Toppers, for those of you who are crazy about shopping, aka shopaholics, and also crazy about traveling, the experience of a cheap shopping holiday in Hong Kong is a must for you to try. Yes, now Hong Kong has become a new tourist charm in Asia, even rivaling Singapore, you know.
One of its attractions is a shopping paradise that can attract thousands of people every month. So, for Toppers who want to start their shopping adventure in Hong Kong, here are 13 cheap shopping tips in Hong Kong that can help maximize your shopping experience!
Tips for Shopping in Hong Kong
1. Prepare Hong Kong dollars
To be able to shop in Hong Kong, of course Toppers have to prepare Hong Kong Dollars. Due to the fluctuating currency values, anticipate the soaring Hong Kong Dollar prices by exchanging Hong Kong dollars in advance.
Also avoid exchanging dollars at the airport or when you arrive in Hong Kong because the dollar price is likely to be higher. Doing research on Hong Kong dollar prices can also be an added value that will help you prepare Hong Kong dollars at more friendly prices.
Apart from that, the next shopping tip in Hong Kong is to prepare Rupiah. Carrying Rupiah as a reserve of money when in Hong Kong can be very helpful in times of urgency, you know.
Image source: South China Post
2. Bring a dictionary and calculator
When shopping in Hong Kong, of course, language is a complicated barrier that often gets in the way. So the next tip for shopping in Hong Kong is to always prepare an electronic dictionary. Learning some vocabulary related to shopping, such as asking about prices, is also a good tip for preparing for a shopping trip to Hong Kong.
Carrying a calculator or using a calculator on your smartphone can be a practical communication tool when bargaining, you know! Calculators can also make it easier for you to calculate prices in rupiah so you can judge whether the purchased items are too expensive or cheap.
3. Organize baggage and bring additional empty luggage bags
If Toppers' destination for a vacation to Hong Kong is indeed for shopping, just bring enough clothes. This helps provide more space for your shopping items when you return from Hong Kong.
Bringing an empty suitcase is also a mandatory shopping tip when shopping in Hong Kong. Don't forget, choosing your baggage wisely will help you to avoid excess baggage when you return home which will result in additional costs that you need to bear.
4. Make sure you are not overly concerned about your belongings.
When shopping, minimize your belongings, especially valuable items such as gadgets and jewelry. It's not just about comfort when shopping because a lot of luggage will certainly make it difficult for you to move, but these tips for shopping in Hong Kong are also related to safety factors when shopping itself.
5. Just like shopping at the market, don't be embarrassed to haggle!
The most important cheap shopping tip in Hong Kong is don't hesitate to haggle when shopping to make sure you get the best price. By being willing to negotiate prices, Toppers can maximize your cheap shopping adventure in Hong Kong.
It's better for you to be a little "cruel" when shopping, rather than Toppers having to pay unreasonable prices. After all, haggling is a common thing to do in shops in Hong Kong.
6. Make sure you shop in the right place
Hong Kong has many shopping centers.
To make your shopping trip more enjoyable, you should decide on the places you want to visit, especially those that sell the goods you are looking for. For example, if you shop for something cheap, it's quite cheap at the Ladies Market and you can bargain. However, if Toppers don't have a budget and want to shop for branded goods, Harbor City, which is an upper middle class shopping center, could be your choice.
For those who like antiques, you can come to Wyndham Street, Hollywood Road, and Sheung Wan. However, if you want antiques at cheaper prices, walk west of Hollywood Road. So, if you want to hunt for typical Hong Kong handicrafts, ceramics and paintings, you can come to Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium.
For fashion lovers, just visit Pacific Place in Admiralty, and Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. So, if you want to shop for clothes that are cheaper, you can find them at Jardine's Bazaar in Causeway Bay, or on Lee Garden Road. Hehehe.
Still want something cheaper? Don't worry, Toppers can come to the impromptu Tung Choi Street market in Mongkok. This is where the center of cheap goods, ranging from clothing, bags, to jewelry.
If you want to shop for other items, you can shop at centers that sell certain items, such as computers in Kowloon, jade at Jade Market, or photography equipment in Tsim Sha Tsui.
7. Do you like leather products? Double check the quality of the leather!
If you love leather products, Hong Kong could be a shopping paradise for you because there are many shops selling leather products from well-known brands, such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci. In fact, you can find products at a fairly cheap discount, you know. But don't go crazy buying it right away, because if you're not careful, you run the risk of buying something that's not perfect. In fact, some branded leather goods are not all in good condition; there are also defects.
8. Watch shopping? Make sure it's not fake.
Toppers, in Hong Kong there must be lots of watch sellers with various brands. Yes, everything is tempting, looks original, and cheap. But, once again, you have to be careful, Toppers. Due to the fact, not all watches that are sold are genuine. In fact, not a few fake watches are priced high. So, so you don't get scammed, make sure the shop you go to has included a price tag on the watch, and also check the completeness of the paperwork.
9. Don't just buy it, check the guarantee again!
Shopping for electronics? The next shopping tip in Hong Kong is to always pay attention to the guarantee of the goods you buy, Toppers. Check carefully whether the item you buy is equipped with a stamped warranty card. Also pay attention to the serial number, date of manufacture, and shop address as stated on the warranty card.
Because there are so many shops in Hong Kong that sell black market goods that don't have papers. So, you have to be more observant, especially when buying electronics, gadgets or branded goods.
10. Don't take photos of merchandise!
The unique thing when shopping in Hong Kong is, we are not allowed to take photos of the merchandise. Yes, if you are caught taking a photo, get ready to be scolded by the seller. So, you better refrain from taking photos.
11. Evil is everywhere, don't let yourself become a victim.
Bad habits while shopping is crazy. Yes, to the point of forgetting his luggage. It's no wonder that many people lose their bags, wallets, gadgets, and even groceries. Starting from being left behind, falling and missing to being pickpocketed or becoming a victim of other ignorant hands.
So, Toppers, remember that crime is everywhere, so make sure you stay alert, even if you're having fun.
12. Complete your shopping adventure in Hong Kong with delicious culinary delights,
It's not just shopping that feels fun in Hong Kong. But you also have to taste the typical culinary delights of this country. Try Chinese tea at the stalls along Austin Road. Wow, it's guaranteed to be delicious. For halal food, you can visit Ebenezer's, Aladdin or Bismillah Fast Food restaurants around Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Those are 13 smart cheap shopping tips in Hong Kong. With these shopping tips in Hong Kong, not only will the shopping experience in Hong Kong be more exciting, Toppers can also save and be more efficient both in terms of cost, time and energy, you know.
Are you ready to start your shopping adventure in Hong Kong?