Grocery Shopping

Shopping for groceries can be accomplished in different types of shopping locations and the cost of buying goods varies.

1. The cheapest way to shop for fruit and vegetables is at a “wet market” – a market for the Chinese locals where they buy their own food to cook each day. No one in these wet markets can speak English so you must know your Chinese money and be able to speak some basic words. No debit cards or credit cards of any kind are used.

2. Chinese grocery stores – most items do not have English on the label so some knowledge of Chinese products is helpful, along with knowledge of using Chinese money. Local Chinese debit cards are frequently accepted.

3. Carrefour – a French retailer chain of groceries and varied goods. Small appliances, telephones, clothes, school supplies, bicycles, household cleaning supplies, etc. can be found here. There is also a large selection of groceries, including a small “Imported Foods” section. Be aware, though, that there is limited English assistance available. These chains will take Chinese debit card and major credit cards.

4. Markets which cater mostly to expatriates and wealthy Chinese: international-style markets like City Market and Pine Market. These are the most expensive stores to buy groceries and other items, but they usually carry the largest selection of foreign products. Cash, major credit cards, local bank/debit cards are accepted.

For other shopping locations please look up in the Savills Orientation Guide (provided in your Orientation package from Savills upon arrival).

Other Shopping

Shanghai is known for its affordability and range of shopping selections. Foreign style goodsare available all over the city, and especially in certain shopping areas such as:

* Huaihai Road and Nanjing Road – for high-end designer brand shopping
* Marks & Spencer at Huaihai Road
* Taikang Road – small boutiques and bistros
* Superbrand Mall in Lujiazui – a mix of established foreign and local brands
* Grand Gateway Mall in Xujiahui
* Superstores - Carrefour (French supermarket), Metro (German supermarket), B&Q (British building and home supply superstore) and Wal-Mart.

Please note: because average Chinese people wear smaller sizes than most foreigners, it can be difficult to find larger sized clothing and shoes. For instance, woman’s shoes over size 39 (or US size 9) can be difficult to find. Larger size undergarments can also be difficult to find, though almost all other types of clothing can be tailor-made at prices cheaper than off-the-rack at the various fabric/tailoring markets. See Savills “Shanghai Orientation Guide” for more information on fabric markets and tailor-made clothing options.