falconbrother
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June - July 2024
What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
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I don't know. I've bought iPhone adapters every year since the beginning of time and never had an issue. I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with one, either.Do not buy plug-in electronics from these shops.. chargers, adaptors, extension cables, plug timers. They're fire hazards.
I have heard from someone whose charging cord was destroyed by one, but I don’t understand how that happened.I don't know. I've bought iPhone adapters every year since the beginning of time and never had an issue. I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with one, either.
Have you?
I'm always leaving those danged adapter plug things in the wall - so I usually carry at least 2;I have heard from someone whose charging cord was destroyed by one, but I don’t understand how that happened.
I should be clear that I’m talking about more than just the adaptor plug, I am talking about the actual charger that comes with Spanish prongs.
I have bought several adaptor plugs in a tienda de chinos, and they were functional but did not have a very tight fit to connect the US plug to the Spanish plug, if that makes sense.
Well, Annie, just a suggestion - you can order European chargers from the US. Then you don’t have to worry about plugs! What I decided to do was to splurge on a charger with more wattage, this one has 45 watts, which is a lot more than the standard ones. (But check to see what kind of connection it has to the phone, because this has changed on newer models) This makes for much faster charging, which may not be a big deal at home, but in albergues and when you’re on the go, I find it a real convenience.I'm always leaving those danged adapter plug things in the wall - so I usually carry at least 2;
and I never walk away from my charging phone so I just don't worry about it.
I've never bought an actual charger - I just bring mine from home.
Tape the adapter to the charger.I'm always leaving those danged adapter plug things in the wall - so I usually carry at least 2;
and I never walk away from my charging phone so I just don't worry about it
I have heard from someone whose charging cord was destroyed by [a charger], but I don’t understand how that happened.
Rick, I think that the charging cables of newer iphones are different than the old ones, is that right? Anything 12 or newer requires a different kind of charging cord, I think. And I think they are also changing the end of the cord that plugs into the charger itself. Or am I mixing/messing things up here? All I know is that I have not been able to use some charging cords on a new iphone, and I had no idea what was going on.Chargers on the other hand are electronic and better meet certain standards.
iPhone 15 and newer uses a USB C instead of a Lightning cord, which is the new standard, and the same cord that many Android phones use. Many USB C cords are the same on both ends. The story of how it was developed is interesting - a lot goes into that cord! This podcast tells the history:Rick, I think that the charging cables of newer iphones are different than the old ones, is that right? Anything 12 or newer requires a different kind of charging cord, I think.iPhone 15
I don't know. I've bought iPhone adapters every year since the beginning of time and never had an issue. I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with one, either.
Have you?
I'm pretty confident I'll be ok.You're correct, I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with a low-quality/dangerous phone charger. Do you want to be the first?
I'm pretty confident I'll be ok.
But thanks
I think Annie has been pretty clear that she buys her adaptor plug and not her charger in the tienda de chinos. The adaptor plug has no volts, no watts, no chips, nothing but a bunch of metal to take two narrow slatted plugs and turn them into little round plug that will fit into the Spanish socket. Someone may know a lot more than I do, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is a danger from cheap adaptor plugs.You're correct, I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with a low-quality/dangerous phone charger. Do you want to be the first?
Thank you!I think Annie has been pretty clear that she buys her adaptor plug and not her charger in the tienda de chinos. The adaptor plug has no volts, no watts, no chips, nothing but a bunch of metal to take two narrow slatted plugs and turn them into little round plug that will fit into the Spanish socket. Someone may know a lot more than I do, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is a danger from cheap adaptor plugs.
Lighting cables were for Apple products only (Apple gets more cash but also better quality control from suppliers). The EU was getting concerned about waste products so enforced an older regulation standardizing chargers and cables (i.e., why buy two sets of cables if your desktop used USB and your phone used Lighting). USB-C was their pick over Lighting.Rick, I think that the charging cables of newer iphones are different than the old ones, is that right? Anything 12 or newer requires a different kind of charging cord, I think. And I think they are also changing the end of the cord that plugs into the charger itself. Or am I mixing/messing things up here? All I know is that I have not been able to use some charging cords on a new iphone, and I had no idea what was going on.
I think Annie has been pretty clear that she buys her adaptor plug and not her charger in the tienda de chinos. The adaptor plug has no volts, no watts, no chips, nothing but a bunch of metal to take two narrow slatted plugs and turn them into little round plug that will fit into the Spanish socket. Someone may know a lot more than I do, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is a danger from cheap adaptor plugs.
Thank you!
In addition, I never leave my phone plugged in unless I'm there.
