Job Discussion Forums

[China2]

Are there any international food stores in Suzhou e.g. Carrefore etc? Thanks

[doogsville]

I know nothing of Suzhou, but I can tell you that Carrefour in China is not an international food shop. Neither is WalMart. Indeed, your first trip to WalMart in China can be a very depressing experience. You can buy a handful of 'imported' goods in these places, but don't be expecting too much. It varies from place to place, and even the same companies stores in the same city will differ relative to how many expats and wealthy Chinese shop there.

Your best bet is Taobao, the online shopping site. Once you've landed and settled in to your job and apartment, just ask one of your newly minted Chinese friends to help you out with it. If you're willing to part with the money, there's very little you can't find on Taobao.

[Babala]

Suzhou has numerous foreign markets that sell only imported food, especially in the SIP. There is Euromart, Summit and Enjoy City to name a few. Suzhou has the largest population of foreigners (compared to population size) than any other city in China.

[maxand]

[kev7161]

And if you are on the west side, there is a Metro as well as a Japanese mall called Izumiya, which has a very diverse grocery store in their basement (along with a host of restaurants, juice bars, bakeries, etc.). Both are located on Chang Jiang Road, but several miles/kilometers apart.

[China2]

Thanks for your answers.

Is food shopping generally quite cheap?

[D-M]

I never really did food shopping. In a new place, with a disposable income, I always want to be out enjoying life rather than stuck at home. Working infrequent or few hours always means a lot of time at home anyway, so definately didnt want to eat at home too.

I would expect my breakfast to cost less than 5 RMB (Baozi and a piece of fruit), my lunch generally 10 RMB or less (eating at school or in a noodle shop type place) and perhaps 35 RMB for dinner in a decent Chinese restaurant. Thats 50 RMB a day to be out experiencing local life rather than stuck at home cooking ... which is often a chore in China because I have never had the same cooking utensils and equipment as I have at home.

[Dedicated]

China2,

Check out these two websites about the cost of living in Suzhou-

www.numbeo.com
www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/suzhou

[China2]

Thanks Dedicated - very useful sites!