Compare Prices
Check different shops to compare prices of items you want to buy. Main department stores and chain stores also clearly label their products. Smaller shops and street market stalls often do not mark product prices providing a great opportunity to practise your bargaining skills.

Be Aware of Parallel Imports
Parallel imports are goods brought into Hong Kong by someone personally other than the official import agent. While these products can be cheaper, they often offer restricted guarantees or limited after-sales service. Check the product and ask the sales staff before your decision.

Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics
Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on a product only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive product is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where product price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the product's price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. We recommend that you patronise QTS-accredited merchants only.

Inspect Your Products
Check the product before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the product you have bought again before you leave the store.

Check Your Receipts
You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the product details listed match the product you have bought.

Credit Card Payments
Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.

Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme
QTS scheme is suitable for restaurants as well. Please note the sign before you choose a restaurant.

Reservations
It is good idea to make reservations especially during lunchtime since restaurants are usually busy. On the weekends an advance booking is advisable especially in the up-market restaurants. To check a phone number, dial directory enquiries on 108-1. Or you can pick up a copy of a Guide to Quality Shops and Restaurants for information on QTS-accredited restaurants.

Dress Code
Casual wear is acceptable in most restaurants. For a more formal occasion or where there is a proper dress code specified, jacket and tie is the norm. If in doubt, check with the restaurant before your coming.

Charges for tea, condiments and non-ordered snacks
When eating in a Chinese restaurant it is common for waiters to bring tea, condiments and non-ordered snacks, which will be added to the bill if you don't refuse. It is not free in most cases.

Service Charge
Most restaurants automatically add 10 per cent as service charge to the bill. During Chinese New Year, the charge might be a bit higher. If any queries, check with the restaurant.

Non-smoking areas
As of 1 January 2007, indoor restaurants and bars (unless they have applied for an exemption until 30 June 2009) must implement a smoke-free policy to protect their employees and customers from secondhand smoke exposure.