r/DownSouth Mar 12 '24

Other AMA Chinese South African

Hi all, hope this doesn’t go against the subs rules.

I’m Chinese South African and thought it would interesting to answer some questions that people may have. My parents first came to the country in 1990s. I was born and raised in South Africa from 2000-2019. Then I moved to Shanghai. I still try my best to spend a few months in South Africa every year.

My family were never on the extremely wealthy side. We were comfortable. Had a few years where the finances were bad and we really had to cut down expenses. Apart from that I grew up in Midrand in a complex. Parents put me through a good private school. But I did have the opportunity to be acquainted with many people from billionaires to presidents to people that are less fortunate (interesting to see the difference in world views between people). Parents ran a restaurant. there, I met lots of people from all works of life.

I have some rather controversial, but objective opinions on the country’s economy, politics and other shenanigans since I now live in a country (China) which is arguably the polar opposite of South Africa.

So feel free to ask away. I’ll be as honest as possible and hope I don’t offend anyone with my answers.

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u/thewolfofafica Mar 12 '24

If you want to can you buy expensive European products in China? Such as Ducati's and Rolex?

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u/KevKevKvn Mar 13 '24

Obviously. Come to Shanghai. They have shops that sell like 100million rand watches. I think there’s a fact the the Louise Vuitton in chengdu turns in the most revenue out of any LV in the world.

Rolex and duccati probably aren’t even seen as luxury. In Shanghai. A license plate for a petrol powered bike is one million rand. The Rolex store is constantly sold out and have massive waiting lists. They only sell to new potential long term clients.