Page 13 - China Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

CUSTOMS SHOPPING Travelers to China do not need to Prices in Friendship Stores, set up by the government, are fixed and pay customs duty on 400 there is generally no bargaining in most shops and department stores. cigarettes (600 cigarettes if stay However, haggling is all part of the buying process in outdoor markets exceeds six months); two bottles for items such as jade, antique ceramics, local hand-crafted items and of alcoholic beverages (not more silk garments. All antiques over 100 years old are marked with a red than 0.75 liters per bottle), or four wax seal by the authorities, and require an export customs certificate. bottles if staying longer than six Beijing's fascinating Panjiayuan antiques and bric-a-brac market was months. Perfume for personal use once only open at weekends. It now opens every day, although it is still PAGE 3 is allowed. Prohibited goods best at weekends. Shopping is easier if accompanied by an interpreter, Population | Time | Visas Insurance | History include arms and ammunition or although in big cities and tourist towns English is often spoken by shop printed material that conflicts assistants. You can usually make yourself understood by pointing, PAGE 4-6 with the public order or moral otherwise someone nearby will generally speak a little English. History standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters In Beijing, Shanghai and many other large cities, there are big PAGE 7 Government | Language and receivers, exposed but department stores selling a wide range of products. The best shopping undeveloped film and fresh is on major shopping streets like Shanghai's Nanjing Road or Beijing's PAGE 8 produce. Strict regulations apply Wanfujing, in shopping centers and in markets. You can also get Climate to the import or export of handicrafts direct from shops at local factories, or from shops PAGE 9 antiquities, banned publications, specializing in the sale of handicrafts. Shop personnel often pack and The Land | People | Religion and religious literature. All arrange shipping for bulky items. Keep receipts, as visitors may be valuables must be declared on the asked to produce them at customs prior to departure. Hotel shops are PAGE 10 Currency | Credit Cards forms provided. more expensive than local shops. Changing Money | Tipping PAGE 11 Words of Wisdom-Buyer Beware Etiquette | Health & Vaccinations Bring your purchases home with you. Unless you are prepared to wait PAGE 12 up to a year to receive your merchandise, do not have it shipped -- not Communications | What to Pack even by air freight. PAGE 13 Do not purchase expensive goods of supposed high quality unless you Shopping | Customs are absolutely sure of what you are buying . PAGE 14-15 Food & Drinks Unless you are an expert in gems, antiques, artifacts, etc., you should not assume that it is of the highest quality or value. PAGE 16-17 Culture & The Arts | Religion Always take the time to read the charge slips for credit card purchases before you sign them. This may seem obvious; but in the excitement of making a foreign purchase, travelers sometimes overlook this and are unpleasantly surprised when they return home and are billed by the credit card company. Taking a few moments to review the charge slip before signing it (and computing the exchange rate to be sure you are charged the right amount) can save you headaches later. Please note that the purchase of antiques or "national treasures" is strictly controlled in China and that the onus for illegal purchases rests entirely on the buyer. For exportation from the People's Republic, an antique must carry a red seal that declares its availability for export. (The red seal also indicates that the item is less than 120 years old). Please be advised that the red seal does NOT guarantee authenticity.