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MISTAKES CAN'T BE UNDONE

Published Tuesday, September 01, 2009 by XY | E-mail this post

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Mistakes can't be undone. And that's even truer when you make that mistake in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a tourist haven. If you know where to go, you can get good deals on most of the things in your "wish list". But while the country is safe and convenient, it also does not have pricing regulations, which makes consumers very vulnerable. I know every country has their version of shady characters, and tourist traps. What's amazing in HK is that these shops looks very legit. Back home, I know a legit shop from a shady one. There, unless you have done very thorough research, or you've been had one too many, then you might never know.

As for me, I learned the hard way. Experience is the best teacher, they say. It's also very costly. I wouldn't go through the details of our traumatic experience but I want to share my learnings, nevertheless :

1) The very basic tip whenever you go on a trip is to research, research, research. That's what Google is for. I can make an excuse and say I was too busy to do any preparations for this trip, but then, see #2.

2) If you're too busy to do any prior reseach, then don't do something impulsive when you have little or no knowledge about what you're going to do. Or buy. In Hong Kong, most shops don't have a return or exchange policy. Once you hand them that plastic or paper, then it's gone for good. There's no going back.

3) Beware of heavily discounted items or too many "freebies". An old wise man said, "if you're being offered too many freebies, then the shop is definitely making money on something else". True that.

4) If you're in TST area, stay away from shops with neon lights that light up even during day time. If you see the words "TAX FREE" displayed anywhere in the shop, RUN! Don't even try and ask any of their "sales" persons. These people are cons. And they're very very good. If this was a restaurant service, you would even give them a tip. They are that crafty.

5) If you want some tourist guidance, call the Hong Kong Tourism board. They also have an office near the Star Ferry terminal. They are very helpful and that extra call will save you money and energy in the long run.

So, like I said, mistakes can't be undone. But I hope somehow preventing more people from making the same mistake will be karma enough for those scammers.

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