Expats Living in Shanghai

RIP Best Buy. Probably Shanghai's most customer-friendly electronics retailer is closing its doors to invest in other ventures. So where do we go now to get our cell phones, cameras, laptops, desktops, speakers, ipods, PSPs, and Wiis?

Modern Electronics Market (Fuxing Lu and Xiang Yang Lu). Get new and used phones (including iPhones and Androids) for a decent bargained price. All cell phone accessories are available. The place also has wholesale wires and components, kitchen appliances, home electronics, DJ equipment, laser disks and kitchen sinks (literally). 

Xujiahui 
Xujiahui is home to at least three electronic outlet malls (BuyNow, Metro City and Pacific Digital). You can find just about any personal electronic equipment or device for home, office, and entertainment.

Buy Now is located in the building just south of Metro City (the big glass ball) and has a huge section devoted to custom-made computers. You can have a personal consultant help you (aggressively convince you) to build a computer to your exact specifications. It might seem really fast-paced and anxiety-inducing at first, but if you know what you want before going, you can get what you need for cheaper.

Cybermart (Huaihai Rd / Xizang Rd) 
Really just more of the same. Lots of new and used electronics and good with repairing equipment. Across the street is a smaller market where you can get lots of components and wires custom cut and assembled. I got an AC adaptor to my specifications for 60RMB.

Media Mrkt (Huai Hai Zhong Lu / Sinan Lu) 
The German brand has opened its flagship China store on HuaiHai Road. It's 6 levels of electronics, appliances and accessories. But no video game consoles or games. The huge massage chair collection (that you can test drive) makes it worth the visit all by itself.

Sunning and Gome 
These chains are mainly for home appliances like kitchen electronics, space heaters, washer/dryers, etc. But they have a limited selection of phones and laptops too. Customer service can be sketchy but you'll probably get what you need.