Hongkong Prices

[sensx]

thanks.

btw, i'm thinking of getting a trekking backpack. will it be a bargain to get in HK, and if so, any recommended shops in which area? ;p

heard that CF cards are a steal too.. true?

 

[sofunny]

remember to exchange money in Singapore bf going, S$ rate in mongkok is horrible, about HKD4.05 to 1$ Sing, while I got HKD4.785 here.

use credit card, most of the time i credit card company offer better exchange rate.

 

[hongsien]

remember to exchange money in Singapore bf going, S$ rate in mongkok is horrible, about HKD4.05 to 1$ Sing, while I got HKD4.785 here.

yes, you are right.
Second best is just using your SG bank card here, but your bank charges you SGd 5 for each withdrawal. Credit card also offers good exchange rates, check your banks website.....NEVER change at the money exchangers along the roads, better to change at the banks here in HK......

HS

 

[hongsien]

thanks.

btw, i'm thinking of getting a trekking backpack. will it be a bargain to get in HK, and if so, any recommended shops in which area? ;p

heard that CF cards are a steal too.. true?

check this shops site: www.protrek.com.hk

HS

 

[lhjz]

HK is a place where banks offers better rates than those along the streets.. not like in SG where situation is completely opposite...
the banks in HK might even give better rates than money exchange in pennisular plaza... so do check out b4 you go HK

 

[jjch_sg]

there is this thing called shuifo, meaning these are smuggled into the territory without going through the customs. visit some HK photography forums, remember they have some discussions there.

Shuifo (or sometimes called water goods) are NOT smuggled into HK. There is no import duty, no GST in HK, why will you smuggle camera into HK? Shuifo are parallel import (or called grey market) which is not imported by the main distributor. Typically, Shuifo has no local warranty by the distributor. Some shop will provide "shop warranty" (you bring back to the shop if it fails). Noted that some Shuifo may be for the Japan market and therefore has no English manual. Or some even have the words printed on the camera in Japanese. Even popular/reputable shop will sell these Shuifo.

 

[jjch_sg]

HK is a place where banks offers better rates than those along the streets.. not like in SG where situation is completely opposite...
the banks in HK might even give better rates than money exchange in pennisular plaza... so do check out b4 you go HK

Some of the banks (e.g. HSBC) will charge additional administrative fee if you do not have a saving account with them.

 

[LeaderXXX]

Bank rate now is S$1 = HKD $4.65
If more then HKD$3000 no extra charge.

 

[John Tan]

prices are generally cheaper in hk than in singapore for lens and cameras (canon and nikon). firstly they have a bigger target audience than in singapore hence a different pricing policy. secondly they have no gst. in general the marginal savings is higher for the higher range lens i.e. more expensive.

like in singapore, there are reputable shops and the not-so-reputable shops in hk. the trouble is finding the right ones!

1. try to avoid shops in nathan road area. they are well known for targeting the tourist crowd and have a reputation for fleecing customers. also stay away from shops that sell cameras as well as other non-camera/photography stuff.

2. in my opinion, there are some reputable dealers located along stanley street in central near lan kwai fong.

3. look out for re-furbished goods sold as new. and always ask what you are getting. do not assume! sometimes they charge you for accessories that are supposed to be free like lens cap etc.

4. sometimes the goods are sealed in the box so make sure you check the contents and it's what you are buying.

5. go to an authorised shop if you can. always check and read the warranty card. it will be stated on the card if it covers internationally. canon singapore will require a receipt as proof of purchase as well as the international warranty card. you may want to re-confirm this with canon singapore (tel 6799 8888 - ask for service center else you will be transferred around)

6. do your homework - list down the items you are interested in and do a research on the prices in singapore. this way you will have a basis of comparison. having said that, check the prices with a couple of stores in hk before committing to one.

7. langauge - it helps if you speak cantonese. if you can't, bring along a friend who can. hong kongers are not too friendly if they perceive you to be a tourist asking many questions without buying anything. the camera shops are like a mad house and they don't have the luxury of time to entertain you. so don't go during rush hours if you want an attentive sales person.

help this helps your hk shopping experience...

Thank for your guidance.