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Most shops open daily but not usually before about 10:30am and will not generally close before 6:30pm. Many, especially in the busy shopping districts, close later at 9pm or beyond.

The government is considering a 3 per cent sales tax, but at present there is no sales tax apart from on cars, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco.

Small businesses, such as the many independent computer and electrical goods stores, are often worth trying to bargain with. Consider asking for a cash discount for items such as computers or antiques. Haggling is almost obligatory in the markets, particularly for gifts, antiques and souvenirs.

Where you see the QTS symbol (a large gold Q with black brushstroke), it indicates the shop has passed a Hong Kong Productivity Council Audit for fair trading, service levels, store environment and product knowledge.

Some Westerners, women in particular, find shoes designed for the slighter Asian foot a tight fit. It’s worth asking boutiques and shops if they have your size in their warehouse. Clothes are usually less of a problem. Hong Kong’s Marks & Spencer outlets provide a wide range of clothing sizes.

Dozens of tailors can hand-make suits in as little as 48 hours. The prices can be good, although a cheap deal sometimes means cheap cloth or corners cut. If in doubt use a better-known tailor. For men’s suits try the famous Sam the Tailor or the Mandarin Hotel’s bespoke A-Man Hing Cheong. For tailor-madecheong sams , try funky Shanghai Tang.

For dirt-cheap clothes, head to the markets at Lai Chi Kok and Sham Shui Po. The ubiquitous Giordano and Bossini chains offer decent, good value Gap-style wear. For deeply discounted clearance designer wear head to the shops on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of the Pedder Building in Central or Joyce’s warehouse outlet on Ap Lei Chau (see Designer Outlets in Ap Lei Chau).

Consider getting a visa for China (see Passport and Visa Information) and cross over to the border town of Shenzhen for cheap clothes and designer fakes. If you’re prepared to haggle for each and every purchase and do a lot of shopping, the trip will pay for itself.

Fake designer clothes and watches are cheap, common and easy to find in any of Hong Kong’s markets and especially in Shenzhen. Quality can range from the good to the dreadful, so buyer beware.

Take great care when buying complicated items such as cameras, computers and other electronics, particularly from the independent shops in Tsim Sha Tsui. Is there a warranty? If yes, can the item be serviced or repaired under it once you are back home? Are essential accessories included?