Shopping in Hong Kong will bankrupt you... (Shopping in Hong Kong)

Member Name: shopaholicleo

Product:	Shopping in Hong Kong
Date:	30/09/08 (200 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of choice, low prices

Disadvantages: Crowds, unusual refund policies

Though I visited Hong Kong last year, it's excellent shopping lives in my memory. The prices were low and the choice was vast, i needed to buy an extra suitcase to cope with all my spending! I would recommend bringing as little as you can, as you can easily buy clothes out here, and you don't want to end up being 13kg overweight like I was!

First things first, it's best to take a lot of money with you, as you'd hate to run out here. I would say it's better to change it up in the U.K as I found I got the best rate here, though I did have to resort to withdrawing money from my debit card, and the charges were bearable. It's also useful to know that when clothes shopping, you often are not allowed to try things on, so it's worth measuring some of your own clothes before you come and bringing a tape measure. There is also not much of a refund policy (strange I know), so you must be sure of things before you buy them (and if you change your mind, there's always Ebay). Now I can't remember the exact location of all these places, but I'm sure a guide book can point you in the right direction.

1. Ladies Market
Here in Mongkok there is Ladies market, hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of things such as clothes, accessories and traditional souvenirs. Beware that most branded stuff is fake, and may not last very long, though with ipod cases you can't really go wrong. I would recommend getting general accessories here, such as belts, jewellery or even leggings. It is expected to haggle for everything, which can also be quite fun. People will also call out to you to try and get you to come over to their stall, so keep your wits about you and watch out for pickpockets. I found the areas surrounding this market to be great for buying trainers, which are genuine and you can get Converses for less than half price.

2. Sogo in Causeway Bay
http://www.sogo.com.hk/en/causewaybay_sogo.html
Sogo is a huge shopping centre, with seemingly endless floors and shopping possibilities. There are recognisable shops like Miss Sixty and Calvin Klein, but also a few homegrown stores such as Bread n Butter and ISO. Here you can get quirky clothes, that you might see in All Saints or Urban Outfitters, for H&M or Topshop kind of prices. Not totally bargain, but the clothes are a bit different to what you'd see on our high street and there are sometimes offers, with money off if you spend a certain amount. It's worth noting that shop assistants are ultra-friendly here, sometimes too friendly (I beleive they work on commission). There was one instance where an assistant was hovering outside my fitting room with alternative skirts I hadn't asked for (this was after I'd accidentally ripped the skirt I was trying on and wanted to make a quick exit).

There is also a massive food section here, with sushi to die for at the lowest prices I've ever seen.

3. Sham Shui Po
If you are even vaguely creative, it's great to come here for the haberdashery shops. You can buy everything you need to make your own items of jewellery, such as beads, chains and charms and there a few shops that sell Swarovski crystals at low prices. If I ever wanted to start a jewellery business, I'd come here! I stocked up on heart charms to make necklaces for gifts and future projects.

4.
http://www.marimari.com/cOnTENT/hong_kong/shoppin g/where_to_shop/main.html
I'd also recommend just wandering round in Causeway Bay and Mongkok, as there can often be random shopping centres tucked away, with boutique style shops. The prices tend to be low and you can guarantee that you'll find something individual, though I wouldn't know where to find them again. There was also an awesome market, with cool clothes at Primark prices. I don't know exactly where it is, (it may be at Tung Choi Street) but there were literally hundreds of small shops selling up-to-date ladies fashion, which you might see back in Blighty for 60% more. It can be quite frantic here as there is no trying on and all the stock is kept in the stockroom, with display pieces on show. The sizes can also be limited, and much smaller than our Western sizing (I have 'large' shorts from here, when I'm a size 8-10!), so I'd recommend bringing the tape measure along here as well.

Those were the main shopping places that I can remember, but I'm sure if you explore beyond your guide book you can find much more. In addition, there are places you can buy VCDs, which like DVDs play films but only on your computer or special player. You can find recent films for a few quid this way, and it's cheaper than renting though you will have to put up with Cantonese subtitles. It could also be cheaper to buy electronic items here, such as Nintendo Wii's or DS games, but beware as if there is a problem, it can be impossible to return. It's worth noting that many places are open late, so after dinner you could be shopping till around midnight! I'd try and balance this out with other tourist activities such as visiting the Ocean them park and temples, so you don't feel too much like a victim of consumerism. Feel free to message me for other Hong Kong advice if you're thinking of going.

Summary: Great place to shop, if only I could afford to come back