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Shopping in Hong Kong
Once famous for bargain
electronics and imitation brand names, Hong Kong is no longer as cheap
as it once was and prices are now closer to European or American
averages if not higher.
Key areas:
Shops selling Chinese art objects and souvenirs cluster around the
escalator up to the Mid-Levels and nearby Cat Street. More expensive
antiques, art and collectibles can be found along Hollywood Road.
However, any bargain hunter also planning to visit mainland China
should do their research in Hong Kong but save their purchases for
north of the border. Within Hong Kong, Shanghai Tang, right by Central
MTR station, is probably the best venue for quality Chinese goods -
silks, fabrics, ornaments and furniture. There are computer
superstores in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Mong Kok, full of tiny
booths selling the silicon equivalent of Hong Kong tailoring and
teenage hustlers pushing pirated software.
Markets:
Although famous for its designer malls, Hong Kong also has some great
markets that provide a cheaper and more vibrant alternative to the
luxury shopping experience. For the best bargains, head to the Ladies’
Market on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok, Kowloon. It’s open from noon
until 2300 and sells everything from souvenir chopsticks to T-shirts
and sunglasses. For the best atmosphere, check out the Temple Street
Night Market where you can haggle over handbags, listen to wannabe
Chinese opera stars or have your fortune told. The market starts
coming alive around 1800 and stays open until midnight. Get the MTR to
Jordan and leave at exit A. For gifts or collectibles, the Jade
Market, at the junction of Kansan and Battery streets in Yau Ma Tei,
Kowloon, is also a good option.
Shopping centres:
Mall rats in Hong Kong have plenty of warrens to choose from. The
swishest of the lot, IFC Mall in Central, has everything from
Swarovski crystal to McDonald's burgers. Pacific Place, in Admiralty,
has three floors of almost entirely luxury brands, while The Landmark
and Prince's Building vie for the custom of chic Hong Kongers. Harbour
City, near the Star Ferry terminal in Kowloon, is jam-packed with
designer brands and boasts a flashy Lane Crawford, HK's own upmarket
department store. Causeway Bay has the big Japanese department store,
Sogo, and Hong Kong-born homeware store G.O.D as well as the towering
Times Square.
Opening hours:
Standard opening hours for shopping in Hong Kong are 0930-1900 daily
and later in many cases.
Souvenirs:
Take your pick - you can buy just about anything in Hong Kong from
jewellery, watches, authentic and fake designer fashion wear, to
beauty products, leather goods, electronics, computers, antiques, art,
furniture and traditional items such as porcelain, hand-painted tea
sets, tableware and made-to-order Chinese clothing. Pick up Chinese
food and spirits too, such as Chinese cakes, dried seafood and yellow
wine, a popular rice-based drink.
Tax information:
Hong Kongers bridle at the very idea of a sales tax, so visitors can
forget about hoarding their receipts until the government finally
decides to plug its deficit this way.
Hong Kong Shopping Reminders
1. Visa, American Express, and DC cards are widely accepted.
Bargaining is not common and is only limited to some small shops or
outdoor markets.
2. Shops are open for business during the Spring Festival. It is
actually a very good shopping opportunity, because many shops launch
promotions and discounts. Big shops, department stores, and shopping
malls even extend their business hours before the festival, but from
the first to the fourth day, they may close early. Most small shops
and groceries close, and resume business from the fourth day of the
festival. This applies to shops in Mainland China as well.
3. Do choose shopping malls with the sign of "Excellence" granted by
Hong Kong Tourist and Development Bureau, because they can guarantee
quality and service, and their goods are clearly priced. Be cautious
of buying anything without price tags.
4. Keep the receipt and credit card receipt after the transaction, and
always check carefully whether the contents in your shopping bag are
exactly what you have purchased, in case they have been changed.
5. If you have any trouble with a shop owner, call the HKTB's Quality
Tourism Services (28062823) for help.
6. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Explore Hong Kong
About Hong Kong
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Kong History, Language and Culture
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Kong Weather, climate and geography
Hong Kong
Cultural Kaleidoscope
Hong Kong Shopping
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Hong Kong Food and
Drink
Hong Kong
International Cuisine
Hong Kong Colorful
Nightlife
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Perfect Family Destination
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Kong Numerous Festivals and Fairs
Hong Kong
Convenient Transportation
Hong Kong Gateway for Exploring the Rest of Asia
Hong Kong Top
Things to Do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Travel Tips
Getting around Hong Kong
Money &
duty free for Hong Kong
Hong Kong Visa and Passport Requirements
Star
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