T3’s Relay sits in the central concourse, past security
Relay in Terminal T3 is your basic airport newsstand: magazines, last-minute gifts, snacks, and drinks right in the main departures concourse. You’ll see the familiar blue-and-yellow sign along the T3 airside shopping strip, usually near other international-brand shops. It’s fully post-security, so you can grab things after immigration without worrying about liquids rules on the next screening.
Stock runs from Chinese and international magazines to paperbacks, basic stationery, and small travel games. Expect standard airport markups: a bottle of water often runs around 8–10 RMB and packaged snacks a bit higher than city prices. You’ll also find SIM card top-up vouchers and basic tech accessories like charging cables and power banks, handy if you’re about to board a long-haul flight out of T3.
Relay in T3 carries the usual travel emergencies kit: toothbrush sets, neck pillows, simple medication (over-the-counter only), and umbrellas, which actually helps during Beijing’s summer storms. If you need small souvenirs, you’ll see logo mugs, keychains, and fridge magnets with Beijing or Great Wall themes, fine for a quick gift when you don’t have time for downtown shopping.
Figure 10–15 minutes is enough to scan the shelves and pay, even when T3 is busy. Lines move faster at times that don’t coincide with big banked departures to Europe and North America. Tip: check prices on drinks and snacks at the nearby convenience-style shops in T3; sometimes Relay is a few RMB higher on identical items.