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The Art of the Deal:

Shopping Tips for Asia Travelers

By Madelyn Miller

Asia is on sale! There are great deals on rooms and flights. And with the money you save you can get more great bargains when you shop. Here are some insider buying tips from The Ritz-Carlton, Asia-Pacific hotel concierge.

In Japan, all sales are considered final. 

Fine quality, custom tailored clothing is a perennial favorite among travelers to Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and Seoul.  Allow a minimum of three days for two or three fittings.

When buying furniture, remember that woods indigenous to hot, humid climates can crack in home climates that are significantly cooler or dryer.

Look for these key purchases: furniture and art in Bali; leather goods in Korea; antiques and tailored apparel in Hong Kong; pewter goods in Malaysia (the worlds largest producer of fine pewter products); kimonos, ceramics and lacquer ware in Japan.

In Japan and Bali high exchange rates can often be found in department stores.  Bargaining with local vendors is expected and considered a good-natured interchange.  All you need to know is the phrase too much and as much pantomime as you want to add.  Offering half price to start is a safe rule of thumb. 

Bargaining is not conducted in major department stores or restaurants.

Tailor-made traditional Chinese cheongsams are quite expensive.  Well-made, inexpensive, ready-to-wear cheongsams are found in Hong Kong's side streets; inquire of your hotel concierge.

Prices in duty free stores, flea markets and souvenir emporiums are often no lower than elsewhere and sometimes even higher; comparison shop before making substantial purchases.

Research hotels which offer services and packages catering to shoppers such as shuttle service to store areas, shopping tours, gift wrapping and shipping services.  For example, The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul offers a special shopping package and the city's only hotel stretch limousine to transport shoppers with their purchases in comfort. 

Common toiletries are difficult to purchase in some countries, e.g. in Korea, brands are limited, deodorant uncommon and mouthwash with alcohol illegal. Familiar over-the-counter medications may also not be available.

Photos by Dave Shultz

-Updated 4-1-99-

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