Bangkok Shopping

Some Shopping Hints
Prices are fixed in most department stores and up-market shops, but everywhere else bargaining is an essential and fun part of shopping in Thailand. Skilled bargainers can expect to win discounts of 20-50 percent, especially for jewellery and street—stall clothing. Serious shoppers can easily ship their purchases home. This is cheaper than paying excess baggage charges. Best policy is to arrive light, allowing space for souvenirs on the journey home. When buying jewellery and antiques, beware of fakes. Insist on a certificate of quality and full' receipt in case of subsequent claims. Please note that the export of most genuine antiques and Buddha images requires certificates issued by the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok. Dealers can usually arrange this, and shipping. Finally, do not accept the services of shopping touts, who are very skilled in diverting tourists with plausible excuses to shops that pay them commission. This will be included in the price you pay. Happy shopping!