Shopping Throughout Asia: Find Hidden Treasures Among the
World's Finest Clothing and Jewelry
In between climbing pagodas and snapping pictures of golden
goddesses, most travelers to Asia take time to visit the
shopping districts. The quality and selection of designer
clothing and extravagant items found in shops across Asia will
not disappoint those with a penchant for luxury goods. From
China to India, great buys are available for those who know what
to look for.
Mainland China is a fantastic place to find extravagant jewelry
at discount prices. Jewelry markets are filled with glittering
gems and beautiful jade pieces abound.
Exquisite strands of high quality, lustrous pearls are easy to
find in China. When purchasing jewelry in mainland China, feel
free to bargain. It's the way business is done in China, and
most owners of small shops expect it.
There have been cases of shopkeepers taking advantage of
tourists, and the best defense is knowledge. If buying pearls,
test them against your teeth for roughness. You might want to
test both a real pearl and faux pearl in advance to make sure
you can recognize the difference. For gems, consider purchasing
a jeweler's loupe and learning to use it. Be especially careful
when buying jade, since it can be difficult to tell true jade
from false.
Silk is also a good buy in China. Stores that sell lengths of
fabric and silk garments are abundant, and some shops will make
a shirt or dress from the silk fabric of your choosing.
Because there is no sales tax in Hong Kong and imported goods
are not taxed, designer clothing can be purchased there for
excellent prices. Bargains can be found on cameras and
electronics, but make sure you know the going prices for these
items so you'll be able to spot a good deal. Hong Kong is also
an excellent place to buy watches and jewelry.
Thailand is another great source for jewelry. Unfortunately,
dishonest jewelry dealers are plentiful. Never follow any
"helpful" individual who offers to lead you to a jewelry store
with incredible bargains - it's probably a scam. To avoid being
cheated it's best to deal with a respectable jewelry firm,
preferably one that is a member of the Jewel Fest Club. The
Tourism Authority of Thailand founded this reputable
organization, and member stores are listed in a booklet and
display the Jewel Fest Club logo.
In India you can find many items made from the amazing textiles
created in the country. Clothing, tablecloths, towels and other
household goods are good buys here.
Jewelry is also a good buy in India, but again, beware of fakes
and frauds.