Prices & Savings
Prices & Savings: Is It Worth Getting Glasses in China?
An objective look at when it makes sense—and when it doesn't—to get glasses made in China. Travelers on a planned trip, ordering 2+ pairs, with high prescriptions or progressive lenses save the most; those making a special trip or with under 4 hours should skip it.
✅ When It's Worth It
- • You're already planning a trip to China (no extra travel cost)
- • You need 2 or more pairs (bigger savings)
- • You have a high prescription (high-index lenses cost much more abroad)
- • You need progressive/multifocal lenses (about USD 500–1,500 abroad vs RMB 500–900 (USD 74.50–134.10) in China)
- • You're staying at least one full day in a city with an eyewear market
- • You don't mind putting in some effort to communicate
❌ When It's Not Worth It
- • You'd have to travel to China just for glasses (flight costs exceed the savings)
- • You only need a cheap pair of reading glasses
- • You have less than 4 hours in the city (rushing leads to mistakes)
- • You need highly specialized custom lenses (may not be ready the same day)
- • You're uneasy about potential after-sales issues
- • You have very complex vision needs that require fitting by an ophthalmologist