Cheapest Country for Electronics?

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evangelionpunk

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Please state what countries/country you think is the cheapest for electronics eg TV, Cameras, MP3 players etc (preferably from actual experience).

Im thinking Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Maybe also explain why you think your choice is better.

Thnx
 
I don't think Hong Kong is the cheapest for Electronics.

A lot of the stuff for sale in HK is grey imported from somewhere else in Asia. I've heard Japan bandied around as one location, probably there are others too.

Legitimate non grey imported goods in HK seem to be a little more expensive. When I was there a lot of the items weren't that much cheaper than Oz. The range was a whole lot better though - especially in the portable Mp3 type player (some of which were extremely cheap)
 
Mal said:
I don't think Hong Kong is the cheapest for Electronics.

A lot of the stuff for sale in HK is grey imported from somewhere else in Asia. I've heard Japan bandied around as one location, probably there are others too.

Legitimate non grey imported goods in HK seem to be a little more expensive. When I was there a lot of the items weren't that much cheaper than Oz. The range was a whole lot better though - especially in the portable Mp3 type player (some of which were extremely cheap)

I agree with 'Mal'

HK is good if you keep your wits about you. There are some really good bargains and/or you could end up with burnt fingers. You need to shop around and buy where the locals buy. But know your products.

From experience Laptops aren't cheap there but a lot of other stuff is ie MP3 players, DVD recorders etc.

That's my only experience in recent times!
 
HK is great for most electronics and I find it to be the cheapest (compared to Singapore) and most reliable (compared to Malaysia). As alluded to above, it is best for the more experienced HK shopper or take a local friend with you.

In particular digital cameras, MP3 players and digital cam-corders are at pretty good prices.

In regards to Japan, I would not get too excited about cheap electronics as Iwould say the prices are probably comparable to HK but you will get the issue of 110 vs 220 volt power supplies, PAL vs NTSC etc.

I hear Taiwan is really great for cheap electronics but unfortunately a large number of the products are not available in English and (unlike HK and Singapore) the local IT markets sellers do not speak much english so negotiating can be difficult.

Places to go in HK are:
Mong Kok <-- getting a bit too touristy over the last few decades though
Sham Shui Po <-- for all you MP3, PC, DVD, Console needs.

Places to NEVER buy things in HK are:
Tsim Sha Tsui
HK island in general (although there are a few good places in Causeway Bay).

Regards
Daniel
 
I have found some things are cheap in Malaysia, but certainly not all things. Cameras, MP3 etc ate generally better value elsewhere, and even USA is cheaper. But mobile phones are cheap. Prices are always negotiable.

Computers are cheap in Malaysia, especially peripherals and ofther components (mice, keyboards etc). I just bought a Logitec optical mouse for under RM20 (about A$7.50).

I am in the market for a new TV, but would not consider buying that overseas. It would not fit into my DF allowance anyway.

The USA can be good value while our dollar is strong and there is lots of local competition. Especially if you know someone living there and can take advantage of the often generous mail-in-rebates.

Now, if you are looking for a cheap Rolex, then Malaysia is your place to shop ...
 
bravoecho1 said:
NM said:
Now, if you are looking for a cheap Rolex, then Malaysia is your place to shop ...

"You want a Genuine copy watch?" :D
What!! Do you mean that RM35 Rolex is not a genuine copy? Does that mean he tried to sell me a fake copy? The nerve of some of those China Town stall sellers.

(no, I didn't buy it ... my real Citizen Eco drive watch is just fine for my use, and it has full support for Metric Time as well)
 
It depends what you purchase. I purchased a Nikon D70 in Hong Kong in January 2005, for a little over $AUD1000, when the same camera was closer to $1500.

With respect to computer gear, prices can be a little cheaper. For example, a 20 G iPod in HK costs $AUD398 vs $AUD 449 in Australia. There's precious little in price if you claim the GST back as you leave. On the other hand, the entry level Mac Mini is $AUD 648 in HK, versus $AUD 799 here, which is a more substantial saving.
 
HardieBoys said:
It depends what you purchase. I purchased a Nikon D70 in Hong Kong in January 2005, for a little over $AUD1000, when the same camera was closer to $1500.

I purchased a Nikon D70S for 129,000yen in May or June 2005 (when they were first released). This was about Aus$1500 at that time, with the same camera starting in Australia at $2000, I heard. This price also included extra battery, carry-case, adaptors etc. If I had purchased duty free there would have been more savings.

For cameras from reputable distributors I don't think SIN, HKG, KUL or elsewhere can beat Japan. It's possible to pick up cameras cheaper in these places, though as others have mentioned you need to take care with authenticity. Also 2nd hand lenses in Japan are excellent value.
 
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I find SIN the cheapest for electronics and HK the cheapest for watches and jewlery. Gold can also be cheap in SIN - especially gold chains and the like

For real (not copies) computer/gameboy etc games US is the cheapest followed by HK and SIN

For copy gaems, movies, etc, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are the best by far.

Cheap clothes are REALLY cheap in HK, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
 
For overall VALUE (= price, service, genuine goods with REAL international warantees), Singapore is the place. I've lived in Hong Kong and Singapore (this century) and Hong Kong has a lot of parallel imports which invalidates some warrantees.

In Singapore, Sim Lim Tower is the most popular place. More locals than tourists. Funan Centre is a little more central and you will find most of what you want including consumables and excess stock sales. Picked up a Creative speaker set with sub-woofer for my PC for just AUD25! Flash cards 1GB for around $95 (Jan ’05). If you’re staying for a while or have reason to go to Holland Villiage, Parasilks there have great prices and service.

Japan is great if you want the absolute latest gear. It will be there before anywhere else. Stores in Akihabara (like LAOX) have overseas versions with the correct system and voltage. ALSO [big tip] they will courier your purchases (through Yamato/Kuro Neko) to your departing airport for a very reasonable fee! This is especially convenient in Japan where the airports are so far away from the CBDs. You pick them up in the airport terminal and check them in. Most reliable (isn’t everything in Japan).

In Hong Kong, if you don’t want to go all the way to Sham Shui Po, Windsor House in Causeway Bay has a lot of electronic gear – notebooks, PCs, displays plus all the add ons as well as MP3s and cameras. Again, mainly locals wanting genuine gear. It may be a few $s dearer; you really need to know your stuff to get a reasonable price.

Malaysia is a little more difficult if you don’t know your way around. Also, great for rip-off DVDs if you want to risk it. Most are VERY poor quality and some won’t even work. Also, risky at customs, especially if you’re going to Singapore after Malaysia. They charge a fine of $1,000 a piece.

Bangkok is, well, Bangkok…

Key is to know what the prices are back home and just be prepared to save some money – enjoy yourself and don’t stress about having to get the absolute best deal possible.

**Sorry for the essay**
 
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