Shopping in Hong Kong - Still worth it?

[ligno34]

G'day

I used to do a lot of work in Asia during the '80s - primarily in Thailand and Indonesia. As a result I enjoyed the benefits of shopping at Singapore.

In my first trip to Asia since '89 I'm heading to Hong Kong in July for four days. My first time there.

Is it still worth shopping there, or with the Australian $ the way it is and the ease of access to online shopping, am I just as well off buying before I leave.

I'm looking for a "prosumer" camera and an iPad or similar.

regards

Peter

 

[Mal]

I don't think electronics are "cheap" in Hong Kong these days (although haven't re-evaluated since the currency has been totally re-valued).

Now for the Ipad situation. Compare prices:

Hong Kong:
iPad 2 3G & Wi-Fi - Free Delivery & Engraving on iPad 2 - Apple Store (HongKong)

Australia:
iPad 2 3G & Wi-Fi - Free Delivery & Engraving on iPad 2 - Apple Store (Australia)

It appears that Hong Kong has very keen pricing compared to Australia.

 

[ligno34]

Thanks Mal

The certainly have sharpened their pencils in HK on the iPad!

P

 

[bat21]

I go to HK frequently and yes you can still pick up some bargains, even cheaper if you go into Shenzhen and buy a nice Cannon, Niikon, Padi, Olympic, etc They were even selling iPhone 5s

Dont buy anything from the shops around Nathan Rd in Tsim Cha Tsiu as that is where all the tourists go and the sellers here are pros at taking your money. I would go to the Mongkok Computer Centre but be knowledgeable about the product and the prices. I brought a Panasonic waterproof camera for 250AUD, cost in Perth 360 to 390. Also a Canon USM lens for 600AUD cost in Perth 850 to 950. Saw a 64GB iPad with wi fi and 3G for 6000HKD which in January worked out to be about 760AUD. I was spewing as I had paid $989 for mine some 10 weeks earlier. I can give you a name of the place I got these from if you like.

If you are not comfortable shopping in these smaller places the I would suggest going to the Fortress Department Stores. There are plenty around. There is one in Peking Rd if you are staying Kowloon side. These stores are always busy and service is very hit and miss for non locals but all the goods are genuine and come with full warranties. I brought an iPhone4 16GB for HKD for HKD 5250 (around 680AUD) Perth price 900 to 950. The phone developed a reddish tinge after 4 or 5 days use so I took it back to Fortess and they simply swapped it over for a new one which is working brilliantly

 

[kamchatsky]

I go to HK frequently and yes you can still pick up some bargains, even cheaper if you go into Shenzhen and buy a nice Cannon, Niikon, Padi, Olympic, etc They were even selling iPhone 5s

Dont buy anything from the shops around Nathan Rd in Tsim Cha Tsiu as that is where all the tourists go and the sellers here are pros at taking your money. I would go to the Mongkok Computer Centre but be knowledgeable about the product and the prices. I brought a Panasonic waterproof camera for 250AUD, cost in Perth 360 to 390. Also a Canon USM lens for 600AUD cost in Perth 850 to 950. Saw a 64GB iPad with wi fi and 3G for 6000HKD which in January worked out to be about 760AUD. I was spewing as I had paid $989 for mine some 10 weeks earlier. I can give you a name of the place I got these from if you like.

If you are not comfortable shopping in these smaller places the I would suggest going to the Fortress Department Stores. There are plenty around. There is one in Peking Rd if you are staying Kowloon side. These stores are always busy and service is very hit and miss for non locals but all the goods are genuine and come with full warranties. I brought an iPhone4 16GB for HKD for HKD 5250 (around 680AUD) Perth price 900 to 950. The phone developed a reddish tinge after 4 or 5 days use so I took it back to Fortess and they simply swapped it over for a new one which is working brilliantly

Apart from Fortress you should also consider Broadway and Citicall. They usually throw in a lot of accessories for free when you buy a camera etc. They are more "branded" stores in HK.

 

[Awesom Andy]

$1 AUD buys more than $8 HKD now, so there may be some bargains around. However, also look at the small discount shops (assuming you are in Sydney?) where the prices may be somewhat similar to those in HKG.

 

[Megglesmoo]

I am heading off in July to Hong Kong and Singapore - and I was just starting to research the price of Ipad and Iphones so this has been helpful - I am leaving from Brisbane and last year I did notice a lack of Apple products at the Brisbane airport, probably the time of year when I departed (June & Sept)