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Even though the best part of bargaining is figuring out how low the sellers in China are going to go. Sometimes it’s helpful to have some pointers before you start shopping and bargaining. How much should everything cost, really? A large part depends on which market you are shopping at and who is your seller. Some of the sellers only want to sell to those who don’t know how to bargain and therefore are willing to pay more. While shopping, you may see (more…)
From the roadside stall to the large-scale modern shopping mall, from the common store to a popular supermarket, China has numerous perfect places to shop that can satisfy all shoppers’ desires.
Department Stores
Shopping in China is easy and convenient, as various department stores are commonly found, especially in the high street. The level and scale of these shops vary, depending on the city and the area. Various items for daily use, which are much cheaper, are often offered in the smaller and more (more…)
Of course, expenses depends on your way of life, below is an idea of what could be your expenses each month as a student in Shanghai.
Necessities
Mobile phone service: 200 RMB/month
Groceries: 70 RMB/week
Dinner: 20 RMB/day average
Beverages: 4 RMB/day average
Haircut: 40 RMB/mo (more…)
Street vendor food is the cheapest way to eat, however, one should note that it is warned against by Western travel agencies. Locals and foreign expats often take this route though as it is very inexpensive and usually very delicious. Food ranges in variety from different types of steamed buns and breads to dumplings, spicy noodles, kebobs, and that’s only naming a few. These items range in price from around 1 RMB-10RMB at the most. (more…)
Eating Chinese food is relatively cheap. Three Chinese dishes, with rice (enough for two people) at an average restaurant will cost about 40-50 RMB. Of course you can eat food off the street that will cost about half of this for a meal, but it may be a bit difficult for a western stomach to handle at first.
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Converting euro to Chinese currency is easy. Traveler’s checks in euro are accepted even in provincial areas, and they can be exchanged for Yuan at almost any Bank of China, as well as in many hotels. People planning to stay longer should consider opening an account with Bank of China. Electronic transfers from European banks take 3 – 7 days. Chinese banks often have a special counter where transactions in foreign currency are conducted. (more…)
Everyday life in China
Chinese people are very tolerant of foreigners. Even the strangest behaviors are often accepted, for they think that such things are normal in other countries. The first rule in almost all situations you can get into in China is: don’t lose your temper! Patience and politeness always go further than cursing and shouting. Here we’ll offer some hints for the traveler’s daily life. (more…)
The return of Hong Kong to mainland China in 1997 and Macau in 1999 made these areas official Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China, although they retain their own laws, currency, and taxes. Though the British governed Hong Kong for 150 years and the Portuguese ruled Macau for 400 years, these spots have always maintained their Chinese character, along with a bit of European flair. Yet so many years of independence from the mainland have given Hong Kong and Macau a unique flavor that you won’t find anyplace else on the mainland. (more…)
With over 17 million residents, Shanghai is not only the largest city in China, it’s also the biggest in the world by some counts. In this flourishing commercial and financial center, East meets West in a striking blend of world cultures. Historic European buildings stand regally along its busy river, a reminder of its colonial past, while Asian temples and old-style Chinese neighborhoods hint at the more ancient culture. The real heart of Shanghai is in its fast-paced business and social scenes. This city is all about energy, and it is hard not to feel the excitement pulsing behind its futuristic skyscrapers when you first arrive. (more…)
Proud capital and seat of power, Beijing wields an amazing amount of influence over this vast nation. All provinces live by Beijing; they set their clocks by Beijing time and speak Beijing’s Mandarin dialect in their schools, businesses, and local government. This city is the heart and soul of the nation, and the presence of central government is strongly felt here. In fact, politics is one of the main reasons why many foreigners come to Beijing, from diplomatic positions at one of the many embassies to journalists who keep the world informed of what this mighty giant is up to. (more…)