Shopping
Guide in Hong Kong
Whatever you wish, you'll be able to find it in one of Hong
Kong's thriving shopping districts. Indulge yourself by
getting that little special something you've been wanting.
If you're after electronics or something classic; a new
wardrobe or something to put in it, you'll be able to find
it all and ship it home with ease.
Browse through the categories and save your shopping time
with the address and contact details of the shops.
Hong Kong during a sales period is a complete retail therapy
course! During the winter (late December to February) and
the summer sale (July to September) major discounts are
available for the avid shopper.
HOT SHOPPING
ITEMS
Garments, leather goods and international
brands
Many leading international brands which have specialty shops
in the city sell the vry latest fashons and leather goods.
Plus there are Hong Kong world brands which have become
famous internationally.
Where to shop:
- Prince's Building and The Landmark (Central MTR Exit and
G)
- Pacific Place (Adminralty MTR Exit F)
- Times Square and The Lee Gardens (Causeway Bay MTR Exit
A and F)
- Canton Road and Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E)
Outlet Shopping
In Hong Kong fashion outlets featuring goods orinally interded
for export are great spots where you 'll find trendy samples
or excess stock from big fashion names.
Where
to shop:
- Stanley Market (bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Exchange Square
Bus Terminus, Central)
- Lee Garden Road (Causeway Bay MTR Exit A or F)
- Spring Garden Lane (Wan Chai MTR Exit A3)
- Pedder Building (Central MTR Exit DI)
- Granville Road (Tsim sha Tsui MTR Exit B2)
- Fa Yuen Street (Prince Edward MTR Exit B2)
- Cheung Sha Wan Road (Sham Shui Po MTR Exit CI)
Reminders:
- Check for tears or stains
- Most outlets do not offer you know your size and European
specifications
- Usually, general shop opening hours are from 10am - 7pm.
Most shops located in Causeway Bay and Tsim are open till
late at night
Jewellry and Watches
Hong Kong boats a huge range of jewellry and watches to
suit all budgetd and tates! You 'll never find a better
placr to buy quality jewellry and watches at unbeatable
duty - free prices tha in Hong Kong. If you fancy diamonds,
the City of Life is the best place to shop for a "girl's
best friend" as Hong Kong is one of the world's four
larges diamond - trading centres.
Speaking of jewellry, gold is also a much sought - after
item. Gold shop in Hong Kong do a thriving business as Hong
Kong guarantees the purity of its gold.
Where
to shop:
- Yee Wo Street and Hennessy Road (Causeway Bay MTR Exit
D2 and E)
- Nathan Road (Mong Kok MTR Exit EI)
Reminders:
- Buy fine expensive jade from a reputable shop and make
sure you receive a proper receipt detailing the typr, quality
and origin of the store
- Fresh water and sea water pearls are available in Hong
Kong. Lustre and size are important factors to consider
when buying pearls, while brillance can be judged by the
reflection of light off the top of the peral
- A diamond appraisal is recommened for guidance and insurance.
Contact the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong
(tel : 2366 6006) or Diamond Importers' Association Diamond
Federation of Hong Kong (tel: 2524 5081)
Cosmetics
Hong Kong imposs no sales tax and is a duty - free port,
ensuring cosmetis are competitively priced, popular purchase
for visitors. Not only will you find international brans
at Cosmetic counters inside department stores, it's well
worth a visit to special stores that import cosmetic products
direct from overseas and which are sold at very attractive
prices.
Where to shop:
- Lockhart Road (Causeway Bay MTR Exit DI)
- Kai Chiu Road (Causeway Bay MTR Exit F)
- Granville Road (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit B2)
Reminders: Check whether there is an expiry date on the
product
Computers, audio - visual and telecom products
You 'll a huge variety of all these exciting products at
sensational prics thanks to the City of Life's duty and
tax-free status.Check out the very latest computers, software
and peripherals, home theatre systems, DVD and mp3 players,
digital cameras and mobile phones available throught this
shopping paradise.
