Shenzhen Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Your Flight

what to buy in shenzhen airport

Shenzhen Airport, also known as Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, offers a range of shopping options for travellers. From duty-free stores to convenience shops, passengers can find a variety of goods to purchase. The airport is known for its large size and easy navigation, making it convenient for those looking to do some last-minute shopping before their flight. While the prices may be higher compared to the town, travellers can find souvenirs, ornaments, boutiques, gifts, jewellery, watches, electronics, and more. In addition, for those visiting Shenzhen, China, the airport provides an ideal location to purchase a local SIM card, with several kiosks offering options from various telecom providers.

Characteristics Values
Location Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
Items Sold Ornaments, boutiques, gifts, luggage, leather goods, clothing, pre-packaged food, fruits, books, jewellery, watches, glasses, digital electronics, duty-free items, SIM cards
Payment Methods Cash (Chinese Yuan or RMB), credit/debit cards accepted in China, mobile payments (e.g. WeChat Pay, Alipay)
Other Amenities Airport lounges, nursing rooms, baggage wrapping services, luggage storage lockers, business centre, showers, currency exchange, convenience stores, restaurants, medical services, post office

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Where to buy SIM cards

Shenzhen Baoan International Airport has several kiosks and booths offering SIM cards from various telecom providers. These kiosks are usually located in the arrival halls, making them easily accessible as you exit the customs area.

Major telecom operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have their own dedicated kiosks and branded stores, ensuring a wide range of options. The representatives at these stores can guide you through the process of purchasing and setting up your SIM card. In addition to these, you can also find SIM cards at convenience stores and newsstands within the airport. These outlets may have a limited range, but they are a convenient choice if you're in a hurry.

Most SIM card kiosks and stores at the airport have English-speaking staff, but basic Chinese language skills can be helpful for smoother communication. When purchasing a SIM card, be prepared to pay in cash (Chinese Yuan or RMB) or with a credit/debit card accepted in China. Some kiosks may also accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

If you prefer the convenience of an eSIM, you can consider purchasing an eSIM plan from providers like chinaesim.com before your trip. This way, you can have a local Chinese data plan activated upon arrival without visiting any kiosks. Alternatively, you can also get a prepaid SIM card online from Amazon, Simify, or 3G Solutions, which can be delivered to your house or hotel before your trip.

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Currency exchange services

It is always a good idea to have some local currency when travelling, and there may be instances where you need to buy something to eat or drink before your departure, so it is worth exchanging some money at the airport.

Additionally, Travelex has stores in China's major airports and city centres to serve your foreign currency exchange needs.

Shenzhen Airport is a large airport, so it is easy to find your way around and locate the currency exchange services. However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported that most officers cannot speak English, so it may be helpful to have a translation app or dictionary on hand.

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Duty-free shopping

Shenzhen Airport offers a variety of duty-free shopping options for travellers. While the airport is known for its convenience, it is reportedly more expensive than shopping in the city. It is recommended to have cash in local currency on hand as not all shops may accept international credit cards.

Shenzhen Baoan International Airport has several kiosks and booths offering SIM cards from various telecom providers, which can be found in the arrival halls. Major telecom operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have their own dedicated kiosks and branded stores, with staff who can guide you through the process of purchasing and setting up a SIM card. These stores can be found throughout the airport, including in convenience stores and newsstands.

Shops at Shenzhen Airport sell a range of items, including ornaments, boutiques, gifts, luggage, leather goods, clothing, pre-packaged food and fruits, books, jewellery, watches, glasses, and digital electronics.

It is worth noting that the airport is quite large, but easy to navigate. In addition to duty-free shopping, the airport also offers convenience stores, over 50 restaurants, and various other services to meet travellers' needs.

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Convenience stores

Shenzhen Airport features convenience stores, which are located in the airport's shopping area. These stores are a great option for travellers who have forgotten to buy souvenirs or need to grab something quickly before their flight.

The convenience stores stock pre-packaged food and fruit, which can be handy if you need to buy something to eat before your flight. They also sell a limited range of SIM cards, which can be a convenient choice if you're in a hurry and don't have time to visit the dedicated kiosks or telecom operator stores in the airport.

While the airport's convenience stores are a good option for last-minute purchases, it's worth noting that they may be more expensive than buying similar items in town. It's also recommended to have cash in local currency, as it's unclear if the stores accept international credit cards.

In addition to the convenience stores, Shenzhen Airport also offers duty-free shopping stalls, newsstands, and over 50 restaurants.

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Souvenirs

Shenzhen Airport is a great place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. The airport is large and easy to navigate, with a variety of shops and food outlets.

While it may be more expensive than buying souvenirs in town, the airport is a convenient place to pick up gifts you may have forgotten before your flight. The airport offers duty-free shopping, convenience stores, and boutiques. Here are some souvenir ideas:

  • Local handicrafts or artwork: Look for unique items that showcase the culture and talent of Shenzhen. This could include paintings, sculptures, or handmade goods.
  • Chinese tea and tea sets: Tea is an important part of Chinese culture, so consider buying some local tea leaves or a beautiful tea set as a souvenir.
  • Chinese silk scarves or clothing: Shenzhen is known for its silk production, so you can find high-quality scarves, dresses, or other silk items as gifts.
  • Chinese ceramics or porcelain: China is famous for its ceramics, so consider buying some decorative plates, vases, or other porcelain items as souvenirs.
  • Local snacks or sweets: Food items always make great souvenirs, so look for packaged local snacks or traditional Chinese sweets to take home.

Remember to have cash in local currency or a UnionPay credit card, as some shops may not accept international credit cards. Additionally, take advantage of the airport's free WiFi hotspots or purchase a local SIM card from kiosks or telecom operator stores to stay connected during your time in Shenzhen.

Frequently asked questions

Shenzhen Airport offers duty-free shopping, convenience stores, and over 50 restaurants. You can also purchase a SIM card for your smartphone at several kiosks or booths offering SIM cards from various telecom providers.

Physical SIM cards are the most common option, but some travellers may prefer the convenience of an eSIM, which is a digital SIM card built into your smartphone. Major telecom operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have their own dedicated kiosks.

You can pay for the SIM card and package using cash (Chinese Yuan or RMB), a credit/debit card that is accepted in China, or mobile payment options like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

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