Hong Kong is a shopping heaven. Before starting your shopping experience, you must have lots of questions, such as where to buy and what to buy. Look through the quick facts detailed below for a general understanding of shopping in Hong Kong.
1. Shopping Areas Are Mainly in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Hong Kong is a city full of shopping malls, department stores, and street markets but shopping areas are mainly distributed in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The famous shopping areas are Central, Admiralty, and Causeway Bay in Hong Kong Island, and Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, and Mong Kok in Kowloon.
Learn more on top 7 shopping areas in Hong Kong
2. The Best Three Buys in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the best shopping places in the world. It offers a wide array of goods. The best three buys are clothes, cosmetics, and electrical appliances. As the goods are tax free, the prices are always lower than those found in other countries.
3. There Are Two Sales Seasons in Hong Kong
Hong Kong usually has two sales seasons: winter sales and summer sales. Generally speaking, the summer sales run from July to September and the winter sales from December to February, especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year. Learn more about Christmas shopping in Hong Kong.
Family shopping in Hong Kong4. Most Goods Are Tax Free
Most goods in Hong Kong are tax free. Four types of dutiable commodities are liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol.
5. Most Goods Are Priced in Hong Kong Dollars
When you shop in Hong Kong, you will find the currency symbol $. It looks similar to the symbol of US dollars but it always refers to Hong Kong dollars rather than US dollars. 1 USD equals approximately 7.80 HKD (exchange rates may fluctuate slightly). You can exchange your currency for Hong Kong dollars at any authorized money exchanger. Many shops can also accept US dollars.
6. The Price at Street Markets is Negotiable
Most shopping malls and department stores provide clearly displayed prices. In such cases, they are usually fixed prices and shop attendants may not be open to bargaining. But don't forget to try to bargain at street markets, which can offer 20–30% off if you are a good bargainer.
7. Major Credit Cards Are Accepted in Hong Kong
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and other known major credit cards are accepted in most stores. Please double-check before you make a purchase. However, at open-air markets, most vendors will only take cash. It's best to take both cash in Hong Kong dollars and credit cards when shopping.
Christmas shopping in Hong Kong8. Street Markets Are Good Places to Buy Souvenirs
There are many street markets in Hong Kong. Exploring street markets is a way to experience the local people's lifestyle and buy various local products, including clothes, unique souvenirs, electronic products, and seafood. The famous street markets are Stanley Market, Ladies' Market and Temple Street Market. Learn more about street markets in Hong Kong.
9. Opening Hours in Hong Kong
Retail shops generally open from 10am to 7pm daily. But most department stores and shopping malls in major tourist areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay will stay open until 9:30pm or even later. Please check the opening hours before you pay them a visit.
During public holidays like Chinese New Year, some shops will be closed on the first and second days of the holiday and will reopen for business from the third day. Some traditional shops may stay closed for longer.
10. QTS Can Help You If Needed
If you have any trouble with a shop owner, you can ask for help from HKTB's Quality Tourism Services (28062823).
Shopping at a street marketTour Hong Kong with China Highlights
It is convenient to shop in Hong Kong. If you want to get an insider's guide on shopping, it will be helpful to have a local guide who can tell you where the right places are for the things you are interested in and how to save money.
Please feel free to let us know if you need any assistance with shopping or planning a tour in Hong Kong.