A trip to Hong Kong without experiencing to the market is akin to going to the seashore without even dipping your toes in the water. The hustle and bustle of the markets will make your senses hum and energy flow. Markets are central to daily life in Hong Kong , not to mention a great place to hone your bargaining skills.

When visiting the markets, it is important to know that prices are not what you should pay for items. The prices in a market are a suggestion and it is expected that you will bargain with the vender. Believe it or not, there is are rules that should be observed when you are haggling over that must-have item that you have your eye on.

· Always assume that the seller is lying to you. Their goal is to get the most they possibly can and your goal is to get a bargain.
· Buying a big-ticket item? Know what it is worth before going out to buy it. If you go unprepared, you are likely to pay much too much for the item.
· Pay in Hong Kong dollars. To do otherwise is asking to be taken advantage of unless you are very well versed in the exchange rates. Sellers will helpfully offer to accept US dollars but bargain you just made will not be much of a bargain.
· Start the bargaining low and be prepared to haggle for a while. Assume that everything is 20% – 30% overpriced so you might want to start at 50% and come up slowly. Haggling is an art in which the sellers are well versed and they know that they can wear you down with time. Don’t be in a hurry!
· Dress casually. Walking around the market in expensive clothes with designer accessories is like waving a sign “Please take advantage of me”
· Although bargaining in the markets is expected and welcome, bargaining in malls and other stores is not.
· Fakes and copies abound in the markets. Remember to use common sense. You are not going to get a Louis Vuitton handbag for $5 or $10USD.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the aptly named Mongkok area is the world’s most populated area. Mongkok is Cantonese for “busy corner” and it is very busy area. Mongkok’s Ladies Market is likely the most famous market in Hong Kong. The name is deceptive because the market isn’t gender specific. There is plenty of merchandise for both genders. There is an endless stream of clothing, curios and souvenirs.

A market that is a “must see”, if you don’t have time to go to any other market, is Temple Street Market in Mongkok. This night market transforms Temple Street into a booming area with food venders, bright displays, and an incredible array of merchandise. The market comes to life after dark so plan on a late night and much haggling

A few other markets of note are: Mongkok’s Wan Chai Street Market, Cat Street in Sheung Wan, and the Golden Shopping Arcade. Wan Chai Street Market is where the locals shop and has the air of being a huge department store. Although treasures can be found at Cat Street if you look hard and spend time, most of the items are made to deceive so be wary. Computer geeks have to go to Golden Shopping Arcade. If you want the best in technology at a reasonable price, this market will be a hit with you.

Enjoy immersing yourself in the markets and haggle for a trinket or two to get in the mood. Most of all, have fun!