I feel after 72 years I have a handle on it.
Pretty much true. The manufacturers can still take some short cuts but the cost savings really aren't much or the safety issues aren't that bad. Maybe the prongs don't have an insulative coating part way down but neither do North American plugs that get plugged into the female end.I think Annie has been pretty clear that she buys her adaptor plug and not her charger in the tienda de chinos. The adaptor plug has no volts, no watts, no chips, nothing but a bunch of metal to take two narrow slatted plugs and turn them into little round plug that will fit into the Spanish socket. Someone may know a lot more than I do, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is a danger from cheap adaptor plugs.
WHEW. I was waiting for you to weigh in, with my fingers crossed that I hadn’t made another big mistake!Pretty much true.
Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.Huge shops in most Spanish towns which sell a wide range of cheap hardware, cosmetics, clothes, electrical goods and other stuff. Mostly imported from China and the shops themselves are largely run by Chinese people and often have Chinese names.
A search for "bazar chino" or simply "bazar" in Google maps shows numerous such places in Sarría.Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.
Several.Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.
Several.
And, helpfully for those still concerned, if you look hard enough you’ll find they also sell fire-extinguishers.
I did not know that they have walking sticks. I assume that these are the retractable kind and not the wooden cane type? How much did you pay for a pair? Thanks for the info.I've bought knives, spoons, bowls, plates, socks, underwear, tee-shirts, walking sticks, hair dryer, bungie cords, plug adapters, towels, scarves, umbrellas, Croc knock-offs, flip flops, and just about anything else a person might need at China Bazaars in Spain. I love those places!
Better yet, go to the Pilgrim House, where they have a large bin of poles, and pick one or two out for free. You can return them after you finish your walk. (Indeed, if you are flying into Sarria, I'm told that at the departures area there is similarly a bin of poles from people who learned a bit too late that they aren't allowed in carry on luggage).Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.
These shops are great for souvenirs - like embroidered dish towels or coffee mugs in fun colors.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
They are not wooden cane type. I've bought a pair that breaks down into 3ds and one that breaks down in half. I don't remember what I paid... but under €20.I did not know that they have walking sticks. I assume that these are the retractable kind and not the wooden cane type? How much did you pay for a pair? Thanks for the info.
Yes, and it’s just opposite a hiking store. I needed new batteries for my headlamp and the hiking store directed me across the street to “el chino”.Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.
Only those sold in EU countries, where it was mandated. In the rest of the world all iPhones still use the Lightening connector, but that is expected to change to USB-C eventually.iPhone 15 and newer uses a USB C instead of a Lightning cord, which is the new standard, and the same cord that many Android phones use. Many USB C cords are the same on both ends. The story of how it was developed is interesting - a lot goes into that cord! This podcast tells the history:
Bob, there is a pilgrim shop at the base of the steep stairway that you climb to get up onto the main street in Sarria. It has everything, including poles and ALTUS ponchos and anything a pilgrim might need.Is there one in Sarria? It would be nice if I can buy a cheap hiking pole there and just throw it away or give it to someone at the end of the walk.
I have been told many times that buying cheap charges is a recipe for disaster.They do have almost everything, and I’ve gotten things like cheap sunglasses, pillow cases, bubble wrap, bandanas, etc etc. One thing I would never get there is anything having to do with charging equipment for a phone.
I have been told by many Spaniards that though the stuff sold in these shops all has the symbol showing that it complies with international standards (something like C€), that is often just a fradulent stamp, and the quality is low. I was also told this by someone who had their charging cables ruined by a cheap charger — I’m not exactly sure how that happened, but I have decided it’s not worth the risk, and I’ve bought some Spanish chargers in reputable stores. You can also get good ones for Spanish outlets in the US, and I think they are definitely worth the small investment.
Forget foreign chargers. I liked using this travel adapter in Europe in multiple countries, plugging my USA cables and devices in. Bought before I left home. This is not a converter. I brought only devices with dual voltage, 120v/240+v.Do not buy plug-in electronics from these shops.. chargers, adaptors, extension cables, plug timers. They're fire hazards.
They are all over Portugal too.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
One of the best things about these stores is that, for the most part, they are open when everything else is closed. They usually stay open during the siesta hours and they open on Sundays.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
Absolutely! i had one given to me that got so hot that it could barely be removed from the socket. With Spanish sockets not generally having an adjacent OFF switch they really are a hazard.Do not buy plug-in electronics from these shops.. chargers, adaptors, extension cables, plug timers. They're fire hazards.
It was the EU mandate that caused Apple to change to USB C, and it's standard for every iPhone 15.Only those sold in EU countries, where it was mandated. In the rest of the world all iPhones still use the Lightening connector, but that is expected to change to USB-C eventually.
