Grocery Bill IN Beijing

Posted by Reedsters (894 days ago)

We are relocating to Beijing from Australia and would like to know a typical grocery shop bill per week for two adults ? Can you get most items from the supermarkets ? What items are expensive ?

(I am based in Beijing)

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Posted by Ruth at Clifford (891 days ago)

Anything that is imported is more expensive. There is a 20% markup in the way of taxes on the imported food. If you shop at the western food stores you will pay a LOT MORE than if you buy the Chinese equivalent. I have seen people buying frozen spinach imported from the USA. I mean, really! That's just silly, in my opinion. The fresh veggies are SO CHEAP and fresh in China. Organics are available at Carrefour, and yeah, we don't REALLY know how organic they are, but if you look to see if there are any bug chewing holes, then you know they did use less pesticides!

So it depends on you. Do you NEED to have imported breakfast cereal for 50 rmb a box or can you do with cooking your own porridge or making your own granola(so easy to do!). Do you have to have fancy western style breads for 15 rmb a loaf or will the Chinese loaf at 5 satisfy you?

Milk doesn't taste the same here...most of us drink a lot less than at home.

cheers from Ruth

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by jerrymclean (875 days ago)

goto www.EIU.com and buy their cost of living reports....ideal for when moving countries I use them all the time..!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)