Spot Shopping Guide

China is one of the least expensive manufacturing countries in the world and almost every product we purchased is manufactured wholly or partly in China.

Hong Kong is known as a duty free country, where you can purchase almost  any product without paying any duty for it.

So would we be getting bargain prices if we shop in those countries?

The answer is, not necessary.

We have had the opportunity to travel to those 2 countries and we were surprised to find the prices to be somewhat cheaper regarding clothes but similar if not more for electronics items, including cameras.

Both Hong Kong and China have huge shopping malls and world brands products. Because of the favorable exchange rates shoes, dresses and other apparels are cheaper.

However considering the sales which often take place in our retail shops there may not be any financial gains purchasing those items there.

The only reason to buy there would be the latest styles and trends which might not be available in the west.

We find computers and netbooks to be more expensive. The same applies to digital cameras and TVs.  They do have a wider selection with the latest trend but so are the prices.

We do not think it’s worth buying a computer there with no possibility of exchange in order to save a few bucks.

Food is definitely cheaper. You can have a decent meal for less than $5, whereas in most western countries you would spend twice that amount.

Mc Donald and KFC’s are everywhere and are almost of the same price range as those in the west

Hotels are cheaper in China than in Hong Kong and they both are comparable in quality to western hotels, which cost slightly more.

We would conclude that it would be fun to travel to those countries for sightseeing but not specifically for shopping.