Thanks Trecile. I stand corrected. It’s the rest of the Apple lineup still on Lightening (AirPods, some iPads) that I was thinking of that are expected to change eventually.It was the EU mandate that caused Apple to change to USB C, and it's standard for every iPhone 15.
View attachment 165672
Charge and connect with the USB-C connector on your iPhone - Apple Support
USB-C is a universally accepted standard that enables charging, syncing data, and playing audio and video. iPhone 15 and later models have a USB-C connector, which allows you to charge and connect to a variety of devices, including Mac, iPad, AirPods Pro (2nd generation), external storage...support.apple.com
I like this idea. Where is the Pilgrim House in Sarria? Please pardon the newbie question. Are you aware of such a bin in the train/bus station?Better yet, go to the Pilgrim House, where they have a large bin of poles, and pick one or two out for free. You can return them after you finish your walk. (Indeed, if you are flying into Sarria, I'm told that at the departures area there is similarly a bin of poles from people who learned a bit too late that they aren't allowed in carry on luggage).
Pilgrim House is not in Sarria, it's in Santiago. See the post from @J Willhaus above for address.I like this idea. Where is the Pilgrim House in Sarria?
Pilgrim House is not in Sarria, it's in Santiago. See the post from @J Willhaus above for address.
Not batteries eitherDo not buy plug-in electronics from these shops.. chargers, adaptors, extension cables, plug timers. They're fire hazards.
Apart from the great explanations by others, there are also some few Chinese food and drinks shops, that can be quite handy on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays when most shops might be closed and there's no handy petrol station shop to fall back on.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
Really! The device you have linked to is made in China. Worse, it is not possible to tell from the listing whether it has any of the electrical safety certifications required for sale in Europe or elsewhere.Forget foreign chargers. I liked using this travel adapter in Europe in multiple countries, plugging my USA cables and devices in.
Agreed they are life savers, especially for once off DIY jobs, and most are open 7 days a week. If your interested in quality go somewhere elseI've bought knives, spoons, bowls, plates, socks, underwear, tee-shirts, walking sticks, hair dryer, bungie cords, plug adapters, towels, scarves, umbrellas, Croc knock-offs, flip flops, and just about anything else a person might need at China Bazaars in Spain. I love those places!
Yes, they have retractable walking poles. Sorry, I can't remember the price but being a China shop it'll be more than reasonable...I did not know that they have walking sticks. I assume that these are the retractable kind and not the wooden cane type? How much did you pay for a pair? Thanks for the info.
Where you can find everything you need and moreWhat is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
I second Annie’s good fortune. I never saw a Mac store but cords and adapters I’ve bought have worked well.I don't know. I've bought iPhone adapters every year since the beginning of time and never had an issue. I've never heard of anyone starting a fire on the Camino with one, either.
Have you?
They’re like the Dollar Stores in the US. All independent and found in medium to large towns/cities.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
That's exactly what I do, too, after leaving a couple behind my first few years on the Camino.Tape the adapter to the charger.
I lost a good set of Leki poles on the Mozárabe last year. The next town had a Chino. I paid about 6 euros per retractable pole. They got me to Mérida. When I had the chance, I bought a better pair at a Decathlon and donated the Chino poles to an albergue.Yes, they have retractable walking poles. Sorry, I can't remember the price but being a China shop it'll be more than reasonable...
The difference is the attitude about the stores. There's little question that there's a certain amount of derision in referring to these stores as "chinos". It is not a term of respect, nor are the proprietors always treated respectfully.They’re like the Dollar Stores in the US. All independent and found in medium to large towns/cities.
While I agree in principle, If I ask someone on the street in Spain if there is an Asian Market in the area they might look puzzled. If I ask if there is a chino nearby, they will direct me to the nearest store. We have had a discussion on the forum about the disrespectful name "chino" before (like maybe last year?) And we've also had a discussion about the meaning and possible shockingly disrespectful sounding "fanny pack". Language means different things in different countries.The difference is the attitude about the stores. There's little question that there's a certain amount of derision in referring to these stores as "chinos". It is not a term of respect, nor are the proprietors always treated respectfully.
What a great idea! Brings back memories of my first Camino in 2006 in the OLD Albergue at Roncesvalles. I almost SCREAMED when my feet hit those ladder rungs in the middle of night to go to the toilet.I second Annie’s good fortune. I never saw a Mac store but cords and adapters I’ve bought have worked well.
If you have an upper bunk and damaged feet they sell “pool noodles and zip ties” to pad the ladder.
