Hong kong shopping on a budget!

Well here's some tips for Hong Kong... I've been traveling to Hong Kong recently, and really like the city!

The city is all about shopping! And the transportation is really good! You don't need to worry for subway tickets, cause it's pretty cheap.

OK, here we go...
What to do when u have arrived at the airport is buying an OCTOPUS card, that's a very helpful card for paying any public transportation and even buying snacks & drinks at most of the convenient store available in the city. At the airport, look for a locket or a booth selling train tickets.. Just directly ask them the octopus card, cause they will try to sell some other option, and their English is bad! HKD 150 is the price for starters, if I'm not mistaken, 125 are your credits, 25 are the card deposit which you'll get back if you returned the card. If you travel often, don't return the card, cause this card expiration period is 3 years... This might come in handy on your next visit. You can reload this card at the subway station (MTR) and also at seven eleven... Seven eleven is everywhere!!!! When I walked at the roads... I can see seven eleven every 2 or 3 minutes.

OK now grab some free maps and let's go to the hotel! HongKong airport is located at another island named Lantau isle, journey to the city is pretty far.. There are some ways to go to the city, by airport express MTR, taxi or bus. I don't like airport express MTR cause its expensive... The cost is about HKD90. Taxi is good if your destination is somewhere in the Kowloon area, forget taxi if you're staying at the Hong Kong island area. Taxi is pretty cheap if your pack consists of 4 adults... But still they charge every luggage additionally. Look for bus for the cheapest solution! the fares are flat! I took the bus number A21, the fare is HKD33 and stops in front of my hotel - Metropark Mongkok Hotel on Prince Edward rd... Really cheap and convenient! You should do your hotel research before you go to Hong Kong, make sure that your Hotel has easy access to MTR station and near a bus stop.

When I go to Hong Kong,I always maximize my budget for shopping... Accommodations are compromised :) I don't want to spend too much for a posh hotel cause most of my time in Hong Kong is all about shopping and eating!

I prefer staying at Kowloon side simply because it's near the local market selling local fashion labels... I can't afford shopping lots of branded goods... just 1 or 2 thats max. The other reason is the food there is a lot cheaper if you compare to the hongkong island side.

Metropark Mongkok is definitely my choice! 3 star hotel. 2 mins walking distance to MTR station. Public Bus stops in front of the hotel. 1 min walking distance to HK - China Mainland bus terminal. What a location huh? The bedroom is very small and the bed is a bit hard though... But i sleep well haha.

OK, now let's talk about food. I arrived on a late flight.. When I checked in to the hotel,it's already 10 pm. But no worries mate! This city is still awake! I just put my bag at the room and go straight to MTR station and heading to the famous night market - Temple street! (Stops at Jordan MTR station) Oh how I love the food there! The seafood is fresh and unique! After the late dinner, i walked the street to see the market... Lots of cheap fake stuff... I'm not that into interested in fake leather goods, but my friends are really enjoying them. Remember, we must bargain! If they say the price is 100, you can ask for 60 or 70. One thing that I like the most is the paintings they sell.. They're beautifull and very cheap! Even if you're thinking to scan it and print it on canvas paper,.. This things are cheaper my friend!!! I wish I had lots of empty walls in my house to hang'em. Also the artifacts.. Some are expensive, but some are cheap!!! Look for the stone artifacts... You could buy some terracota warrior statue for a price of HKD 150!

Well you won't get enough at temple street! It's getting late and the time is now pass midnight. We must hurry go back to the MTR station cause the MTR operating hour is only till 1 PM.

At the hotel.. Plan your next day shopping! Here's some of my list that you could consider...

Mongkok area:
- langham place (big mall w/ the longest elevator stair)
- modern toilet restaurant (near langham, a very unique restaurant with toilet seatings and bowls)
- ladies market (similar to temple st)
- argyle center (fashion market building)
- esprit outlet at holywood plaza soy street (up to 90% disc)

Central
- H&M outlet at central (3 storey building)

Causeway bay
- SOGO (unique snacks.. Japanese toys for your children in a good deal)
- Toys r us at windham
- IKEA (in front of windham)
- Mango Pudding
- Portugese eggtart at excelsior hotel
- UNIQLO (fashion outlet fr japan at Lee teather plaza)
- Times Square (take pics, ZARA, branded goods)

Tsim tsa tsui:
- harbour to see nice views and posh stores.
- miramar (there's a uniqlo outlet there)
- HK - Macau fery is here! I went to macau after 3 nights in Hong Kong...

Sorry I don't go to disneyland and Ocean park... If i have more time to spend, i would rather go to the Peak.. There's a madame tussaud's museum there. And from the peak, the view is stunning!

For you who love branded goods should go to Tung Chung Citygate outlets at Lantau island near the airport. Just take the MTR to tung chung... The mall entrance is at the exit of MTR station.

You can get disc up to 70%.. Brands like burberry, coach, dunhill, bally, calvin klein, nike, adidas, puma, crocs, ralph laurent, mango,... And so many more.

Another tips:
*Money changing.. Don't look at the causeway bay and central area. Instead.. Look at the area of Mongkok... They're better.

*dont go to the famous floating restaurant called JUMBO! They're overprice on sucks... Very bad services also...

*only go to restaurant with photos and price on their menu! believe me!

*don't bring too much clothes on your luggage! Make room for your shoppings! I only bring 2 shirts and 1 pants with me!

*if you're staying at cheap hotels, make sure you don't leave your notebook or your cellphone behind... clothes are fine to leave behind..

*food n beverages in mongkok are cheaper than in central / causeway bay.