China Travel Guide

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Shopping

There is generally no bargaining in most shops and department stores. However haggling is all part of the buying process in markets (of which there are many) for items such as jade, antique ceramics, local handicrafts, silk garments and other bric-a-brac. The majority of items touted as antique, are ersatz at best. 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 market opens every day, although it is best at weekends. Dongtai Lu in Shanghai hosts a popular street market for antiques and repro curios.

In Beijing, Shanghai and many other large cities, massive department stores sell everything from luxury 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. The best shopping is in the major shopping streets like Shanghai's Nanjing Road or Beijing's Wanfujing. Other enclaves well worth a visit for local designer boutiques are Taikang Lu in Shanghai and Nanluoguxiang in Beijing.

You can also get handicrafts direct from shops at local factories, from shops specializing in the sale of handicrafts, and at arts and crafts department stores. 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 1000-2130, although times vary across the country.

Currency

1 Renminbi Yuan (CNY; symbol ¥) = 10 jiao/mao or 100 fen. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ¥1, 5 and 1 jiao/mao. Counterfeit ¥50 and ¥100 notes are commonplace.

Currency Exchange

CNY is not traded outside China. Foreign banknotes and traveler's checks can be exchanged at branches of The Bank of China. In hotels for tourists, imported luxury items such as spirits may be bought with Western currency. Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes cannot be exchanged.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major provincial cities in designated establishments. ATMs can generally be found in airports, hotels, shopping centers and banks. Credit cards are often unlikely to be accepted away from the major cities.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Imports and exports of local currency are limited to ¥20,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$5,000 must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1600/1700. Some banks close for lunch from 1200-1300. Select branches in major cities offer extended hours in the evenings and on weekends.

Exchange Rate