Hong
Kong Shopping - What are the best buys? by Anna Yuen
Hong
Kong Featured Hotels
Shopping in Hong Kong is
going to be an incredible experience. Hong Kong shopping is famous for
its competitive prices and enormous product varieties. Hong Kong imposes
no import tax, no sales tax or value added tax. You can buy the hottest,
trendiest and newest items at highly competitive prices. As a native Hong
Konger, I would want to tell you some interesting facts about Hong Kong
shopping - what and where to buy.
Jewellery
Many people don't plan to
buy expensive items while travelling. However if you are shopping in Hong
Kong, you would have to change your mind. Diamond and gold are popular
to buy here. You would find eye-catching sparkling jewellery shops in Central,
Causeway Bay, Tsimshatsui and many other areas. You must be convinced by
their fashionable designs, first-class craftsmanship and attractive window
displays.
It is safe to buy diamond
and gold here because Hong Kong has an ordinance that vendors have to give
customers correct information of carat rating and gold purity.
Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang
Sang, Tse Tsui Lun are very reputable local chain stores. J's, Just Gold,
Just Diamond and Van Cleef Arpels are selling very fashionable items.
Electronics
Large chain stores like
Fortress and Broadway have a wide selection of the latest products like
LCD or Plasma TV, digital camera, iPod, MP3, video camera etc. |
Buy
at allposters.com
|
Hong Kong shopping is for
everything. I did see people at the Hong Kong Airport taking home TV sets
and other over-sized electronics. Don't worry about weight and size, just
buy whatever you want, as prices and product ranges are extremely attractive.
Buy
at allposters.com
|
Electronics are best to
be shopped at reputable chain stores. Shopping malls in Causeway Bay and
Tsimshatsui have many large electronics stores.
Mobile Phones
Large and beautiful mobile
phone shops are everywhere in Hong Kong. The mobile phones here are not
just mobile phones. Other than the latest 3G technologies, they are equipped
with all kind of functionalities such as photo-taking, video call, email,
MP3/4 etc. Just start at HK$1,000 (US$125) and you'll get more functions
if you pay more.
Computers
Computer shopping in Hong
Kong is very popular. Computer malls are usually packed with people. Please
be prepared to put up with crowds. You can find all kinds of PCs, notebooks,
accessories and related products. One of my favourite computer malls is
located at Wanchai, just next to MTR Wanchai Station Exit A4. Windsor House
in Causeway Bay has three floors dedicated to computer products. |
Designer Label Fashion
and Accessories
Hong Kong shopping malls
are full of internationally famous designer label boutiques. Here is just
a short list: Bally, Burberry, Chanel, Cerruti 1881, Gucci, Hermes, Jean
Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino....I
am sure these shops are selling at the lowest price compared with their
other shops in the world. Click here to check a list of Hong Kong shopping
malls.
Tailor-made Suits
Hong Kong's quality custom
tailors are extremely efficient and good value for money. Turn around time
could be as short as 24 hours for some tailors in the tourist area like
Tsimshatsui and Central. Some of them even provide free transport service
to their shops. In general, a men's package around HK$1,600 (US$200) would
include one suit, one blazer/sports jacket, one pair of matching slacks
and two ties. Ladies' package of a similar price would include a dress,
one suit, one blouse, one skirt and one scarf.
You can pick up a Hong Kong
shopping guide from your hotel room and call up a tailor.
Other Hot Items
Shopping in Hong Kong is
very much diversified. There must be something that fits your budget and
interest. Antiques, cosmetics, watches, sports wears and Chinese goods
are very popular shopping items here. Click here for a detailed Hong Kong
shopping guide.
Tips
-
Though Hong Kong traders are
usually honest, some of them do apply bait-and-switch tactics. Always look
for clearly marked prices and inspect your product before paying. Shops
that display the Quality Tourism symbol are safe to buy from.
-
Get an international guarantee
to ensure you can receive service after returning home.
-
Check and keep your receipts
and ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed.
-
Credit cards are widely used
in Hong Kong. Make sure you have lots of limit for shopping.
-
Prepare a shopping list and
research prices at your home town. Compare prices while you are shopping
in Hong Kong.
-
If something does go wrong,
call the Hong Kong Consumer Council on (852) 2929 6111. Take immediate
action, as it is easier to rectify a problem while you are still in Hong
Kong.
top
-
Hong Kong Featured Hotels
|
