Convenience Store Showdown

Winner:

FamilyMart

In addition to its consistent selection of booze, reasonably fresh fruits and solid lunch selection, FamilyMart goes a step further by single-handedly solving the problem of refilling your pre-paid phone cards. In most of the shops you’ll find an ATM-like console where you plug in your number, print a receipt and take it to the cashier, whereupon your card is filled in just a few moments. Best part is, it can be any number, so no worries if you bought that SIM card in Beijing or Kunming.

During your next apartment or job hunt, forget meeting the neighbours and checking proximity to the subway station. If it’s more than a few blocks from a FamilyMart, think again.