Personal Comperters
Where to shop:
- Wanchai Computer City (Wan Chai MTR Exit A4)
- Golden Computer Arcade and Golden Shopping Centre (Sham
Shui Po MTR Exit D2)
- Windsor House Computer Plaza (Causeway Bay MTR Exit E)
Reminders:
- Check voltoge and plug compotibility with your home country
- Ensure the software is legal and in your native language
- Verify that the correct product, all parts, accessories
and the warranty card are included in the box
Audio-visual
and telecom products
Where to shop:
- Nathan Road and Peking Road (Tsim ShaTsui MTR Exit
CI)
- Sai Yeung Choi Street (Mong Kok MTR Exit D3)
- Apliu Street -see page 35 for details (Sham Shui Po MTR
Exit C2)
- Times Square (Causeway Bay MTR Exit A)
Reminders:
- Make sure that products such os DVD players, camcorders,
video recorders ond mobile phones are compatible with the
operating systems in your home country
- Check voltage and plug compatibility with your home country
- Verify that the correct product, all parts, accessories
ond the warranty card are included in the box
Children's
shopping
Hunting for clothes and toys for your kids is a real treat
in Hong Kong. It is a true treasure trove of trendy toys
and entrancing educational items for children of all ages.
Hong Kong has a staggering selection of the very latest
local and international toys and children's products at
major shopping malls, department stores and
numerous open-air markets all over the city.
Where to shop:
- Windsor House,Times Square and Caroline Centre (Causeway
Bay MTR Exits E, A and F)
- Spring Garden Lane (Wan Chai MTR ExitA3)
- OceanTerminal (Tsim ShaTsui MTR Exit E)
- Tung Choi Street or "Ladies' Market" -see page
36 for details (Mong Kok MTR Exit E2)
- Fa Yuen Street (Mong Kok MTR Exit B2)
- NewTown Plaza Phase III (Sha Tin KCR Station)
Dried seafood and tonic foods
One of the world's leading Chinese cuisine centres, Hong
Kong has an abundance of dried seafood and tonic foods from
allover the world. View the huge array of top quality, reasonably
priced exotic dried seafood and tonic foods such as dried
abalone, dried scallop, ginseng and birds' nests at numerous
dried seafood and traditional medicine stores in Sheung
Wan District.
Where to shop:
- Des Voeux Road West (Take a tram heading for Kennedy Town/Whitty
Street from Central. Whole ride takes about 7 - 8 minutes)
- Bonham Strand West (SheungWan MTR ExitA2 then walk along
Hillier Street towards Queen's Road Central)
Reminders:
- Dried abalone should be thick with an even surface on
the back
- Birds' nests are usually ivory-coloured, a/though some
may appear red or orange
- Dried scallops should be golden brown, have a nice smell
and be ffrm to the touch
- Check the product's unit price and the method of measurement
before purchasing
Hong Kong Must Buy
You'll delight your friends and family with a truly unique
souvenir that reflects all the graceful charm of the
city where East meets West! So make sure you include these
six wonderful Hong Kong Must Buy oducts on your ng your
stay in the City of Life!
Handicrafts
The variety of handicrafts you can buy in Hong Kong is stunning
and you won't believe your eyes when you see the prices.
Hong Kong is a one-stop shop for a wide variety of quality
arts and crafts imported from different provinces of Mainland
China. Choose from an extensive array including silk products,
embroideries, cloisonne products, jade and wooden handicraft
items. You'll find them all over Hong Kong in Chinese department
stores, Stanley Market (bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Exchange
Square Bus Terminus, Central); Li Yuen East Street (Central
MTR Exit C. Walk along Queen's Road Central towards Sheung
Wan); Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row. (Sheung Wan MTR
ExitA2)
Reminders:
- Colour, style, pattern and workmanship are the key essential
elements in choosing quality handicrafts
Chinese
Clothing
Brighten up your wardrobe in one of Asia's leading fashion
centres! Hong Kong offers the best craftsmanship and widest
range of styles and fabrics in fashionable Chinese- style
clothes and accessories. Marvel at the fusion of the great
designs and traditional styles in a large collection of
brilliant colours and textiles; available in either ready-to-
wear or made-to-order garments. You'll find Chinese clothing
at Chinese department stores, specialty shops and boutiques
in Li Yuen Streets East and West in Central (Central MTR
Exit C), Pedder Street and Des Voeux Road Central (Central
MTR Exit G), and Stanley Market.
