Prices of Items

Most foreigners from affluent countries find the average prices of things in China very affordable. With a good advantage in currency conversion, you can even afford high quality items which are considered luxurious to the local consumers. However, there are many different grades for every product in China, and some of the truly top-class items can be expensive by Western standards too.

In general, prices vary at different shopping locations. If you are looking for cheap items, you should visit a street market where there is an extensive selection of items at extremely affordable prices. The quality of products can be anything from low to high quality, and if you are lucky enough, you may find an exceptionally good deal. But you have to be careful when you try to purchase any brand name items in a street market because imitation goods are widely sold there. Sellers usually offer very high prices when they deal with foreigners but with a bit of bargaining, they are most willing to sell you at much cheaper rates.

For average or mid-range quality items, you can shop at major department stores. Items sold here are usually more expensive compared to the street markets but the quality is generally of a better standard. You can find almost anything you need at a department store, from daily necessities to apparel to electrical items, and authentic brand names are also available. Customers are not allowed to bargain but there are rare occasions where discounts are given upon request. If you wish to buy at discounted rates, it is better to look for a department store with an on-going sale.

There are more exclusive department stores and designer outlets in China that offer the best quality items. At these places, prices are considered exorbitant by local standards but foreigners may still find them rather affordable. Designer outlets can only be found in the trendier shopping complexes in the big cities and each outlet usually sells only one category of products. The major designer brands from the Western countries are available in China, but there are also local designer items such as tea leaves, liquor, jewelry and others which are very popular with the foreigners. Depending on the kind of products, bargaining is entertained in some designer outlets.

Here is a list of retail prices in RMB of some items in different types of shopping locations in China-- Each item lists three prices which show the range that you might pay depending on if you try to buy the item at: 1) Street Market, 2) Department Stores, 3) Designer Outlets

T-shirts: 20, 40, 200
Shirts: 30, 70, 300
Pants: 50, 80, 500
Shorts: 20, 30, 200
Jackets: 80, 100, 500
Sweaters: 40, 80, 400
Belts: 20, 50, 300
Hats: 10, 20, 150
Shoes: 60, 80, 500
Bags: 30, 60, 350
Watches: 50, 80, 400
Towels: 10, 20, 150

It is important to have a rough idea about the prices of things in China, especially if you need to bargain. Many foreigners find themselves paying more for many items they buy in China because they are so clueless about prices there that they are not able to tell if an item is overpriced. There are both cheap and expensive items in China, but you have to know the right price for the right quality.

The prices of electronics vary greatly, but the main factor is where they are produced. If an item is made in China by a Chinese company, the price will be much cheaper than you would find in other countries. Items made by foreign companies in China (Such as Apple iPods) and electronics made in foreign companies are usually only slightly cheaper than if purchased elsewhere.