Shopping
Shopping in Hong Kong
Whether you are a Westerner or a fellow Asian, Hong Kong is still considered a top notch shoppers’ paradise. Some have been known to even jet in directly into the metropolitan harbor city just to enjoy the vast shopping districts that are teeming with endless brand names and bargains galore.
Prices are very competitive in Hong Kong. Tourists from all over the world have attested that prices are relatively cheap due to the fact that items sold in Hong Kong bear no sales tax (VAT). Clothes, consumer electronics, leather goods, decoratives… You name it, Hong Kong has it. One important hint, most upmarket shopping centers are located in the main Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui. This is where you can easily find flagship stores belonging to famous brand names such as LV, DKNY, Prada and Burberry.
Hong Kong is filled to the brim with premier shopping malls. For luxury brands enthusiasts, it is recommended that you head straight to the Festival Walk, a shopping mall with a good mixture of expensive and mid range goods. Families and couples can try out the indoor skating rink if they are tired of shopping. The IFC Mall also boasts of great shopping outlets as well as a posh Cineplex.
On the other hand, Kowloon is the place to go if you seek great bargains with affordable price tags. Nathan Road especially, offers a vast array of electronic goods that might appeal to tourists and not locals due to their slightly higher price compared to regional costs. But if money is not an issue, then by all means visit this shopping hub. The variety is already an attractive factor by itself.
Tourists should also prowl the street markets in Hong Kong for their fill of great deals. Ladies Market is a great target. Located just off Mong Kong, it features a wide range of clothes, accessories and shoes that come in all shapes, sizes and colors, all in the latest styles. Other interesting markets to visit include the Flower Market that sells common and exotic flowers in Prince Edward, Goldfish Market that offers live goldfishes in novelty aquariums in Mong Kok, Seafood Street where one can sample exotic delicacies in Sai Kung and Apliu Street that provides great value and variety for those who want to cart back the latest computer peripherals.
There are some tips and tricks when it comes to shopping in Hong Kong, You should always compare prices and right before you bargain, you should have in mind the price that you are prepared to pay for that particular item you desire. Knowing the exact exchange rates also helps to avoid being ripped off by traders and taxi drivers. Most reputable stores display their prices prominently so do be aware of those who do not. As a final reminder, bootlegs are tempting to purchase simply because of their dirt cheap prices but do bear in mind that you might have them confiscated, or worse, be convicted if you are found possessing these items at the customs prior to exiting Hong Kong.