Shopping Tips1

1.Try to shop at storeswith the HKTA symbol of approval and affiliation
2.Be sure to pick up the HKTA Official Shopping Guide pamphlet
3.Prices in Hong Kong for cameras, computers and other electrical goods are usually similar to those in Europe and often higher than in the USA
4.Bring details and prices of products from home to be sure you are comparing the same brand and model numbers 

Shopping Tips 2

1.Avoid shops that do not display prices, especially on Nathan Road
2.Shop around for the best prices, but be certain you are comparing the same products: many models look similar
3.Spend plenty of time getting used to Hong Kong and the way shops do business before making big purchases
4.Do not trust retailers to pack and dispatch products to your hotel 

Shopping Tips 3

1.Check equipment to see that it works and that all extras are included
2.Check you do not pay extra for items that should be included in the price(such as camera cases with cameras)
3.Most importantly check that the products you bought are the ones that are packed in your bag: switches with faulty or inferior products are not unknown
4.Check that receipts include full details of your purchase
5.Check guarantees carefully and be sure what they cover
6.Check voltage, plugs and so on are compatible with the electrical system in your home country 

Guarantees

It is vital to check guarantees when buying expensive watches, high- value branded items and all electronic, electrical and photographic equipment. First check the product has any sort of guarantee. Then check which of the three basic guarantees pertains. First, a worldwide or international guarantee, which should carry the name and/or symbol of the sole agent in Hong Kong. This is what you want. Check free servicing is included in your home country. Second, a local guarantee, valid only in Hong Kong, usually for a year. Third, a local retailer guarantee, which is virtually worthless. Guarantees should carry a description of the product, with model and serial number, the date of purchase, name and address of the shop, and the shop's official stamp. Note that different products and models of the same brand may carry different guarantees in different shops. Do not be taken in by fancy-looking pieces of paper that guarantee nothing. 

Jewellery

Jewellery is one of the most popular purchases among visitors to Hong Kong. The city's free port and duty-free status mean that gold, pearls, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones can be easily imported from around the world. There are hundreds of stores, choice is enormous and standards of craftsmanship high: the city is also the world's leading centre for opal cutting and polishing and it's the third most important diamond trading centre. It is easy to buy cheap and fun jewellery, though it goes without saying that if you are planning to make major purchases you should know what you are doing and shop carefully. Scams are not unknown, particularly where jade is concerned. Shop only at HKTA-affiliated shops and try to pick up the Association's Official Shopping Guide pamphlet, which includes a section on jewellery. 

Exporting Goods

New laws following the 1997 handover may well prevent the export from Hong Kong of Chinese 'national treasures' and articles over 120 years old. In practice 'antique' in Hong Kong has often referred to something that looks old, or might be old, rather than something genuinely antique, so new legislation will probably have little effect on the city's antiques trade. Many shops in any case sell high-quality reproductions, and draw few distinctions between antiques and 'arts and crafts'. This said, the quality and range of objects are excellent. For browsing your first port of call should be Hollywood Road and Cat Street home to numerous antique, curio and junk shops. Most shops will happily handle any shipping arrangements. High-value purchases should be adequately insured. Also check there are no customs complications involved in importing goods into your home country.