Is it cheaper to buy electronics, cameras, phones, computers in China?

Answer 1

Depends. If you want to buy branded items like Ipod, Sony/HP lap tops, camera's it is cheaper to buy them in the States or Hong Kong. Why is this you ask?. Its because they are considered luxury items & as such the government put a high tax on them.

Remember, in China 90% of the population are still in poverty. What you see in Shanghai or Beijing is an exception. The government do not levy food stuff but they have to get money from somewhere, so that's where luxury tax comes in.

I was checking lap tops in Xujiahui in Shanghai and they were definitely more expensive than Best Buy in the US (and buying at Best Buy isn't the cheapest outlet in the states to begin with).

The other thing to consider is purchasing power. Huge businesses like Best Buy can get items in quantities from the manufacturers at a huge (huge discount).

Buying jewelry is also another expensive event. Diamonds are imported and thus are tax very highly. You can buy a 1carat diamond (in the US) at the cost of a 0.5 carat diamond in Shanghai.

Of course you can buy a lot of chinese brand electronics cheap. So instead of Ipod you could get Appo relatively cheap but the quality is also lower.

Answer 2

Having lived in china for 2 years, I will say a provisional yes.

here is what I mean by provisional. If you are not careful you will get ripped off. Most stores and places that sell anything will see a foreinger walk in and they will double the price immediately. (if not more... I have been in stores where it went up 10x) You must know your stuff for electronics. What is the brand, what does it go for in the states,a nd you must haggle with them.

If you do this, you might get it at the prices you find in the states or a little lower. if you have a friend who is a chinese native, you will be able to get it for about another 1/3 off if they are good hagglers.

Now you need to be careful. Computers and programs from china are usually programmed in chinese, which means when you open the program it will be in chinese. Depending on where you are in china you might be able to get the programming language in english.

One of the biggest things to look out for are when they (the store) uses the case from an expensive computer/cellphone/camera but the insides are knockoff stuff. If you are not careful, you will think you are buying some nice camera, only to find it is a POS. (piece of ....)

Technology isn't that much cheaper in china. Not for hardware, unless you have a contact who works for one of the companies who manufacture the goods.

Software/dvd's/games are much cheaper. Like $1.00 per disc.

No matter what, make sure you never pay the first price asked. Tell them too much, and start to walk away. if they want your business they will immedately lower the price and try to talk you back into their shop.

Answer 3

It is cheaper than buying them in Australia. But the first rule is "buyer beware". Very few shops have a return or exchange policy so you may have problems.

I have bought cameras, dvd players and mobile phones in China and all have worked without problems. But my philosophy was that since the price is low enough, if it lasts 12 months, I have no regrets getting rid of it.

I suggest that you check and test what you want to buy thoroughly before buying. Get a local to go along with you and get a commitment from the seller about exchange or return. Don't know if they're honour it but who knows!

Answer 4

Hong Kong is quite good for electronic and computer parts.

In China too, maybe a bit more expensive but you can bargain in those big computer center of 3 to 5 floors.

In China, notebook are quite expensive though.

Answer 5

yes, i think buy electronics, cameras, phones, computers in China are cheaper.
but brand phone cameras ,electronics not really.
if you just need useful cheap electronics. you can choose to buy from china.
you can see the http://www.ahappymango.com/consumer-electronics.html

hope you like this answer.thanks

Answer 6

Generally speaking, no, not really. Cell phones particularly will be as much or more than in the US or UK, TVs and stereos can be relatively inexpensive but not much less than you would find at a budget electronics shop in the west. The only real bargain I feel I've come across was my little DVD stereo I picked up for about 450 kuai (about USD$50).

Answer 7

Yes electronics are usually much cheaper than the west.
Two things need to know.
1 There could be fake ones in the market.
2 Bargaining is necessary.

Answer 8

Yes but if you can travel to Hong Kong first. It's now a part of China but it has its own pricing and tax structures.

Take note of the prices in Hong Kong and travel a dozen miles West to Shenzhen within China itself and compare prices for the same items there before deciding which items you want to purchase at which location.

Good luck and good shopping!

Answer 9

i shopped for days to find deals, but to no avail. besides are you going to go back to china to get it fixed? based on that i bought local. at least there i can go and complain if there's a problem and get it fixed. i think that's well worth a few extra dollars.

Answer 10

yup but be careful all the cheap stuff is from people on the street and not from large stores, most likely you will get a very low-quality item, or a damaged one, or probably something that is stolen or illegal. its better and safer to spend more money and know your product is clean. but, hey, if your willing ti risk it go ahead its incredibly cheap!