Shopping in Hong Kong: Street Markets

Planning to visit China for the Beijing Olympics? Why not make a stopover in Hong Kong, either before or after the Olympic Games in August, and challenge yourself to setting new shopping records?

It will probably be easier than you think, since Hong Kong is a tax-free haven that makes it easy to forget words like budget and credit limit. Take heart, for if you time your visit to coincide with the summer sale season in Hong Kong (between July and September, perfect for the Olympics!) and if you keep reminding yourself that you're buying items at up to 70 percent off normal prices, you might not feel so guilty after all.

Street Markets

Stanley Market. The streets of this former fishing village have been taken over by vendors selling everything from Chinese art to silk to bric-a-brac of every kind. A visit to Stanley Market on Hong Kong island is a must if you want to get started on your souvenir buying. Stalls here are open from 9am to 6pm.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. If you have a pet bird, this is the place to visit. Bird owners will be hard-pressed to find a better bargain on everything from birdcages to pet food – yes, they sell grasshoppers here. This market on the Kowloon side is open from 7am to 8pm.

Mong Kok Flower Market. Who can resist fresh cut flowers? And in Asia, you'll be amazed at the beauty and variety of the blooms you'll find. You can even find a houseplant that just might help you improve your house's feng shui. You can buy flowers and plants from 7am to 7:30pm.

Mong Kok Goldfish Market. Fish has always been a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. Start welcoming wealth in your life by buying a goldfish from this Kowloon street market. Just make sure your fishbowl is in an auspicious place in your home and watch your luck change.

Tung Choi Street Ladies Market. Kowloon's answer to Stanley market, this is the perfect place to stock up on girlie shoes, clothes and accessories. Just remember that Asians are much much smaller than Westerners, so don't get depressed if you suddenly find that the only clothes that fit you are size XXXXL. It's not you, it's us. This market is perfect for late shopping as the stalls open at 12:30pm and close at 10:30pm.

Temple Street Night Market. Will your Visa survive your shopping sprees? Put down your shopping bags in front of one of the many fortune tellers on Temple Street and find out. You can load up on energy in any one of the dozens of food stalls here. Just be brave and try something, no matter how strange-looking. You might be pleasantly surprised. The Temple Street Nigh Market is open from 4pm to 11pm.

Jade Market. If you're looking for a special gift, you won't go wrong with jade. This semi-precious stone has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. Collectors and enthusiasts alike will find something for them in Jade Market. If you're planning to buy expensive jade, make sure you bring an expert with you. Jade Market on the corner of Kansu and Battery Streets in Kowloon is open from 10am to 4pm.

Sunday Market. Outside the Gold Coast Hotel in Tuen Mun, you can find handicrafts, clothes and accessories on Sundays. You can take a shuttle bus from the Metro station in Tsuen Wan.

There are stalls selling electronics at the Temple Street Night Market. (Image: Wikipedia)Borrett Road Market. On the second Sunday of each month, Borrett Road becomes a cross between a farmers' market and an art fair. You can find everything from home-baked goodies to life-sized sculptures. Just keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.

Shopping tips in Hong Kong street markets

To make sure you get the most out of your shopping experience, keep the following in mind:

Bargain, bargain, bargain. No one expects you to pay the first amount the vendor quotes, so don't be afraid to haggle. A good starting offer would be half the price that the vendor offered. Be patient, be polite but be firm and you just might walk away with a real treasure at bargain basement prices.

Know what you want. It's always easier to shop when you know what you're looking for. Especially if you're buying electronics, try and make sure you have a good idea of the features you're looking for. Is warranty important to you? Will the device work in your home country? Nothing can be more frustrating than buying a DVD and finding out when you get home that it's not coded for your region.

Buy only genuine products. Are pirated products worth the headache? Buying a cheap knockoff might be tempting, but resist the temptation. Low quality products are just not worth risking a fine for.

Pay attention. Especially when you're shopping in crowded street markets, it's important to be alert. There will always be a merchant or two who will try to trick customers. So, make sure that you count the change you are given before leaving the stall and that you got the actual product that you paid for and all the accessories that are supposed to come with it. Oh, and keep your money in a safe place. Usual rules of common sense apply here too.