I, too, think the pool noodles (cut to size") is a great idea, but who wants to make room in their back pack to carry four of them...not me.What a great idea! Brings back memories of my first Camino in 2006 in the OLD Albergue at Roncesvalles. I almost SCREAMED when my feet hit those ladder rungs in the middle of night to go to the toilet.
Really? I've always found people to be respectful and as far as the name, many if not most are CALLED China Bazaar or some similar name with the word China in it. It's my understanding that "chino" means "Chinese." So I guess I'm a little confused at your comment.The difference is the attitude about the stores. There's little question that there's a certain amount of derision in referring to these stores as "chinos". It is not a term of respect, nor are the proprietors always treated respectfully.
Might help when you drop your pack off that bridge like Martin Sheen did...I, too, think the pool noodles (cut to size") is a great idea, but who wants to make room in their back pack to carry four of them...not me.
And sometimes they are tiny shops that have an incredible variety of things packed into them. There is almost nothing you might need that they don't sell. I found the most perfect long, narrow duffle bag I used for shipping my poles home. I also bought hand towels to wrap my poles in (with Betty Boop pictured on them). If you need safety pins ("imperdible" in Spanish, btw), you might find them above the bags of gardening soil and kitchen fans, below the rubber fishing worms and bicycle tire tubes and alongside the lipstick and fish aquariums. I didn't see many Chinese people in Spain except running these shops. Here is a sign I saw outside a China Shop: I loved how this Chinese shopkeeper is reaching out to his Spanish community.Huge shops in most Spanish towns which sell a wide range of cheap hardware, cosmetics, clothes, electrical goods and other stuff. Mostly imported from China and the shops themselves are largely run by Chinese people and often have Chinese names.
This is so true, Jill. Last year I went to one for hiking poles when Decathlon had run out of their inexpensive light weight ones I usually purchase when I arrive in Spain. The sales person pointed to "somewhere" in the back of the store as they were ringing up.another customer. My son and I went "up, down, and all around" the fairly large store twice, looking for the poles; no rhyme nor reason for how anything was "organized". We were about ready to give up when we found them standing in a tall box in a corner; two mismatched poles and one wooden staff for €8 each. We bought one pole (it's all I use) and the staff...mission accomplished!And sometimes they are tiny shops that have an incredible variety of things packed into them.
I’ve heard of a number of fires triggered by phones on charge but it has always been due to the lithium batteries in the phones overcharging and overheating, never the cords or chargers. A few months back, people in a house a few blocks away went on their early morning walk leaving a mobile phone on charge on their bed. When they returned their house had burnt down.Thank you!
In addition, I never leave my phone plugged in unless I'm there.
I feel after 72 years I have a handle on it.
And don't forget the most important thing they stock....corkscrewsSeveral.
And, helpfully for those still concerned, if you look hard enough you’ll find they also sell fire-extinguishers.
Marty is not the only one who has done that and the ones I know did it in real life.Might help when you drop your pack off that bridge like Martin Sheen did...
Those aisles look like "organized chaos", and they remind me of a colorful kaleidescope.They have waaaaay more merchandise than any Dollar Store that I've seen in the US.
Great post, thank you! I like to start here first on my hunt for needful things when I am fortunate to enjoy a visit as a guest of the people of Spain.Here's a "chino" with Chino in it's name:
View attachment 165693
And this is inside one of the "chinos" in Santiago
View attachment 165695
View attachment 165696
They have waaaaay more merchandise than any Dollar Store that I've seen in the US.
Yes Chrissy, the retail version of Tardis. I found a portable fan that attaches to the power jack of my digital tablet, so far it has not ignited.This is so true, Jill. Last year I went to one for hiking poles when Decathlon had run out of their inexpensive light weight ones I usually purchase when I arrive in Spain. The sales person pointed to "somewhere" in the back of the store as they were ringing up.another customer. My son and I went "up, down, and all around" the fairly large store twice, looking for the poles; no rhyme nor reason for how anything was "organized". We were about ready to give up when we found them standing in a tall box in a corner; two mismatched poles and one wooden staff for €8 each. We bought one pole (it's all I use) and the staff...mission accomplished!
Claro, That was a real oldtime albergue.What a great idea! Brings back memories of my first Camino in 2006 in the OLD Albergue at Roncesvalles. I almost SCREAMED when my feet hit those ladder rungs in the middle of night to go to the toilet.
God bless em.And don't forget the most important thing they stock....corkscrews
The only 'big' stores I have come across in Spain are the French Auchan - Alcampo - and Decathlon but I don't think they're anything like Wal-mart... ? Ha there is also Leroy Merlin for electricals and DIY.Just wondering, does Spain not have super big box stores like Wal-mart, which tend to kill off smaller discount stores like Chino stores?
