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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Where can I find computer and phone shops in mainland China?
Ok so I am not over there yet, but eventually I intend to be. I don't have a laptop anymore for when I do take the plunge. I will likely fly to Hong Kong before heading to Shenzhen and from there who knows. I know there will be plenty of places in Honk Kong where I can get plenty of items but I do not know yet what kind of time I would have. Are there any decent websites in English or at least with an English option where I can buy items such as laptops etc for when I do make it over?
Thanks.
As nice as I can say this: Make time.
Coming into Mainland without a decent mobile, laptop, or tablet. Not a good idea for a newbie. Purchasing needed electronics* in HK will save u $ and headache. There are Fortress shops pretty much all over and they have selection and are safe.
*assuming you are into having such things, and from your post I would say that is a safe assumption.
http://www.fortress.com.hk/fortress/jsp/sys/Sf_render.jsp?hf_s_id=FT11&h...
DaveP84:
You assume correctly good sir. I have a two computers at the moment, but they are both desktop and self builds. I sold my laptop a few months ago as it did not meet my needs. But I will of course be in need of another one or at least even a tablet so as I am still able to upload pictures and still communicate with family and friends back home. I do not see the point in paying lots of money for something which is most likely going to be cheaper over there. Or at the very least not as expensive as it is here at home.
Computers will be more expensive in the mainland unless you buy Chinese brands. They will also be less powerful with smaller screens. Most notebook computers still only have 2GB of RAM here. The good stuff is as likely to be fake as not. Cameras and other electronics are usually from the previous generation and not state of the art. You will be doing yourself a great favor by buying in Hong Kong. However, if you really have no time to shop in HK, there is another option: Taobao, China's Ebay. You can find most things you need there, albeit at a premium price. Get a Chinese friend to help you buy.
if it was me, I would buy the labtop before going to HK/China. The prices in HK are not much better. I would prefer to be set up already so that when I arrive to China my time is more free for seeing the sights or getting settled in with the job.
Definitely buy before going. That is my opinion.
I brought mine from my home country (laptop), so it would not have all the software by law are required in those sold here limiting your access and what you can see or read, besides tracking.
But as to stores, phones are sold on just about any corner of any city, town or village in China. And computer stores are not as many, but still dozens in every city.
Do not buy it in China, computers are more expensive in China.
One street completely devoted to electronics in down town Nanning. Franck3
Regarding phone shops, they are EVERYWHERE. In my little city, you can't walk along any of the streets in the urban area without being able to spot a phone shop. Selection will range from the cheapest of the cheap (my little Samsung cost me 169rmb) to top of the line iPhones and Android variants. If you're just wanting something for calls and texts within China, I'd just wait and get a cheapie once you're here. If you need something more, I'd suggest buying in your home country or in Hong Kong to both save money and avoid fakes. Just make sure it comes unlocked and not tied to any specific carrier.