Expat Expenses: Can You Justify It?

Standing befuddled in the middle of the cereal aisle, there was no doubt we were amateurs.   The other shoppers assertively scanned and gathered their necessities from the shelves before swiftly moving along to the next item on their grocery list.  Why couldn't I be so confident?  Instead, Chitrak and I were in a state of pure disbelief and facing what might seem as an absurd predicament--Should we buy Cookie Crisp?

We were in Shanghai at City Shop, the “Walmart” of all foreign goods in China.  Our cart was parked in an empty corner, so we could reassess all of our things one more time.   

   How much is it?  I asked again, hoping he had misread the price.      

   About 90 RMB, Chitrak said again, just as he had before.  90 RMB is equivalent to almost $16 in the US.  

Now  it doesn't seem so crazy to indulge in meaningful debate about such a delicious morning meal.  Our conversation led all the way up to the cash register as we tried to justify the expense.

Do you like Cookie Crisp, or are you buying it because you know I love it?  I asked, looking him square in the eye.

Are you kidding me Megan? he said with such surprise, It's like having Famous Amos in milk for breakfast.  Of course I love it!

Say  no more!  His argument convinced me.  Let’s get it!

******

In China, if you only have a taste for foreign food (AKA not Chinese cuisine), then you’ll take a large hit to the wallet.  For us, we can’t justify the expense and have decided that we'll spend very little on our City Shop trips.  This was our second visit, and we really watched our budget.  Take a look at our receipt!  You'll find that a little bit of food goes a long way in your overall bill! 

In all, we spent 589.20 RMB, which means, on all the beautiful foreign goods you see below, we dished out $94.57 (no pun intended).

A Detailed Synopsis of the Damage 

Our Extravagant Buy!

The Breakdown:

RMB       USD $$
15.10  ~  2.42    Dried Mango Snack
89.80  ~ 14.41   Cookie Crisp
36.70  ~   5.89   Corn Flakes
42.00  ~   6.74   Kraft Velveeta & Cheese
15.90  ~   2.55   Green Giant Green Bean
16.80  ~   2.69   Campbell's Cream of Mushroom
16.00  ~   2.56   Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

RMB       USD $$
38.00  ~   6.10   Morton Sea Salt
16.80  ~   2.56   Campbell's Cream of Chicken
10.00  ~   1.61   Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn
16.80  ~   2.69   Campbell's Cream of Mushroom
29.80  ~   4.78   Bag of Garbanzo Beans
26.00  ~   4.17   Bag of Light Red Kidney Beans
69.80  ~ 11.20   Newman's Own Dressing RANCH
32.00  ~   5.14   Beef Stock (cubes)
14.20  ~   2.28  Del Monte Green Beans
10.00  ~   1.61  Del Monte Cream of Corn


What might you be longing for if you lived in China?  
See what you what can buy at City Shop!  
http://www.cityshop.com.cn/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories1_10601_10051_-7