Guard against theft. Never show your wallet or big bills in the public. Keep some change available in your pocket to take out.
Be aware that some goods are not allowed to be exported from China, including jade carvings, cultural relics, etc. Before your purchase, you must confirm whether it can be allowed to pass the Chinese customs.
Be cautious of forged notes when you are given change, expecially where people are bustling about.
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Travelers' Voices on Tips for Shopping
1.
Jun. 16,2009 23:43 Reply
Ms.Lin Jie(China) said:
I want to buy some silk embroidery in Tianjin. In particular I'm looking for large silk embroideries of a dragon and a fenghuang - ones that I can frame as pictures and hang them on the wall.
Jun. 17,2009 01:37
Mr.sina(cn) replied:
Hi, it think you can buy one in the antique shop. I also find that the web provide some silk product, seems fine, you can have a look! http://www.travelchinaguide.com/shopping/
2.
Jun. 7,2009 16:19 Reply
Ms.SPELMANDIVA(United States) said:
I will be in Tianjin for 6 weeks. Does anyone have ideas about summer festivals that would be good to attend?
Jun. 7,2009 22:00
Mr.paula(cn) replied:
To be honest, there is no traditional festivals during June and July. But there are some local festivals at that time. From May to june, there are Tianjin China Rose Festival when you are enjoy the beautiful flowers. Each july, there is the Beer Festival. You can enjoy yourself then. Have a good time in Tianjin!
3.
Jan. 8,2009 08:59 Reply
Mr.snnnnc(Trkiye) said:
I want to buy carpet from china...Can I take them with me to my country?Is there any problems in customs.?.
Jan. 9,2009 00:24
Mr.Golden(China) replied:
If it's not so big, I think there is no customs when you go back to your country.You can go to the website of your country's customs.
Jan. 9,2009 01:04
Mr.Golden(China) replied:
Mr. Golden again! Please keep your receipt. Customs will check it when you leave China.