My first opportunity to come to Beijing, China.
While I would like about other experiences, this one experience is worth mentioning right away !
China does have dubious record of producing "duplicate" Global brands. And in Beijing there is a place called "Silk Market". This place is a good old china market. Everything is available. And you have to be shameless at bargaining. For example if a Sony PSP they say 1800 RMB, you can actually get it for 130 RMB. A Chinese silk formal Scarf of price 300 RMB, can be bought for 30 RMB with proper bargaining.
A lot of people warned me of duplicates, cheating etc. when I went in there. But I was thinking, its ok - "China Cheez, Chale to Chaand Tak -- Na chale to Sham tak".
So, found some cute silk dress for the cute lil girl of my neighbor back in Bangalore, few puzzles, scarfs etc. and bargained them all down to a 5th of the price in each case or even better. When I was about to pay, I realized I ve to withdraw some local currency. The ATM is right there in the same market, so when the shopkeeper was packing I decided to withdraw money !
Got 500 RMB. But the ATM card never came out. Just like that it went in ... and I am like helpless. ATM card eaten up after a *Successful* transaction ! Why ?
In any case, I handed over the money to shopkeeper and she says, this is "duplicate money" can not accept.
I was like - "wow" !
While trying to come back and contact HSBC back home to block the card, I saw these two BIG posters in the market - intended to increase consumer confidence ;)
While I would like about other experiences, this one experience is worth mentioning right away !
China does have dubious record of producing "duplicate" Global brands. And in Beijing there is a place called "Silk Market". This place is a good old china market. Everything is available. And you have to be shameless at bargaining. For example if a Sony PSP they say 1800 RMB, you can actually get it for 130 RMB. A Chinese silk formal Scarf of price 300 RMB, can be bought for 30 RMB with proper bargaining.
A lot of people warned me of duplicates, cheating etc. when I went in there. But I was thinking, its ok - "China Cheez, Chale to Chaand Tak -- Na chale to Sham tak".
So, found some cute silk dress for the cute lil girl of my neighbor back in Bangalore, few puzzles, scarfs etc. and bargained them all down to a 5th of the price in each case or even better. When I was about to pay, I realized I ve to withdraw some local currency. The ATM is right there in the same market, so when the shopkeeper was packing I decided to withdraw money !
Got 500 RMB. But the ATM card never came out. Just like that it went in ... and I am like helpless. ATM card eaten up after a *Successful* transaction ! Why ?
In any case, I handed over the money to shopkeeper and she says, this is "duplicate money" can not accept.
I was like - "wow" !
While trying to come back and contact HSBC back home to block the card, I saw these two BIG posters in the market - intended to increase consumer confidence ;)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment