Hong Kong is truly one of the best cities to shop in. international and designer brand names are everywhere but there are plenty of stores and open-air market that are unique and offers great bargain. Be sure to check out the pages on shopping malls and what to buy for more information about Hong Kong Shopping.

Shopper’s Paradise

Hong Kong is known to be a shopper’s paradise and many local citizens are insatiable shoppers. Shopping ranges from colorful night markets and glizy shopping malls to multi-storey department stores and bustling narrw streets full of antiques and bric a brac. Today, it may not be easy to look for great bargains in Hon Kong. However, shopping is always one of the most compelling activities for many new visitors.

Shopping Advice

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) offers various advice for shoppers.

1. Shop around and compare prices before you make any decision to buyespecially if the item or service is expensive.
   Always deal with reputable establishments, such as members of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Quality Tourism Services Scheme, identifiable by the logo of a red junk set next to a big golden Q, with the Chinese character for quality written in black inside. The sign should be displayed prominently for the premises. Shops tat have joined the QTS scheme are supposed to provide genuwine products, display prices clearly, provide product information and offer good customer service.
2. When buying electrical goods consider whether you need an international guarantee and not just a local Hong Kong version. Sometimes goods that seem suspiciously cheap are only guaranteed for the local area, and repairs or replacements will have to be carried out by the manufacturer’s Hong Kong agent.
3. If you have issues or problems with the purchases you’ve made from a retailier, you should contact HKTB or the Consumer Council (2929 2222). Both orgamizations are keen to protect Hong Kong’s shopping reputation and will offer help and other kind of asistance. If you encounter a case where cheating is involved, police can also be contacted at (999). Most shop keepers do not like getting into disputes as well as having their reputation tarnished by having the presence of the police.
4. Shopkeepers are sometimes accused and perceived of being rude and impatient. However, they may be misunderstood since the way that speak may be the way they speak normally. The issue may be more apparent when the shopkeepers try to use their limited English to make a sales pitch to tourists and visitors.

Where To Shop

Hong Kong malls are full of cafes and restaurants. Many also has cinemas and other facilities such as ice skating rinks. Shopping hours vary frm mall to mall but hrnrtslly open till very late even on week days. Even on public holidays, most shops remain open except for Chinese New Year and other cultural holidays. In general, Central shops close at 7pm while most of the other shops close at 10pm or even later like the shops in Mong Kok. The sales begin in early summer around June and December.