Shopping

Beijing is an adventurous place when it comes to shopping. Apart from Chinese markets where everyone likes to bargain, there are also big modern shopping centers. New shops are opening all over Beijing, selling a wide range of products. Virtually everything needed for a comfortable life is available in Beijing. Some of the popular shopping streets and department stores are Xidan area, Ladies' Street , China World Shopping Mall, Friendship Store.

Bargaining
Bargaining is generally not possible in department stores, but asks for a discount when purchasing expensive items with cash, such as electrical appliances and jewellery. Prices can fluctuate wildly from shop to shop. Bargaining is usually possible and often expected in smaller shops, particularly where items are not visibly priced. Food stallholders usually charge fixed prices.

Bargaining requires time and patience - most vendors have plenty of both and will appreciate your efforts if you are genuinely interested in buying and can maintain a sense of humor in the process. If you can speak just a few words of Chinese, such as numbers, you will enjoy the experience a lot more and often get a better deal.

In China it is possible, if not expected, to bargain in open markets and other shopping areas where prices are not already clearly marked. The goal always is to pay the local price, not the foreigner price. The only important rule is to be polite. It is perfectly fine to ask for a discount, but do it with a smile. While some would see a tough attitude as the key to a cheap price, it usually backfires with the "face" conscious Chinese and you end up not getting the best price. Remember that no vendor will sell you a product at a loss!

Tipping
Most restaurants and pubs include a service charge in the listed price, so tipping is not necessary.
Do not tip friendly government employees or business people as they may interpret your generosity as a bribe.

Means of Payment
Cash in Chinese RMB is preferred. Luxury restaurants, large department stores and star hotel accept credit cards, but it is wise to check first in the case of traditional Chinese establishments.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available in Guangzhou to use VISA, MasterCard, Dinners Club and other international banking systems.