Hong Kong Travel Guide

Hong Kong — Shopping

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Shopping

Whether you shop in modern air-conditioned arcades or more traditional street markets, the range of goods available in Hong Kong is vast. Many famous brands have opened in Hong Kong, bringing the latest styles in great variety.

Places that display the QTS sign (given to accredited shops and restaurants under the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Quality Tourism Services scheme) are the best guarantee of satisfaction. Bargaining is practiced in the smaller shops and side stalls only.

There is an excellent market in Stanley on Hong Kong Island, which is in a beautiful setting in a small village on the coast, open every day 0900-1800. Yuen Po Street bird garden in Kowloon is a market popular with the songbird owners in Hong Kong, selling many interesting creature comforts, including intricately crafted cages, open 0700-2000. Tailoring is first class.

Except for a few items, such as alcohol and perfume, Hong Kong is a duty-free port.

Shopping hours: Hong Kong Island (Central and Western): 1000-1900 (1000-2000 along Queen's Road). Hong Kong Island (Causeway Bay and Wan Chai): 1000-2130. Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok): 1000-2100. Many shops are open Sunday. Shopping hours may vary greatly.

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD; symbol HK$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of HK$1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of HK$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be changed in banks, hotels and bureau de change. Banks usually offer the best rate of exchange.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. There are also plenty of ATMs.

Travelers Checks

Accepted almost everywhere. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or Euros.