Chino/a does mean Chinese and when used as an adjective is completely neutral. A Chinese restaurant is a restaurante chino (unless you're in Perú, where they're called chifas). I passed a China Bazaar today entering Medina del Campo - Bazar Chino. Chino/a can also refer to a Chinese person, the same way that estadounidense refers to someone from the US. What I was referring to, and I'll admit that perhaps "derision" was too strong a term, was the use of Chino as a collective noun for any and all of the Chinese run general store/groceries. Whether in other countries or in Spain, there are certain commonalities - inexpensive products primarily made in China, staffed by family members who interact with each other in Chinese, a level of customer service which may not be on a level with other stores. I believe the use of Chino by Spanish speakers does carry a negative connotation.Really? I've always found people to be respectful and as far as the name, many if not most are CALLED China Bazaar or some similar name with the word China in it. It's my understanding that "chino" means "Chinese." So I guess I'm a little confused at your comment.
I have not experienced that, but I agree that is disrespectful. I also agree that they are NOT like US Dollar stores. They have way more stuff!Chino/a does mean Chinese and when used as an adjective is completely neutral. A Chinese restaurant is a restaurante chino (unless you're in Perú, where they're called chifas). I passed a China Bazaar today entering Medina del Campo - Bazar Chino. Chino/a can also refer to a Chinese person, the same way that estadounidense refers to someone from the US. What I was referring to, and I'll admit that perhaps "derision" was too strong a term, was the use of Chino as a collective noun for any and all of the Chinese run general store/groceries. Whether in other countries or in Spain, there are certain commonalities - inexpensive products primarily made in China, staffed by family members who interact with each other in Chinese, a level of customer service which may not be on a level with other stores. I believe the use of Chino by Spanish speakers does carry a negative connotation.
In terms of respect, I would ask if you've ever been in a Chino when someone comes in and says, "Oye, Chino, dáme ..."? Instead of normal civilities, people will often say, "Hey, Chinaman (or China - Chinawoman) give me..."
I think that in general, people look on Chinos as having a useful function for providing a variety of low cost items and for being open at times when supermarkets are normally closed. My initial comment was that I don't see them as the same as Dollar Stores in the US.
Don't forget El Corte Inglés, but I think that's only in Madrid. I go there to pick up saffron and other things before I head home.The only 'big' stores I have come across in Spain are the French Auchan - Alcampo - and Decathlon but I don't think they're anything like Wal-mart... ? Ha there is also Leroy Merlin for electricals and DIY.
They're all in the outskirts whereas the Chinese shops are right in the centre of towns.
I hesitate to share this golden tip... I lose adapters all the time. So does everyone else. So every time I lose one, I ask for the "Lost and Found" box in the next albergue. They have loads of adapters other people left behind. Their loss is my gain.That's exactly what I do, too, after leaving a couple behind my first few years on the Camino.
Ooops yes, actually the Corte Ingles in Alicante is practically our second home! I was more thinking of 'cheaper' shops... You'll find most things in the Corte Ingles (well, the big ones) but it is anything but cheap.Don't forget El Corte Inglés, but I think that's only in Madrid. I go there to pick up saffron and other things before I head home.
Been to chinos in Spain. Does anyone know what they're called in Portugal? Would like to buy a cheap pocketknife since I'm not planning to check bags.What is this Chinese shop I keep reading about?
My wife, because I don't have quite as keen an eye for these things, has found them in many cities in Spain and Portugal, including SDC.Don't forget El Corte Inglés, but I think that's only in Madrid.
Loja Chinesa, although there may be other names.Does anyone know what they're called in Portugal?
El Corte Ingles has branches, but I think more likely in large cities. I think I remember they had an outlet shop that we passed on the Portugues, back in 2015. Also we saw ads for buses that would take you to the outlet shop for a small fee...still wish I'd explored that!Don't forget El Corte Inglés, but I think that's only in Madrid. I go there to pick up saffron and other things before I head home.
Obrigado!My wife, because I don't have quite as keen an eye for these things, has found them in many cities in Spain and Portugal, including SDC.
Loja Chinesa, although there may be other names.
Thanks! I just looked it up on a map and it's right next to Wenzhou where all the Chinese immigrants in Belgium are from. They're famous for their noodles.70% of Chinese people in Spain come from one city called Qintian in the province of Zhejiang not far from Shanghai. Maybe the "tiendas chinas" business in Spain has something to do with this fact.