The Hong Kong Tourism Board or HKTB has provided us with a Quality Tourism Services or QTS Scheme to help visitors and tourists in Hong Kong enjoy their stay.
Moreover, they also ensure that establishments:
- Provide genuine products with clearly displayed prices
- Display clearly product information and/or menus
- Ensure superb customer service with front-line staff possessing extensive product knowledge so they can answer questions efficiently
Here are some Hong Kong shopping tips that they've provided:
Duty-free Prices
All goods are tax free, except alcohol and tobacco.
Always Compare Prices
Go to different shops to compare prices of items that you want to purchase. Department and chain stores should have clear product labels. Smaller shops and the street market have no price marks so feel free to haggle and bargain all you want. Please contact the Consumer Council on +852 2929 2222 for suggested retail prices.
Know What You Want
Be informed of what specifically you want, specifically in terms of models, features, price, accessories and warranty such as terms and geographical coverage, especially when you buy electronic goods. For buying Chinese medicine and dried seafood, always check the product’s unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods.
Know Parallel Imports
Parallel imports are simply items brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official import agent. These products are often cheaper, but they also offer restricted guarantees or limited after-sales service. Ask the sales staff about this before buying.
Bait and Switch Tactics
There are some merchants that display ambiguous prices or that request a deposit on a product only to claim later that the product is not available anymore. After which, they will offer you an inferior or more expensive product. Avoid falling into this trap by buying from QTS-accredited merchants only.
Check Your Goods
Inspect the product before paying and make sure you that all accessories are included in your package. Check you shopping bag again before leaving the store.
Ask For Receipts
Always get a sales receipt. Check if all details and verbal agreements are written on the sales receipt. Be aware that street stalls sometimes do not provide them.
Credit Card Payments
A lot of Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Always check the credit card slip before signing and remember to take it with your receipt. Remember that credit card companies and/or banks may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases.
Refund Protection Scheme for Inbound Tour Group Shoppers
Group visitors who buy from a registered shop arranged by Travel Industry Council (TIC) members are entitled to full refund protection if they are not satisfied with their purchases. To get a refund, please contact the tour organisers or receiving agents. You may also visit the TIC's website at www.tichk.org or contact them at +852 2807 0707.
Reporting Disputes
For any assistance and problems, you may call the Consumer Council Hotline +852 2929 2222. The 24-hour Hong Kong Police emergency number is 999. You can also contact the HKTB multilingual Visitor Hotline +852 2508 1234 for assistance.
