Money-Saving Guide: Price Information & Money-Saving Tips
Market research reference prices for 14 cities, a departure tax refund guide, and practical bargaining tips. Know the reasonable price range before shopping to avoid being overcharged.
Price Benchmarks by City and Configuration
Market research reference prices for standard prescription glasses in 14 cities. Use these as a reference when bargaining-if a quote is significantly higher than this range, we recommend comparing several stores.Prices are for reference only; do not focus solely on price and ignore quality.
| Configuration | Danyang | Guangzhou | Shenzhen | Shanghai | Beijing | Other cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (1.56 lens + alloy frame) | RMB 80–150（USD 11.89–22.30 / GBP 8.83–16.55） | RMB 100–180（USD 14.87–26.76 / GBP 11.04–19.87） | RMB 120–200（USD 17.84–29.73 / GBP 13.24–22.07） | RMB 150–250（USD 22.30–37.16 / GBP 16.55–27.59） | RMB 180–280（USD 26.76–41.62 / GBP 19.87–30.90） | RMB 150–250（USD 22.30–37.16 / GBP 16.55–27.59） |
| Standard (1.60 lens + acetate frame) | RMB 120–220（USD 17.84–32.71 / GBP 13.24–24.28） | RMB 150–280（USD 22.30–41.62 / GBP 16.55–30.90） | RMB 180–300（USD 26.76–44.60 / GBP 19.87–33.11） | RMB 250–400（USD 37.16–59.46 / GBP 27.59–44.15） | RMB 280–450（USD 41.62–66.90 / GBP 30.90–49.66） | RMB 250–400（USD 37.16–59.46 / GBP 27.59–44.15） |
| Premium (1.67 lens + pure titanium frame) | RMB 200–350（USD 29.73–52.03 / GBP 22.07–38.63） | RMB 250–450（USD 37.16–66.90 / GBP 27.59–49.66） | RMB 280–500（USD 41.62–74.33 / GBP 30.90–55.18） | RMB 400–700（USD 59.46–104.06 / GBP 44.15–77.26） | RMB 450–750（USD 66.90–111.49 / GBP 49.66–82.77） | RMB 400–700（USD 59.46–104.06 / GBP 44.15–77.26） |
| Progressive (1.56 progressive lenses + titanium frame) | RMB 300–500（USD 44.60–74.33 / GBP 33.11–55.18） | RMB 350–600（USD 52.03–89.20 / GBP 38.63–66.22） | RMB 400–650（USD 59.46–96.63 / GBP 44.15–71.74） | RMB 500–900（USD 74.33–133.79 / GBP 55.18–99.33） | RMB 550–950（USD 81.76–141.23 / GBP 60.70–104.85） | RMB 500–900（USD 74.33–133.79 / GBP 55.18–99.33） |
| Brand-name lenses (Zeiss/Essilor 1.67 + titanium frame) | RMB 600–1,000（USD 89.20–148.66 / GBP 66.22–110.37） | RMB 700–1,200（USD 104.06–178.39 / GBP 77.26–132.44） | RMB 750–1,300（USD 111.49–193.26 / GBP 82.77–143.47） | RMB 800–1,500（USD 118.93–222.99 / GBP 88.29–165.55） | RMB 850–1,500（USD 126.36–222.99 / GBP 93.81–165.55） | RMB 800–1,500（USD 118.93–222.99 / GBP 88.29–165.55） |
⚠️ Friendly Reminder: The above prices are for reference only; actual prices vary by store, brand, and your bargaining power. Never focus only on price and ignore quality-low prices may mean poor lens materials, low processing precision, or no after-sales protection. It is recommended to consider lens brand, frame material, store reputation, and after-sales service to choose the most cost-effective option.
The above prices are market research reference prices; actual prices may vary by store, season, and bargaining ability. Danyang prices are usually the lowest. Shanghai and Beijing prices are the highest, but offer the best convenience, and large stores may have English service. All prices include frame + lenses + eye exam + processing fees.
Departure Tax Refund Guide
Foreign visitors who shop at designated tax refund stores with a minimum purchase of RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07） can apply for a departure tax refund (starting April 2025, the minimum threshold is lowered from RMB 500（USD 74.33 / GBP 55.18） to RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07）). The refund rate is about 11% (after deducting handling fees, the actual amount received is about 9%). Below is the process.
Shop at designated tax refund stores
Look for "Tax Free" signs or ask the store directly. Some eyewear markets and large optical chains participate in tax refunds. Minimum purchase amount: the same overseas traveler on the same day at the same tax refund store must spend RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07） on eligible goods (lowered from RMB 500（USD 74.33 / GBP 55.18） to RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07） starting April 2025).
