[tazz]

Hello

I am planning to go to China in approx 10 days once I have got my Visa sorted out, and I am looking for advice.

My plan: I run a business in the UK, and have imported from China in the past. I want to go across to Shenzhen to source new products and while there I will post items I buy back to the UK. I am only planning to go for 10 days.

The advice I need... as this is my first time visiting I would appreciate everything you can tell me. E.g. exactly how do i get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen? How long does it take? How much does it cost (in GBP, USD or HKD)?

When in Shenzhen, where is the best place to shop for bargains?

How does the postal system work - will i be able to locate a post office?

What is the best currency to take with me? USD, GBP?

Should I be applying for a business visa, is there any benefit?

Should I take cash, or will a Switch/Maestro or Visa work there?

I am mainly looking for electronic gadgets... and any detailed advice and reccomendations are most welcome.

Thank you so much in advance.

Excitedly awaiting your response...

[Sazzy]

Getting to Shenzhen is easy - bus or train or ferry.

Either bring UK£ or HK$. Visa will work

I havent actually been to Shenzhen so cant help with the other questions. Good luck though

[Baron]

To be honest, i don't think the electronics are that much cheaper in Shenzhen. Theres also the fact that there is a lot of dodgy parts used in the stuff sold there.

[Britz208]

Hi Tazz

Going to Shenzhen is q simple. You can get a train from the Kowloon side, the fares is around $40 - 80 return depending on which class you travel on.
The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, may be less, it depends where about you're staying?
It's handy to have some HK$ as well as US$ ready before you depart UK, don't need much, around 100 pounds will be more than adequate, then you can change some when you get to HK.
I would not advice you to post anything from Shenzhen, do it in HK if I were you. If you're staying in HK, then perhaps take a massive suitcase and take it to Shenzhen for short trips.
I may have some ideas where to look for new supplies.
If you're intertesed let me know.

[kristof]

Hi,

If you come in 10 days to source stuff from China, you'd probably spare some time to go to the Canton Fair, you might find much more suppliers than just hanging around in Shenzhen

[tazz]

Originally Posted by Britz208

Hi Tazz
I may have some ideas where to look for new supplies.
If you're intertesed let me know.

Hi - Yes any information on where to look would be a great help -please send details. Thank you.

Why do you advise not posting from Shenzhen? does it have a bad reputation for that? I am planning to stay in Shenzhen and not HK - but do you think it is feasable to travel from HK daily?

Also, to ensure my items get posted do you suggest I tip the person at the Post Office?
Thanks again...

[tazz]

Originally Posted by kristof

Hi,

If you come in 10 days to source stuff from China, you'd probably spare some time to go to the Canton Fair, you might find much more suppliers than just hanging around in Shenzhen

Hi I am looking for products rather than suppliers - but visiting the Canton fair sounds like an obvious thing to do - I have noticed hotel prices get jacked up, can somebody advise a hot for around 35USD during the fair period?

I am planning to look around the markets in Shenzhen in the futian district, any other advise is appreciated. Thank you.

[kristof]

Don't tip the person at the post office that would be considered very rude, and weird.
The China postal service is ok, just send it as a registered parcel, but they will inspect the content in any case when you ship it, so don't close the box when going to the post office.
There might be some restrictions for receiving some items in your country so check with your customs first.
Which things are u planning to ship?

[Roger]

If you're posting within China, post from Shenzhen, but to post in HK you can cross the border and travel one stop on the train to Sheung Shui. There is a post office there. Before you travel to Shenzhen, you can obtain RMB at various RMB moneyu changers in HK. Again the ones in Sheung Shui give better rates than the ones in Kowloon. Or if you are an HSBC customer, you can change at HSBC for no commission and decent rates.
For the trade fair, try the Shenzhou Hotel (Shenzhou Jiudian) in Tianpingjia, Guangzhou at around Y350 and up. It's around Y15 by taxi from Guangzhou Dong station

[tazz]

Hello

Please can someone tell me how much it will cost in UK Pounds or US Dollars for a visa on the border from Hong Kong to China.

I think I will need a visa for 8 days. Thank you.