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A lot of electrical appliance shops which signs saying 'tax-free' are tourist traps. You simply don't pay tax for such products in Hong Kong. They tend to overcharge you, pursuade you to buy something you don't want in the first place, make you wait for a long time (usaually after payment) to make you budge. Go to shop at well-known chain stores like 'Fortress' or 'Broadway'.
Unique Suggestions: Go to the Consumer Council. They might try to get your money back.
Updated May 25, 2007
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Beware of the local markets as most are targetting tourists. You will have to negociate hard because they know that tourists are not aware of local prices. Start very very very low because vendors will start with astronomical prices each times you ask.
Also beware of pick pockets in Kowloon on the other side of the bay, Kowloon feels like it is 10 times more crowded.
Unique Suggestions: Take a local friend, People in Hong Kong are very friendly and helpfull, or just start your negociation very very very low. Look around for other places before you make a purchasing decision. Same thing for electronics!
Updated Oct 15, 2006
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If taxi-ing from the mainland to the Island or vice versa you should ask for the route via the Kowloon. Going via the Cross Harbour Tunnel (unless it is closer to your destination) incurs an additional charge for the drivers return.
Taxis with their flags covered with a Hong Kong or Kowloon sign signal that they intend to return to their original district. If you need the destination shown, you could save and only pay a single fare going via the Cross Harbour Tunnel.
Its handy to have your hotel write your destination in Chinese to assist the drivers. Always keep a hotel business card with you as well. Taxi rides start at HK$15.00.
Written Sep 4, 2006
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Be careful when you receive change for your money. Always check because sometimes they may give you China's money (RMB) in between some of the Hong Kong notes. I received one $100 RMB note when they gave me the change for HK$500.
Written Sep 7, 2002
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