Hong Kong – Streetsmart : Shopping Tips, Tours

1. Opening Hours

   Most
   shops open daily but not usually before about 10:30am and will not
   generally close before 6:30pm. Many, especially in the busy shopping
   districts, close later at 9pm or beyond.

2. Sales Tax

   The
   government is considering a 3 per cent sales tax, but at present there
   is no sales tax apart from on cars, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco.

3. When to Haggle

   Small
   businesses, such as the many independent computer and electrical goods
   stores, are often worth trying to bargain with. Consider asking for a
   cash discount for items such as computers or antiques. Haggling is
   almost obligatory in the markets, particularly for gifts, antiques and
   souvenirs.

   
   

   
   
   

   Souvenir opera mask

4. QTS Symbol

   Where
   you see the QTS symbol (a large gold Q with black brushstroke), it
   indicates the shop has passed a Hong Kong Productivity Council Audit for
   fair trading, service levels, store environment and product knowledge.

5. Finding Larger Sizes

   Some
   Westerners, women in particular, find shoes designed for the slighter
   Asian foot a tight fit. It’s worth asking boutiques and shops if they
   have your size in their warehouse. Clothes are usually less of a
   problem. Hong Kong’s Marks & Spencer outlets provide a wide range of
   clothing sizes.

6. Finding a Tailor

   Dozens
   of tailors can hand-make suits in as little as 48 hours. The prices can
   be good, although a cheap deal sometimes means cheap cloth or corners
   cut. If in doubt use a better-known tailor. For men’s suits try the
   famous Sam’s Tailor or the Mandarin Hotel’s bespoke A-Man Hing Cheong.
   For tailor-made cheong sams, try funky Shanghai Tang.

7. Shopping on a Budget

   For
   dirt-cheap clothes, head to the markets at Lai Chi Kok and Sham Shui
   Po. The ubiquitous Giordano and Bossini chains offer decent, good value
   Gap-style wear. For deeply discounted clearance designer wear head to
   the shops on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of the Pedder Building in Central or Joyce’s warehouse outlet on Ap Lei Chau
   .

   
   

   
   
   

   Landmark Centre

8. Break for the Border

   Consider getting a visa for China and cross over to the border town of Shenzhen
   for cheap clothes and designer fakes. If you’re prepared to haggle for
   each and every purchase and do a lot of shopping, the trip will pay for
   itself.

9. Fakes

   Fake
   designer clothes and watches are cheap, common and easy to find in any
   of Hong Kong’s markets and especially in Shenzhen. Quality can range
   from the good to the dreadful, so buyer beware.

10. Avoiding Rip-Offs

    Take
    great care when buying complicated items such as cameras, computers and
    other electronics, particularly from the independent shops in Tsim Sha
    Tsui. Is there a warranty? If yes, can the item be serviced or repaired
    under it once you are back home? Are essential accessories included?

Tours