What to Buy in Hong Kong: Where to Shop for the Best Deals

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What to Buy in Hong Kong: Where to Shop for the Best Deals
When shopping in Hong Kong, always look for the best deal. Lined with shops on every street, the competition here is high, which means prices are low. From local hotspots to souvenir ideas, this is your guide to shopping in Hong Kong.
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With an eclectic mix of local boutiques, street markets, and high-end designer stores, Hong Kong shopping is all its own adventure. Offering everything from trendy fashion to the latest tech gadgets, Hong Kong has something for every shopper.

From Cat Street to the Ladies' Market, let's look at some things you can only buy in Hong Kong. I'll also give tips on top gifts, souvenirs, and other essential shopping items to consider during your visit to this vibrant city.

Whether you're passing through as part of a larger journey, or plan to extend your trip, I've put together a list of the 5 most affordable things to get in Hong Kong. Plus, I’ve included the best places to go shopping in Hong Kong during your visit. 

Hong Kong Shopping Spree Without Breaking the Bank

Hong Kong is known for its night bazaars and quaint markets. Here, you can expect to find many affordable products, mostly made locally in Hong Kong. So, for a good bargain, definitely check out Hong Kong’s wide array of gadgets, accessories, and fashionable apparel!

When shopping in Hong Kong, the options can be overwhelming. You need a handy guide on the best items to target during your Hong Kong shopping spree. So, here are some exciting ideas on what to buy in Hong Kong.

General Souvenirs

From keychains to postcards to quaint trinkets, souvenirs are a must-buy for every tourist seeking made-in-Hong Kong products. Hong Kong pretty much offers anything under the sun in its markets.

Your main goal is to find the perfect place where you can buy meaningful gifts for your friends, family, and even for yourself!

For this, Jardine’s Crescent, located in Causeway Bay, is a great place to visit. It’s not so full of trinkets that it’s overwhelming, but there’s plenty to explore.

Jardine’s Crescent allows you to find more than a handful of gifts from Hong Kong. So, if you're short on time, this is the place to go.

You can also visit the famous Hysan Place, also located in Causeway Bay. Here, you can immerse yourself in an unforgettable shopping experience with over 120 boutiques. Visit this great place to shop in Hong Kong as an extra treat after a long day at Jardine’s Crescent. 

Antiques

Aside from being good pieces of memorabilia, antiques are also great for displaying around your home. Browse the incredible selection of vintage pots, statues, artsy frames, and much more. You’ll definitely come across something you love! 

If antiques suit your taste, I certainly recommend visiting Hong Kong’s Cat Street located at Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan. Although the area doesn’t look too big, it’s stocked with numerous antiques that will take you days to get through. 

The area may seem intimidating at first. But you can most certainly stop and take a break to enjoy the sweet and savory Hong Kong street food that this part of the city is famous for.

In fact, if you are a foodie like me, you can even take advantage of Hong Kong’s Private Street Food Tour. You can take a break from shopping and energize with some yummy Asian delicacies.

Even if this may seem like a detour, trust me when I say that food tasting is part of all Hong Kong shopping guides!

Clothing

Hong Kong is known for its trendy fashion scene, combining Western and Asian styles. 

For clothes shopping in Hong Kong, add these 3 popular destinations to your travel plans:

  • Causeway Bay 
  • Tsim Sha Tsui 
  • Hong Kong Central 

From the timeless classics of Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton to the sleek and modern designs of Armani and Prada, you can find any name brand you want in Hong Kong. The best part? They come with a price tag that's hard to resist! 

Thanks to the absence of sales tax, you can snag amazing deals on international brands like Gucci, Coach, Versace, and Escada. 

To score even better bargains, you can go to the factory outlets or shops and find even steeper discounts. Talk about savvy shopping!

Street view of Tsim Sha Tsui 
Photo by The Great Game

Cosmetics & Skin Care

Hong Kong is a beauty lover's dream, with a wide range of cosmetics and skincare products from Western and Asian brands. 

If you're looking for high-end beauty products, chain stores are your best bet, and their prices are more affordable than most major shopping malls. 

Popular shopping destinations for more well-known cosmetic brands include: 

  • Sasa 
  • Watsons 
  • Bonjour

Local brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Hada Labo are often difficult to find in the States. With stores on nearly every street, you can snag amazing deals on high-end products that won't break the bank!

Electronics

With a wide range of electronics available at competitive prices, you can find everything from the latest smartphones and tablets to high-end cameras and laptops. 

