Shopping

Shopping in Hong Kong could never be easier and Hong Kong visitors are given special treatment with the issuing of the Hong Kong VIP Card by the Hong Kong Tourist Association which gives visitors the opportunity to purchase items at discounted prices as follows:

The Hong Kong VIP Card available to all Hong Kong visitors is a privilege card similar to those issued by stores to their best customers. During non-sales periods the card will give tourists 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.. Please check with your hotel concierge or HKTA Visitor Information & Services Centres for a card and a list of participating outlets. Participating stores and the terms set by individual outlets are subject to change without notice. Duty-free 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 in the world.

Shopping in general A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without spending some of your time in the city, shopping. The variety of merchandise has to be seen to be believed. Here one can buy anything your heart desires and will more than likey have a selection of items to choose from. There is something for every taste and budget.

To help you shop (till you drop), the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) has published a handy pocket-sized booklet called "Shopping" with a list of recommended shops and basic advice. It is strongly recommended that you go to several shops to compare prices and patronise those shops displaying HKTA's distinctive red logo symbolising good service and reasonable prices.

Hong Kong has two major sales a year -- the winter sale (end-December to February) and the summer sale (July to September). These are popular seasons for shopping as discounts up to 70% and more occur as the sales progress.

Buying locally manufactured products like clothing, shoes and bags from the local labels are usually the best purchases. There are several places, such as shopping malls, to go to for a really cheap buy, with minimal fuss or you can bargain your way through your shopping spree in the Tsimshatsui area.

The shops lining Nathan Road sell just about everything or you can wander down the street markets which are great places to get cheap jewellery, cassettes, watches and clothing. The prices are generally lower than that in the shops, but you will have to take a risk in terms of quality. If you are low on cash and desperate to get a souvenir on the cheap, try Temple Street in Yaumati and Tung Choi Street in Mongkok. Two of the most popular night markets are Temple Street Night Market and

To buy export-quality and 'brand name' clothing and accessories at a fraction of the price back home, visit the many factory outlets. These can be found in industrial buildings, sometimes in an upmarket location, or in some dingy shop-house. Look out for signs outside the shops and buildings telling you of such treasures. Always check the merchandise for defects as refunds are rare and ask for a discount if you are paying cash.

Some of the better-known bargain shops are in Pedder Building in Central, Hung Hom in Kowloon, Jardine's Bazaar in Causeway Bay and along Granville Road in Tsimshatsui. If you want to visit factory outlets, get a list of Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) approved outlets from any HKTA Information and Gift Centre, free.

If you do not mind paying top dollar for up-market products at boutiques and department stores then Hong Kong is the place for you. Custom made shirts, suits, dresses, shoes and bags are available for purchase. Chinese silk is a steal in Hong Kong stores and international boutiques like Ferragamo, Armani, Rykiel, Miyake and Lagerfeld are clustered round chic locations like The Landmark in Central, Ocean Centre in Kowloon and the Peninsula Hotel as well as other spots in both Kowloon and Hong Kong.

Shopping Hours generally, shops in the Central and Western districts are open from 10am to 6pm. In Causeway Bay and Wanchai, they are open from 10am to 10pm. People shopping in Tsimshatsui, Yaumati and Mongkok can shop to their hearts' delight from 10am to 9pm and in Tsimshatsui East, from 10am to 7.30pm. For late night shopping, it is best to stick to Causeway Bay.

Most shops are open seven days a week, although a few of the large department stores are closed on Sunday. Street markets are opened everyday and well into the night.

It has been said that if the Chinese encounter an animal never seen before or unheard of, the natural instinct would be to eat it. It is this very spirit of adventure that enables Chinese cuisine to be much revered by many or horrifying to others. In other words, dining out can be a very different experience but none the less tantalising.

On Hong Kong Island itself the Street Market near the Macau Ferry Terminal is popular. At night, the place, which is also known as the Poor Man's Nightclub, comes alive with hawkers cooking up a storm.

In Kowloon, head for Hau Fook Street and the Temple Street Night Market.

The variety of foods available will keep you choosing for hours. It's all good, so if you don't know where to start, chose the first thing you see, try that, if not to your liking try something else. The most popular foods are Cantonese and other Asian foods though western cuisine and regular 'fast food' outlets can be found in abundance as well. Hong Kong is one place you are sure not to starve as there really is something for everyone to chose from.