Reminders:
- The HKTB Cultural Kaleidascape pragramme affers a free
Chinese Clathing Appreciation Class every Wednesday. Registration
Hotline 25247875
Chinese Tea
Tea drinking may be the sign of a New Age lifestyle but
it has been synonymous with Chinese culture for thousands
of years.The wide selection of teas not only quenches the
thirst, aids digestion and is good for your health but is
also used as an ingredient in many dishes. Chinese tea makes
a reasonably priced gift, especially when attractively wrapped
in souvenir packaging. Hong Kong has a large variety of
teas imported from different provinces of Mainland China
such as Fujian's Ti-guan-yin tea, Hangzhou's DragonWell
tea and Yunnan's Pu-erh tea. A popular one from Taiwan is
Don-Ding g tea. Chinese tea is readily available in Chinese
department stores, supermarkets and teahouses.
Reminders:
- Tea leaves are graded accarding ta natural calaur, arama
and lustre
- Tea is available in a variety affarms including loose
tea, tea cakes, tea bricks ar tea lumps
- The HKTB Cultural Kaleidascaee pragramme affers a camplimentary
Chinese Tea Appreciatian Class every Manday. Cantact the
Heritage Tea Hause tel: 2604 5017
Gold Jewellery
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to Hong Kong's
unsurpassed selection of modern and traditional gold jewellery,
accessories and ornaments at unbeatable tax-free prices.
Made of top quality pure gold in modern designs and styles,
they reflect the fine workmanship that has made Hong Kong
a leading international jewellery centre. Major shopping
areas such as Yee Wo Street and Hennessy Road (Causeway
Bay MTR Exit D2) and along Nathan Road from Mong Kok (Mong
Kok MTR Exit El) toTsim ShaTsui (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit
CI) offer an exhaustive assortment of gold
jewellery for young and old.
Reminders:
- According to the Gold Marking Order of 1984, the gold
jewellery faund in Hong Kong shops must have a ffneness
or'990" ar be 99% pure. For those shops offering "999"
gold jewellery, this means that 99.9 per cent of the contents
are pure gold. For more information, please contact the
Hong Kongjewellers' & Goldsmiths' Associatian on 2543
9633
- Fixed retail prices are based on weight, purity and craftmanship
- Make sure you obtain an invoice indicating the rneness,
weight and price of the gold jewellery item
Chinese
Assorted Cakes
Chinese cakes and festive delicacies such as "wife
cake", mini moon cakes , egg rolls, and almond cookies
are a true taste treat. Chinese cakes are appropriate for
just about any occasion including weddings (assorted cakes)
and at festival time (moon cakes for Mid-Autumn Festival).
Attractively packaged and hygienically sealed, Chinese assorted
cakes can be found in specialty shops in Mong Kok, Shopping
Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, Causeway Bayand North Point. Some
cake shops also have consignment outlets in major department
stores.
Reminders:
- Ensure freshness by checking dIe product and expiry dates
befare purchase
Chinese Tableware
Why not take home a lasting symbol of your Hong Kong trip!
Hong Kong shops stock a huge variety of porcelain products
and bone china imported from various provinces in Mainland
China.Available in co-ordinated sets or as single items,
the colours, patterns and figures of Chinese tableware represent
blessings and celebrations in Chinese culture. A pair
of bowls and two pairs of chopsticks, for example, are perfect
gifts for newlyweds, offering the blessing of a bountiful
life together. You 'll find Chinese tableware in Chinese
department stores, specialty shops and street outlets all
over
the city.
Reminders:
-Good quality porcelain is shiny, evenly coloured, smooth
and clear
Don’t forget, you should always:
Check the prices among different shops before sealing the
deal.