Since Hong Kong is well known for selling the latest and greatest devices at ultra-discounted prices, visitors will be spoiled for choices!

Whether you're looking for computer parts, audio equipment, phones, or any other electronic accessory, don't miss these 3 shopping centers: 

  • Sham Shui Po 
  • Wan Chai Computer Center
  • Mong Kok

When shopping for electronics in Hong Kong, checking for warranty information and voltage compatibility is crucial, especially if you're planning to bring the item back to your home country. 

Most electronics sold in Hong Kong are designed for use with a 220-volt power supply, which may be different from the voltage in other countries. 

Of course, many electronics shops offer voltage converters or adapters that can solve compatibility issues.

Street view of Mong Kok
Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Hong Kong Tea

Hong Kong has a long history of tea culture, and there are many shops and markets where you can find high-quality tea. 

Some popular types of tea in Hong Kong include oolong, pu'erh, and jasmine tea. You can also find tea sets, teapots, and other tea-related items. 

Top tea stops to add to your list:

  • Kung Lee Tea 
  • Yuen Yuen Tea
  • Lock Cha Tea House
  • Ying Kee Tea House

Teas come in varying qualities and grades, ranging from HK$6 an ounce to HK$18,000 for a patty. If you're not exactly a tea expert, it's probably best to buy from reputable vendors to ensure you're getting the real deal.

Person in front of Kung Lee Tea store
Photo by Time Out

Souvenirs and Things You Can Only Buy in Hong Kong

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without souvenirs to take home with you! 

Thankfully, with a rich cultural history and distinctive style, there are plenty of unique and interesting souvenirs to choose from. 

Besides some of the other things in this article, here are a few more suggestions on Hong Kong gifts you should be on the lookout for:

  • Silk products - Hong Kong is famous for its silk products, including silk scarves, clothing, and accessories.
  • Chinese calligraphy brushes - Traditional calligraphy brushes are an excellent souvenir for art lovers and a great way to remember your trip.
  • Traditional paper lanterns - Paper lanterns are really colorful and unique decorations. They have a distinctly Chinese look, making them a lovely, decently inexpensive souvenir option.
  • Chopsticks - Chopsticks are a practical souvenir (if the recipient knows how to use them). They're available in many designs and styles, from bamboo to metal.
  • Mahjong sets - Mahjong is a popular game with a long history in Hong Kong. You can find beautiful hand-crafted mahjong sets in many local shops.
  • Mooncakes - A calorie-packed souvenir of the edible variety, traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a great budget-friendly souvenir to buy in bulk for workmates and acquaintances. Still, they're often only available at certain times of the year.
Traditional Paper Lanterns
Photo by Metro UK

Where to Go Shopping for Souvenirs in Hong Kong

Once you make your souvenir shopping list, it's time for the fun part! Aside from some of the specific stores I already covered, here's a quick rundown of the top 3 Hong Kong shopping locations:

3. Stanley Market

Stanley Market is a popular tourist destination located on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

This outdoor market is known for its vast selection of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and home decor items. 

Visitors can browse the stalls and haggle with the vendors for a good deal. Stanley Market is also surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean views after a long shopping day.

Stanley Market stall
Photo by Hotels.com

2. Temple Street Night Market

The Temple Street Night Market is a bustling and lively market in Kowloon's heart. The market opens at night and is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, street performances, and neon lights. 

The market has a wide selection, including clothing, electronics, accessories, and even traditional Chinese medicine. 

You can also sample local street food and drink at one of the many outdoor bars.

Temple Street Night Market stalls
Photo by Hotels.com

1. The Ladies Market

The Ladies Market is a popular shopping area in the Mong Kok district of Kowloon. This street market is known for its affordable clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, targeted mainly at, you guessed it, ladies. 

Visitors can find everything from trendy clothing and jewelry to handbags and phone cases.

The market is always bustling with vendors and shoppers and can be quite an exciting experience. Remember to practice your haggling at local vendors! It's custom and is expected. Be sure to snag some street food while perusing the many stalls!

The Ladies' Market stall
Photo by Viator

Shopping in Asia

Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Consider exploring South Korea and Japan while you're at it. The close proximity means more affordable flights and loads more to see and do. 

The shopping scene in major cities like Tokyo and Seoul is similar to Hong Kong. Expect local luxury retailers as well as small shops made for haggling. 

Add Shopping to Your Travel Plans

Whether you're looking for electronics, clothing, or a lively night market experience, Hong Kong has something for everyone. It always helps to stay organized with a travel-planning service like Pilot to ensure you hit up all the local hotspots.

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