Nathan Road, Hong Kong

Hi, I just purchased a new camera at Gallant in Nathan Rd. I bought a Canon 600D with a new lense. Negotiated the price they thru in 16GB card lense filters etc, I was happy with the price paid for it had it packaged and then they tell me their camera Guru will come and explain how the camera works, I said no its ok my brother has one back in Aus I know how to use it. Any way cut a long story short I was forced to sit down and look at this camera. Next minute the camera guru is out talking to me about my camera and goes and gets another camera out of the window telling me this is the newest canon and was released this month in Oct '11. I got very confused googled it, the net tells me was released in september 2010???? after much pushing and throwing in more products I walked out without my Canon 600D but with a Canon SX30IS and a Rollei Macro lense!!!! Now I am back in Aus i realise the lens is worth nothing and Camera I could have got for $370 mot the $620 I paid!!!!

Fun Alternatives: Study hard if you are buying electronics and know everything including the price about them.

I wish I had come across the information on shops on Nathan road before I went to Hong Kong. It happened to me the way it happened to others who share similar experience of shopping in shops on Nathan Road.

I went into a shop, second right shop to the entrance of Chung King Mansion, asking for a SD memory card. Then I asked about IPAD 2, and we agree on the price. While waiting for the IPAD, the salesman tried to convince us that we cannot use IPAD2 as it was US locked version. Then he showed EPAD, ARCHOS model and give the higher price than IPAD. We were trapped with their reliable look. They do not look like cheating, they look like a smart salesperson trying to give good choice to customers.

This is not just one experience as I found later similar stories on the internet. If more than 80% never came across this warning, these shops are making huge profit and no attempt to stop them. Local people are aware of these, they can't do anything. There is no red light from official units, is it mean they are given a green light to do these business?

Fun Alternatives: Don't go inside or walk by these shops on Nathan Road.

Spread the information.

Everyone who will go to Hong Kong must be aware of this site.

You will notice sometimes men dressed as buddhist monks, with a metalbowl in their hand asking for money. Please DO NOT give them any money under any circumstances, because 100% ALL of them are fake!!! They are Central china men on tourist visas in HK working as a syndicate to cheat money from unsuspecting tourists. It's pathetic and sad to see they even thought up this cheap trick.

Unique Suggestions: Real monks NEVER asks money on the street, they are too busy with chores at their temples. Btw, buddhist temples never had to resolve to this kind method for donations, there are enough devotees from everywhere to provide them that. Just smile and walk away, call the police if they pester you further.

Fun Alternatives: By giving money to beggars, you are not helping them at all. Instead, they think this is a real easy way for some quick cash (and often it's true). Idf U had to show your kindness, at least pick your subject, like buskers who at least making an effort by playing some music.

United Power A and P, Nathan Road is a shop to avoid.
KNowing what I wanted and the price, I was persuaded it was not a good buy for me and my photographic skills.
I was consequenty overcharged by nearly £200 for a different camera.
Though I really like the camera and it is easy to use, they really ripped me off.
Lesson learnt; know exactly what yo want and what you SHOULD pay. (It was even £100 cheaper on the plane coming home!)
Thank you United Power, A and P, Nathan Road

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Be very carefull when shoppinng for those in Nathan road and vicinity. Not all shops use bad tricks, but quite a lot. You should know exactly wat you want before, and prices in your country (for europe you could try for instance: http://geizhals.at/eu/)

Fun Alternatives: I usualy prefer to shop in Mongok

Nathan Road is one of the busiest streets in Kowloon, with a high number of Indian salemen lingering seeking out the naive Western tourist, they can be very direct and hands on. Some of the goods can be of poor quality, although there are many good Indian taylors here so don't assume they're all crooked.

When walking down Nathan Road, you will get hit on every ten feet or so for a tailor by men in suits with cards for their tailoring shops' services.
It's best to keep walking.
If you stop, you will be hounded and followed for at least half a block.

This area is a black hole for all tourists. Still, many are drawn to this place like moths to light. They particularly love to flock around shops with neon lights, get suckered into a bad deal and later whined about being fleeced.

Unique Suggestions: Be familiar with the scam tactics used by these weasels in Nathan Road. Read my local warning tip here.

Fun Alternatives: For pete's sake, just avoid the shops with bright neon lights when it comes to buying a video/camera. Approach the nice staff at any HKTB counter and ask them to recommend a reliable electronic store. If not, use their online search guide.