China - never a dull moment!

[Cruiser Elite]

Definitely a daft question but taking one's own bag to a 7/11 for example is that frowned upon or expected ?

It is a standard part of day to day life for Chinese to take their own bags when going shopping so it’s no biggie

Of course they love flaunting those gross oversized bags from high end label stores when they make a purchase there - but same same l in Australia for those who trend that way

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Definitely a daft question but taking one's own bag to a 7/11 for example is that frowned upon or expected ?

Either way is good.

If you have your own bag you can use it. But it’s not expected.

Otherwise it’s an automatic provision of a bag.

 

[mrsterryn]

Either way is good.

If you have your own bag you can use it. But it’s not expected.

Otherwise it’s an automatic provision of a bag.

Thank you I didn't want to do the wrong thing

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thank you I didn't want to do the wrong thing

That’s for places like 7/11 or other convenience stores, or if you stopped for something bubble tea or at a bakery.

As cruiser elite says, if guess if you were going ‘proper’ shopping at a vegetable market or something it might be more common to take a bag with you. But not sure that’s what the average tourist will be doing!

If you are going to be at a hotel for a few days, and depending on the amenities provided by your hotel, things like milk for your tea and coffee and other dairy are quite expensive in China. I throw in a six-pack of the UHT milks (200-250ml) into my suitcase to put in the fridge for my morning or afternoon tea.

Bottled water is a must… but it’s cheap at convenience stores. If you go to just about any restaurant, the plain water they serve will almost certainly be filtered. No need to go for expensive bottled water unless you have a specific preference. At a mid-tier restaurant they were charging AUD10 for a 700ml bottle of italian water. Simply not worth it.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

China does have environmental laws regarding plastics - in Tier 1 cities such as SH, BJ, HZ, GZ, TJ etc provision of ‘free’ plastic bags outlawed so you will need buy one if required when shopping - RMB1 to 2 depending on size and quality

 

[mrsterryn]

China does have environmental laws regarding plastics - in Tier 1 cities such as SH, BJ, HZ, GZ, TJ etc provision of ‘free’ plastic bags outlawed so you will need buy one if required when shopping - RMB1 to 2 depending on size and quality

Ahh ok we are only going to Tier one cities this trip.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Ahh ok we are only going to Tier one cities this trip.

Might explain why a lot of places give out paper bags

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Just stumbled on these from a few years back: