As part of the whole relocation package of things that have been arranged for us we were offered “Cultural Training”. Oh great I thought. I could just imagine someone wearing comfortable shoes and too short trousers explain to us that things are different in China. Mkaaaay?
As has happened so many times here, I was wrong. Our trainer was a great guy (whose trousers fitted fine) who shared a great deal of his enthusiasm for Shanghai and China. One of the most useful things he showed us was how to spot a fake RMB banknote. This is a fantastically useful lifeskill as there are a LOT in circulation. Some look like they have been badly photocopied, others look pretty good until you check all the watermarks and other security feature. Fakes are so prevalent that every shopkeeper will carefully scrutinise each note you give them.
But as this is China, it isn’t just the notes that are fake. Pretty much everything is. Or might be. Walking along many streets involves running the gauntlet of people selling fake Gucci, LV, Coach bags and watches. Talking to a hairdresser the other day, he said that he imports all his products from Hong Kong so he knows they are authentic. Video shops here are apparently shops selling exclusively pirated videos.
In fact it seems that everything you can buy is often counterfeited – even water. Now I don’t particularly want to buy a Gucci bag or similar, but if I did, I’d be concerned about their authenticity, even from the brand shops. It’s not great when you stop trusting everything.