A girl's guide to shopping in Hong Kong

From flowers to fish, cheap knock-offs to luxury goods; Hong Kong is the place to arrive with an empty bag and a full wallet. With shopping as one of the favourite national pastimes, it’s no wonder incoming flights are full of shoppers wanting to find the city’s bargains - and maybe see some cultural sites along the way. While you will find all your favourite brands in Hong Kong, you didn’t come all this way to return home with a bag full of H&M. If you’re prepared to do some walking - maybe leave the heels at home - the intoxicating streets of Hong Kong can unearth some shopping treasures. Here are our top picks:

Tsim Sha Tsui - Southern Kowloon

Mega malls where you’ll be lost for hours (your money will be lost forever) and bustling street stalls clash in a kaleidoscope of must-have purchases. In Tsim Sha Tsui, you can go home with a designer bag from Hermes or a similar cheapie from the street. But isn’t that what shopping in Hong Kong is in a nutshell? If you’re looking for bargain clothing - and really, who isn’t - the eastern end of Granville Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is your best bet. From cheap Chinese fakes to traditional silk dresses, you’ll find the lot here. Check out the Rise Shopping Arcade on Granville Road as well. If you’ve got the time, it’s perfect for a rummage. If you’re more mall-rat than street-rat, head to iSquare, the One or K11.

Mong Kok

Once you get over the funny name, you’ll find all your expectations met in this busy part of the city. Go for the shopping, but you might find that people watching is your favourite part. Mong Kok is home to the famous ladies market, but if you’re not interested in cheap fashion, the area also has shopping streets selling everything you could think of. Frying pots are sold next to goldfish, flowers next to exotic birds. Take away the hustle and bustle of cars and neon lights, and you can almost imagine what a typical Asian market would have been like hundreds of years ago.

PMQ - Hong Kong Island

PMQ was built in 1951 as the Police Married Quarters, but now it doesn’t house married policemen, rather it is Hong Kong’s most creative and innovative shopping hub. Think pop-up stores, design studios and finds that are one-of-a-kind. The antidote to mass-produced fashion and homewares, PMQ is the place to support local designers. Our pick of the bunch? Flow + Living Unit for gorgeous handmade ceramics and Open Quote for paper and quirky art prints.

Causeway Bay

If shopping had an address in Hong Kong, it would be in Causeway Bay. Home to ‘Time Square’, this is the city at its brightest and most obnoxious. It’s no New York but worth the visit, and the picture. There are so many shops and separate districts in Causeway Bay, so the best thing to do is just wander around. If you’re looking for bargains amongst the bright lights of luxury and high-end stores, head to Jardine’s Crescent. Tightly packed with both people and cheap things to buy, make sure you bargain with the sellers to get the best price. Our tip? Start at half of the asking price is and work from there.

With the only limit being your luggage allowance and your bank account, shopping in Hong Kong is more than just forking over cash - It’s an experience in itself.

Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the Combined PDS/FSG (available covermore.com.au) before deciding about this insurance. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713). The issuer of insurance is Great Lakes Australia (ARBN 127 740 532, ABN 18 964 580 576, AFSL 318603).