Get a proper receipt
Shop with reputable establishments
WHERE
TO SHOP
Central
Hong Kong's central business district houses many shimmering
skyscrapers and marbled shopping atriums and malls. The
contrast between the old world markets and designer boutiques
provides variety and excitement to any shopping day. Scattered
among the government headquarters and financial and banking
houses are a wealth of opportunities for any shopper. The
Landmark, The Galleria, Prince's Building, Alexandra House
and the International Finance Center Mall are the main shopping
centers, with designer shops and exclusive brand names in
abundance.
Two parallel streets in Central known as "The Lanes",
Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West are a riot of
stalls hawking everything from inexpensive clothing, watches
and costume jewellery to luggage and shoes. Situated between
Queen's Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central, the market
is open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Stanley
Street is known for its range and reasonably priced
photographic equipment. Hollywood Road winds above the Central
business district and is Hong Kong's antiques row. Farther
west towards Sheung Wan is a bustle of sidewalk hawkers
on Central's stepped "ladder" streets.
Western District
Western Market in Sheung Wan is a handsomely renovated Edwardian
building filled with Chinese handicraft stores and fabric
shops. It is situated at the corner of Connaught Road and
Morrison Street, Sheung Wan. The area to the west is famous
for its small Chinese-style shops selling dried seafood
and medicinal herbs.
Cat Street bazaar is best known for stalls and shops selling
antiques, such as watches, old coins and stone carvings.
The area is also home to many interesting Chinese herbal
medicine stores.
Admiralty
Admiralty too is famous for its brand-name luxury goods.
Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's most popular malls, is
the ideal place to go in this area. You'll find perfect
gift ideas within its 130-plus outlets, including Marks
& Spencer, Lane Crawford, Seibu and top designer labels.
Pacific Place is connected to the Admiralty MTR Station.
Wan Chai
Wan Chai's streets are steeped in history and offer an amazing
range of shopping. Along Queen's Road East you can find
a number of excellent rattan and Chinese furniture shops
which will happily arrange to have your purchases sent home.
Spring Garden Lane is a great place to pick up clothes at
very competitive prices.
The market stalls exclusively sell products originally meant
for export, meaning quality and price are very competitive.
It also connects to local wet and dry markets, and so offers
a multicultural experience in the heart of Wan Chai. Spring
Garden Lane is in between Queen's Road East and Johnston
Road.
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is known locally as "Little Japan"
because of the major Japanese department stores in the
area.
Shops specialising in shoes, electrical appliances and
fashion for young people are found in abundance. Taking
a stroll through the many shopping malls, including Times
Square, Caroline Centre, World Trade Centre, The Lee Gardens,
Lee Theatre Plaza, Fashion Island and Island Beverley,
reveals a strong focus on fashion and food. In Square,
in Windsor House, is known for a wide range of computer
products.
Causeway Bay is full of surprises, with a mini shopper's
paradise in its heart, sure to astonish. Jardine's Crescent
is great for inexpensive clothing, accessories and domestic
goods - and all at great value. Nearby, Jardine's Bazaar
stocks traditional dried foods and bean curd (tofu). To
get there, take Exit F from Causeway Bay MTR Station.
City of Life: Hong Kong is it! VIP Card
Benefit from being important in Hong Kong!
Enjoy the benefits of the City of Life: Hong Kong is
it! VIP Card (valid from 1 April 2001 to 31 March
2003), which is free to all visitors and a fantastic way
to shop your way around Hong Kong.
The card gives you fabulous discounts at more than 600
shopping outlets, including major fashion and jewelry
retailers and department stores. Selected tours are also
discounted up to 50 per cent for cardholders.
The City of Life: Hong Kong is it! VIP Card is
a privilege card similar to those issued by stores to
their best customers. During non-sales periods, the cards
will give you discounts normally reserved only for valued
VIP clients. Look out for promotional decals and tent
cards in participating stores or simply ask shop sales
staff. They'll be happy to help you out.
Get the most out of your City of Life: Hong Kong is it!