When shoppingGet the Tax Refund Application Form
Show your passport at checkout and ask for the "Overseas Visitor Shopping Departure Tax Refund Application Form". The store will fill in your information, purchase amount, and refund amount. Please keep the application form and shopping receipt safe.
At checkoutGet Stamped at Airport Customs
We recommend arriving at the airport early (at least 2 hours in advance). Before checking in, go to the customs counter and present the purchased goods, shopping receipts, and tax refund application form. Customs officers will inspect the goods and stamp the application form.
Airport, before check-inCollect your tax refund
After passing security, go to the tax refund counter and present your stamped application form. You can choose a cash refund (RMB) or a refund to your credit card (takes 1-2 weeks to arrive). Cash refunds incur a RMB 50（USD 7.43 / GBP 5.52） handling fee per application form.
After security• Refund rate: 11% of the purchase amount (after deducting about 2% handling fee, you will actually receive about 9%; the exact amount is subject to the refund agency)
• Items must be unused and in their original packaging
• You must depart the country within 90 days from the date of purchase
• Not all eyewear market stalls participate in tax refunds - please confirm before purchasing
• Please carry all items with you for customs inspection
Bargaining Guide: How to Get a Fair Price
In China's eyewear market, bargaining is a common and normal practice. The following tips will help you get a fair price while avoiding offending the seller.
Start bargaining at 50-60% of the quoted price
Initial quotes in wholesale markets usually leave considerable room for negotiation. You can start bargaining at 50-60% of the quoted price. For example: the shop quotes RMB 400（USD 59.46 / GBP 44.15） → you offer RMB 200–250（USD 29.73–37.16 / GBP 22.07–27.59）, and the final deal may close at RMB 280–320（USD 41.62–47.57 / GBP 30.90–35.32）. The exact range varies by shop and product.
Get a bigger discount when ordering 2 or more pairs
When buying multiple pairs, shops usually offer a better unit price. You can ask "How much for two pairs?" and often get a 20-30% discount per pair. You can buy with a friend, or get one pair of prescription glasses plus one pair of sunglasses.
Cash payment may come with extra discounts
Paying cash can save the store payment processing fees. You can ask "Can it be cheaper if I pay cash?" - some stores may offer additional discounts. The specific amount varies by store.
Polite Exit Tips
If the price is not right, you can politely say "It's too expensive, I'll keep looking," then prepare to leave. Some sellers will call you back and offer a lower price. If they don't call you back-it may mean the price is already close to their bottom line.
Reference Price Benchmark Table
Before shopping, understand the reasonable price range (refer to the price benchmark table above). If a shop quotes a price significantly higher than the reference range, it may indicate an inflated quote. You can compare several shops so you know what to expect.
Don't over-haggle on brand lenses
Brand lenses (Zeiss, Essilor, etc.) have relatively fixed wholesale costs. If a shop quotes only RMB 200（USD 29.73 / GBP 22.07） for Zeiss 1.67 lenses, they are likely counterfeit or sourced through unofficial channels. You can bargain moderately on frames and ordinary lenses, but be cautious when brand lens prices are absurdly low.
📞 Consumer Rights Hotline
If you encounter price fraud, inferior products passed off as higher quality, false advertising, or other issues, you can call 12315, China's consumer complaint hotline, to file a complaint and protect your rights.
When calling, please have the following ready: store name, address, proof of purchase, and a description of the issue. 12315 staff will assist you in negotiating a resolution with the merchant.
Is It Worth Getting-Glasses-in-China.com?
An objective analysis of when it is worth it and when it is not.
✅ When It's Worth It
- • You are already planning a trip to China (no extra travel costs needed)
- • You need two or more pairs (greater savings)
- • You have a high prescription (high-index lenses are much more expensive abroad)
- • You need progressive/multifocal lenses (about USD 500–1,500（GBP 371.20–1,113.60） abroad, about RMB 500–900（USD 74.33–133.79 / GBP 55.18–99.33） in China)
- • You will stay at least one full day in a city with an eyewear market
- • You are willing to spend some effort communicating
❌ When It's Not Worth It
- • You need to travel to China specifically to get glasses (airfare costs exceed the savings)
- • You only need a cheap pair of reading glasses
- • You are staying in the city for less than 4 hours (rushing makes mistakes likely)
- • You need very specialized custom lenses (same-day pickup may not be possible)
- • You feel uneasy about possible after-sales issues
- • You have very complex vision needs that require fitting by a professional eye doctor