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SHOPPING TIPS

Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme
The QTS Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board(HKTB) to help visitors find shops and restaurants they can trust. This scheme certifies shops and restaurants that pass stringent annual assessments showing that they:

  • Provide genuine products with clearly displayed prices;
  • Display clearly product information and/or menus; and
  • Ensure superb customer service with front-line staff possessing extensive product knowledge so they can answer questions efficiently.

Only shops and restaurants that qualify for the scheme are allowed to display the QTS sign of quality. The HKTB also provides assistance for enquiries about purchases from shops and restaurants accredited by the QTS Scheme.

To search QTS Scheme Certified retail shops, please click here.

Duty-free Prices
All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. This makes Hong Kong one of the world's most attractive shopping destinations.

Compare Prices
Check different shops to compare prices of items you want to buy. Department stores and chain stores also clearly label their products. Smaller shops and street market stalls often do not mark product prices providing a great opportunity to practise your bargaining skills. You may contact the Consumer Council on +852 2929 2222 for suggested retail prices.

Know Your Product
Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features, price, accessories and warranty such as terms and geographical coverage, especially when you buy electronic goods. When you buy Chinese medicine and dried seafood, please check the product’s unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods. If you have any queries about prices please contact the Consumer Council, wholesaler or agent, or visit the manufacturer's showroom for further product information.

Be Aware of Parallel Imports
Parallel imports are items brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official import agent. While these products can be cheaper, they often offer restricted guarantees or limited after-sales service. Check the product and ask the sales staff before buying.

Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics
Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on a product only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive product is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where product price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the product’s price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. We recommend that you patronise QTS-accredited merchants only.

Inspect Your Products
Check the product before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the product you have bought again before you leave the store.

Check Your Receipts
You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the product details listed match the product you have bought.

Credit Card Payments
Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.

Refund Protection Scheme (Registered Shops) for Inbound Tour Group Shoppers
Group visitors who patronise a registered shop arranged by Travel Industry Council (TIC) members are entitled to full refund protection if they are dissatisfied with their purchases. To apply for a refund, visitors may contact their tour organisers or receiving agents. For details of the refund protection, please visit the TIC's website www.tichk.org or contact them at +852 2807 0707.

Disputes
If you have any problems, keep your receipts and call the Consumer Council Hotline +852 2929 2222 for assistance.

In the event of a serious dispute, call the 24-hour Hong Kong Police emergency number 999 or obtain assistance from a nearest police officer.

You can also call the HKTB multilingual Visitor Hotline +852 2508 1234 for assistance.

 



Updated 15 June 2007
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