VIP Card:
Present the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! VIP Card
before purchasing goods. This deal is only available for
bona fide visitors to Hong Kong, so you may be asked to
show your passport. The holder will receive all the benefits
normally associated with the participating stores' own
VIP privilege cards. Unless otherwise stated, discounts
do not apply to "sale items", special offers
or price-controlled items.
Please check with Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information
& Services Centers for a list of participating outlets.
Participating stores and the terms set by individual outlets
are subject to change without notice. The City of Life:
Hong Kong is it! VIP Card is not a credit card and can
be used only in Hong Kong.
SHOPPING TIPS
Shopping Tips
Compare Prices
Compare Prices before you buy. Department stores and chain
store prices are clearly labelled while smaller shops
and street markets are great place to practise your bargaining
skills.
Know your products
Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features,
prices and accessories. Call the Consumer Council Hotline
for suggesterd retail prices on popular brand names.
Be aware of parallel imports
Be aware that parallel imports are usually cheaper as
they often offer a restricted guarantee or limited after
- sale service.
Inspect your products
Check the product before paying and make sure you have
all accessories that should be inclued.
Disputes
If you have any problems, take your receips to the Consumer
Council for assistance, or call the Hong Kong Police on
999 in the event of a serious disputes.
Consumer Assistance
Please contact the following organisations regard:
100% Refund Guarantee
Hong Kong Travel Industry Council : 2807 0707
Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm; 2pm to 5:30pm, Saturday 9
am to 1pm. Closed Sunday and public holidays.
Shopping or consumer rights
Consumer Council Hotine 2929 2222
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9 am to noon. Closed
Sunday and public holidays.
Serious disputes
Hong Kong Police 999 (24 hours)
Duty-free prices
Shopping is a dream in Hong Kong because all goods, other
than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. This makes Hong
Kong one of the world’s most attractive shopping
destinations.
Currency exchange
The Hong Kong dollar is pegged at HK$7.8 to US$1 but fluctuates
slightly.
Changing money is relatively easy in Hong Kong, with moneychangers
at the airport, all major shopping areas and most hotels.
Rates and charges are posted in a prominent position,
in accordance with Hong Kong law. Hotels also change cash
and travellers’ cheques.
Check the local newspapers or the Internet for current
exchange rates.
Credit cards
Shopping with credit cards is a breeze in Hong Kong, with
all major credit cards widely accepted.
Receipts
Make sure you get a receipt for any major purchase. Ask
the retailer to include necessary details about the item
and, if appropriate, shipping and insurance details.
Customs, shipping and insurance
Buy large items and get them sent home with ease from
Hong Kong.
Most shops and hotels will handle packing and shipping
for you, but it is advisable to buy an "all risks"
insurance policy to cover damage, breakage or loss.
Hong Kong Post offers an efficient and economical parcel
service and all major international courier companies
also provide express and overnight services.
Check with your local customs service regarding import
duties and regulations for your country before you leave
home.
Guarantees
For high-value goods, ask for a worldwide guarantee with
the name and/or symbol of the relevant sole agent in Hong
Kong, a complete description of the product and the date
of purchase. Be wary of vendors who provide only a Hong
Kong guarantee
Languages
Language is no barrier to fantastic shopping experiences
in Hong Kong.
Chinese and English are Hong Kong's official languages
and English is widely spoken. More and more Hong Kong
people are learning Mandarin to supplement their native
Cantonese dialect and an increasing number of retail outlets
are employing Japanese speakers.
Opening hours
Hong Kong stores generally operate seven days a week.
Smaller stores often remain in business until late in
the evening. Some stores close at Chinese New Year. Major
store opening hours are:
Hong Kong Island
Central and Western 10:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m.
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay 10:00 a.m. - 09:30 p.m.
Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui East 10:00 a.m. - 07:30 p.m.
Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok 10:00 a.m. - 09:00
p.m.
Bargain Shopping
Smart shoppers check the window displays in the malls
before heading off the factory outlets and warehouse sales,
where the same labels can often be found at a fraction
of the price. |
