Shopping in a jade shop

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.

Inside a department store of Shanghai

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.

A small stall selling handicrafts

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.