Computer Shopping in Hong Kong

If any of this community are likely to be visiting Hong Kong and doing some shopping for computers or accessories, I have made a few notes which may (or may not) assist you. This is not a technical post and the same principles apply say for cameras, watches et



I lived and worked in Hong Kong (HK) for almost 25 years and have now retired to Kent in England.

If you are visiting HK and are going to do some shopping as most visitors do, then here are a few tips to smooth your path. This is not meant to be exhaustive in-depth analysis of the city, but just a quick reference guide.

HK is a great city to visit. It has a population of about 7 million. I was formerly a British colony but reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. However, it is still very cosmopolitan and has a large expat population. Apart from Filipinos, the largest expat community is from the US.

The best time to visit is between October and February when the temperature and humidity are not so high.

Getting about is easy either by MTR (the underground system) or taxis which by international standards are quite cheap.

English is NOT as widespread as you might have thought so if you use public transport, especially cabs, get the staff in your hotel to write in Chinese characters things you might need such as your destination. On this point, HK people are obliged to carry ID; visitors are advised to do so and for security reasons I would recommend that you leave your passport in your hotel room safe and that you photocopy the information page and the page with your entry visa and carry that with you instead. On the paper write down the address of your hotel, your blood group, any allergies you might have and your next-of-kin.

Shopping
For computers HK is a shopper’s paradise, but it is prudent to follow certain rules or guidelines to protect yourself from the small number of traders who might try to rip you off.
When you start your trip get a tourist guide. I would recommend Lonely Planet. Also check out the latest exchange rate between the HK dollar and your own currency. For US visitors it is simple since the $HK is pegged to the $US at 7.75. For British visitors there has been a lot of fluctuation and at the time of writing (November 2009) it’s about $HK13 to the £.
There are 4 major computer shopping malls and obviously a lot of other stores dotted about the territory. Try to avoid the latter, especially those at the airport and those in tourist areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) as they will be more expensive.
Whatever you are shopping for first look at the shop window and check if it displays the logo for the HK Tourist Board. This shows a red junk as it's logo.
The main shopping malls for computers are the Golden Arcade in Sham Shui Po (MTR exitD2) which is the largest and most comprehensive. The Mong Kok arcade (MTR exit E2), Star House, which is right beside the Star Ferry in TST. The fourth is on HK Island and is the Wanchai Computer Centre in Wanchai (MTR Exit A4). In my opinion this latter is the most convenient as most traders there speak english and are used to dealing with foreigners. Wanchai is almost certainly a place you will find yourself as it it full of restaurants and bars (some of which you might not want to take your grandmother to). It is helpful, if you are in one of the expat bars to enqiure with the locals what you are looking for as this will give you the latest info.
If you make a purchase, don’t leave without checking what you have bought. There have been a lot of cases of "˜bait & switch’, where you ask for a product on display but they actually give you a box with an inferior or defective product.
You are more likely to be ripped-off in the malls in Kowloon, so be careful if you go there. You may also be offered counterfeit products but don’t be tempted as the authorities are quite strict on piracy. Don’t be deterred by what I have said since HK is generally and comparatively low on crime and most people are satisfied with what they buy.
In the unhappy event that you do think you are being ripped off, find a cop and bring him back to the store. There are always lots of patrolling cops on foot and their mere presence at your request may do the trick.
A couple of cultural tips:
Everyone in HK has a business card and you will be given one at some time or another. If so note the the giver will do so with both hands, you should take it the same way or it will give offence.
Secondly, you might hear the locals refer to you as a "Gwai Lo ". On the face of it this is a very racist term as you are being called a foreign devil!. In fact nowadays it's just a common term for a foreigner and no one takes offence.
Anyway, I hope some of this may help someone and if anyone wants further info you can message.
Cozzielex
November 2009