Shopping:

The best bargains are generally found outside of the large department stores, but you will likely be without the protection of a guarantee. Prices outside run at about half of the price required in the large stores, unless you're a foreigner, in which case you might be asked to pay five times the norm or more. If you tire of bargaining for repackaged dead batteries, buy safely in the larger stores.

Availability of familiar goods:

Most western style foods can be found, but generally only in the larger supermarkets. There are restaurants that specialise in western style food, called xicai in Chinese. Likewise most of the more famous name brands of western products can be easily found here.

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