Shopping tips for Hong Kong

Many visitors come to Hong Kong to go shopping, drawn by the incredible range of goods packed into such a small area. While some things are good value for money – particularly clothes, silk, jewellery, Chinese arts and crafts, and some computer accessories – it’s essential to research online prices for identical goods before buying, and to shop around. The farther you are from touristy Tsim Sha Tsui, the better value shopping becomes, and the less likely that you’ll be ripped off by some scam. Shops open daily; in downtown areas and shopping malls, 10am to 7pm or later is the norm.

A nice suit, Sir?

Tailor-made clothes are a speciality of the Hong Kong tourist trade, and wherever you go in Tsim Sha Tsui you’ll be accosted by Indian tailors offering this service. Sales pitches are hardcore and prices are relatively low, but not rock bottom; a man’s cashmere suit, with a couple of shirts and ties, will cost upwards of $1500, more likely twice this. Don’t commit yourself without knowing exactly what’s included. Expect at least two or three fittings over several days if you want a good result. You’ll need to pay about fifty percent of the price as a deposit.

Johnson & Co

44 Hankow Rd, Kowloon; map. Long-established business that was once a favourite of military and naval customers. Excellent jewellers too.

Linva Tailor

38 Cochrane St, Central; map. Well-established ladies’ tailor, popular with locals who want cheongsams for parties. They work a lot with embroidery.

Margaret Court Tailoress

8F, Winner Building, 27 D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, Central; map. A solid reputation for good work and lots of local Western female clients, although it doesn’t come cheaply. A shirt costs around $500 plus fabric.

Pacific Custom Tailors

19 des Voeux Road, Central; map. Upmarket, elegantly tailored suits with prices to match.

Punjab House

5F, Suite C, Golden Crown Court, 66–70 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui punjabhouse.com.hk; map. Former favourite of the British Forces and Fire Fighters; good-quality male and female formal wear.

Sam’s Tailors

94 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui samstailor.biz; map. Probably the best-known tailor in Hong Kong, Sam is famous as much for his talent for self-publicity as for his clothes.

Rough Guides tip: When planning a trip to Hong Kong, be sure to choose the best place to stay in the city.