Shopping for souvenirs and specialty items is one of the things that make travels worthwhile, since you get to take something back with you that is uniquely from a certain place. But have you tried traveling just for the sake of shopping? Well in Hong Kong, that’s just the beginning.

Hong Kong has been known as the Shopper’s Paradise. Year after year, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival has been a big hit for tourists from all over the world, and an ever better opportunity for merchants. Themes vary yearly, and tourists enjoy great sales ranging from special shopping to dining discounts, and even bargain shopping in participating malls, department stores, and along the themed shopping streets. A list of notable shopping centers in Hong Kong is available at Wikipedia and although the list is incomplete, it gives you an idea of where to go first.

Similar to shopping in any location for products you need, there are certain things you might want to keep in mind while shopping in Hong Kong. The festive atmosphere is enough to make one’s head spin with all the items you can purchase and all the bargaining you can do, but keep in mind that getting the best value from your money makes any shopping trip successful.

1. Have an idea of your budget and shopping list.
   Before leaving, try checking the price of the item you’d like to buy from your home country first, and then pay a visit to some of the larger department stores/ dealers once you get to Hong Kong.

   Aside from giving you an idea of how much the item really costs, you’ll also know how far to haggle. Remember, you can’t bargain if you don’t know the price.

   Some vendors and shop owners usually start with an insanely high price, so keep to your budget and state your price. You can do an equivalent trick by stating a price that is lower than what you really expect to be paying, so as to gain some negotiating room. Make sure that you are up-to-date with the exchange rate too, so that you don’t get ripped off.

2. Do some window shopping before buying.
   This will give you an idea of where you can get the best value from your money. If you don’t like how much the salesperson is offering you an item, you can always move on to the next store that carries the same item and take it from there. The key is to find two sellers with the same products and play one off against the other.

3. Don’t forget to check the product.
   Although the saying is to expect the best in people unless proven otherwise, it wouldn’t hurt to check the item you purchased before leaving a store. Check and ensure that what you thought you bought is what you’re actually leaving the store with. You wouldn’t want to be a victim of switch and bait tactics now, would you? Also, make sure that the product you’re buying has an international warranty so in case you encounter any problems, you know where to get help. With electronics, don’t forget to check voltages and compatibilities with other products you may already have.

4. Be courteous.
   Be polite and friendly (yet firm) while negotiating with merchants. Remember, if the merchant takes a personal liking to you, you will almost always get a better deal. Also keep in mind that these merchants are not evil swindlers that will trick you into spending more than what you really should; they’re also businessmen who work to support their families. Your goal while bargaining is to find a mutually satisfactory price, not to leave the merchant with break-even revenue.

5. Try to have fun.
   Do have a sense of humor and know when to accept an offer. Try not to take things seriously and keep in mind that there are always other stores to visit and items to see. Part of the fun of shopping in Hong Kong is getting around and seeing what all those stores have to offer.

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