Post by rupertpenny on Oct 8, 2015 21:13:02 GMT -5
Wait, you're going to Singapore too, right? I don't know exactly what their tax/VAT refund situation is, but they do have some kind of sales taxes so it might be worth looking into the prices there. I doubt it will be cheaper than Hong Kong, but it's worth a try.
I don't know about watches, since I can't think of many accessories for a nice watch, but... We used to do our electronics shopping in Hong Kong because things were much more negotiable. Even in the big-chain electronics stores. They usually couldn't drop the price (because they're often set by the manufacturer), but they would throw in all kinds of accessories. Extra batteries and memory cards for digital cameras, etc. When we bought XH's MacBook, we didn't have a case to carry it home, so we were planning on buying one. When XH asked if they had any, the guy said, "Let me check," and found one in the back room that he just gave us.
I don't know about watches, since I can't think of many accessories for a nice watch, but... We used to do our electronics shopping in Hong Kong because things were much more negotiable. Even in the big-chain electronics stores. They usually couldn't drop the price (because they're often set by the manufacturer), but they would throw in all kinds of accessories. Extra batteries and memory cards for digital cameras, etc. When we bought XH's MacBook, we didn't have a case to carry it home, so we were planning on buying one. When XH asked if they had any, the guy said, "Let me check," and found one in the back room that he just gave us.
I should not tell my husband this, as he's an electronics junkie, but it is good to know! When we were in Tokyo, pretty much the only thing he wanted to do was wander Akhiabara. I'm pretty sure that would qualify as his "favorite place he's been".
My boyfriend was the same! Plus he's into anime, so we actually stayed in Akihabara. Day 1 we got in around 7 or 8 pm after an overnight flight and a layover in Beijing, and his reaction was "Yodobashi is still open! Let's go!"
I bought my Rolex in Hong Kong a few years ago. I remember that it was a bit cheaper than the US, but I am not sure how the exchange rate was then to now. There are luxury jewelry stores on every corner. Definitely no taxes, which was nice.
I just bought a Chanel Flap there last week. It was about $200 cheaper than it would have been before taxes here. The salesperson told me that they actually lowered the prices of Chanel items in HK to be on par with France. Apparently they used to be higher, but with the exchange rate, they reduced the prices. I am not sure if they same would apply to watches. What brand do you want to get?
Post by rupertpenny on Oct 25, 2015 7:53:21 GMT -5
Yeah, they did recently lower Chanel prices by a significant amount. People freaked out.
@sfgal530 if you're interested in any brands in particular let me know. There are some good outlets here, but not for every brand obviously. I can also sent you some blogs that announce sample sales. Sadly I know knitting about the watch jewelry market, but if you're interested in bags/shoes I'm your girl.