Prices in
Friendship Stores, set up by the government, are fixed and there is generally no bargaining in most shops and department stores. However, haggling is all part of the buying process in
outdoor markets (of which there are many) for items such as jade, antique ceramics, local hand-crafted items and silk garments. All
antiques over 100 years old are marked with a red wax seal by the authorities, and require an export customs certificate. Beijing’s fascinating Panjiayuan antiques and
bric-a-brac market was once only open at weekends. It now opens every day,
although it is still best at weekends.
China’s booming economy has led to an
explosion of shops in towns and cities. Once fairly uninspired places where you might buy inexpensive souvenirs, Chinese work clothes, posters and books, you can now find shops selling everything from
chic fashion to
high-tech electronics. Shopping is easier if accompanied by an interpreter, although in big cities and tourist towns English is often spoken by shop assistants. You can usually make yourself understood by pointing, otherwise someone nearby will generally speak a little English.
In Beijing, Shanghai and many other large cities, there are big
department stores with several floors, selling a wide range of products. The best shopping is in the major shopping streets like
Shanghai’s Nanjing Road or
Beijing’s Wanfujing, in shopping centers and in markets. You can also get
handicrafts direct from shops at local factories, or from shops specializing in the sale of handicrafts. Arts and crafts department stores also offer local handicrafts. Special purchases include jade jewelry, embroidery, calligraphy, paintings and carvings in wood, stone and bamboo.
Shop personnel often pack and arrange shipping for bulky items. Keep receipts, as visitors may be asked to produce them at customs prior to departure. Hotel shops are more expensive than local shops.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 0900-1900, although times vary across the country.
Currency Information:Currency1 Renminbi Yuan (CNY; symbol ¥) = 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 5, 2 and 1 chiao/jiao. Coins are in denominations of ¥1, 5 and 1 chiao/jiao and 5, 2 and 1 fen. Counterfeit ¥50 and ¥100 notes are commonplace.
Currency ExchangeCNY is not traded outside China. Foreign banknotes and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at branches of The Bank of China. In hotels and Friendship Stores
for tourists, imported luxury items such as spirits may be bought with Western currency. Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes cannot be exchanged.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major provincial cities in designated establishments. However, the availability of ATMs is often limited to airports, large tourist hotels and major shopping centers, and credit cards are often unlikely to be accepted away from the major cities.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1600/1700. Some banks close for lunch from 1200-1300.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ¥15.29 |
| $1.00= | ¥7.73 |
| €1.00= | ¥10.33 |
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