Life in Hong Kong starts at 10 AM. That's when the streets get busy, and people start loading up sidewalks and escalators.
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| busy Hong Kong street |
They live fast paced. That is, you have to always keep right in roadways and escalators. And keep up with few minutes of standing in these public places on end. Or you'll get impinged. But that's Hong Kong.
Travelers hoard to where it's public and familiar, and to where it's economical. And most of these travelers want to get the cheapest deal, often. Even I, too, dream of returning home from Hong Kong full of markdowns every time especially on bargain clothes and keepsakes.
You're paying too much for their budget finds
But how cheap can we go? Chinese are skillful salespeople and even the best hagglers don't always get the lowest price. Because here's a fact: you can find exact items being sold in Hong Kong's budget markets in your own hometown at probably the same, or even cheaper price.
The only difference about the price of these jades, ceramics, jewelries, and keepsakes sold in Hong Kong and in your hometown is the currency. Do a little math and the amount is hardly disproportional. Trust me.
Shop in Hong Kong without expecting too much that you're getting the rarest and best-est items. And while you can still negotiate the cost as much as you can, remember that the difference isn't much.
Every penny counts
Newspapers in Hong Kong are free, but not the plastic bags in most groceries and convenient stores. It's either you hug your purchased items in your arms or buy something to contain them in. In case you're not the type who minds spending coins.
Hong Kong public vehicles on the other hand don't give loose change on fares. You might want to care for your petty cash, anyway, so you can give an exact amount and avoid spending the needless extra.
The cheapest airport transfers are not from the Chinese
Just when you think the middle eastern folks are simply hoaxing at your "very tourist orientation" about Hong Kong, it's the airport shuttles and taxis which you should try to avoid.
The Pakistanis, Indians, and Arabs offer relatively inexpensive airport transfer service. They are usually stationed outside the buildings of hostels (e.g. Chung King & Mirador Mansions).
Consider paying about HK$112 airport transfer by these middles eastern folks (for a group of 4, that's roughly HK$28 each) compared to the HK$90 single journey from Kowloon to airport, or the HK$100 single journey from Hong Kong Island to airport.
These middle eastern folks make sure you're well-accommodated. Besides, it feels as if you own the car. You know, comfort and privacy.
Just when you think the middle eastern folks are simply hoaxing at your "very tourist orientation" about Hong Kong, it's the airport shuttles and taxis which you should try to avoid.
The Pakistanis, Indians, and Arabs offer relatively inexpensive airport transfer service. They are usually stationed outside the buildings of hostels (e.g. Chung King & Mirador Mansions).
Consider paying about HK$112 airport transfer by these middles eastern folks (for a group of 4, that's roughly HK$28 each) compared to the HK$90 single journey from Kowloon to airport, or the HK$100 single journey from Hong Kong Island to airport.
These middle eastern folks make sure you're well-accommodated. Besides, it feels as if you own the car. You know, comfort and privacy.
The next time you're in Hong Kong you know that opportunities to spend wisely are abundant. That is if you know where and how to spend your cash.
Photo Credits:
sassyhongkong (dot) com- 2nd photo
spafinder (dot) com- 3rd photo
quintavaledmaria (dot) wordpress (dot) com- 4th photo
