Tips for Shopping Abroad: Splurge on Designer Brands

Explore luxurious destinations and indulge in purchasing high-end items.

Almost every Vietnamese traveler abroad harbors the desire to seek bargains. However, in Vietnam, affordable items are abundant but quality ones are scarce, lacking both quality and aesthetic appeal.

These sought-after items cannot be found in local markets, budget shopping areas, or street vendors, which are plentiful in neighboring countries. The prices there, such as those in Dong Xuan Market, pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi), Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, or Cholon Market (Ho Chi Minh City), are undoubtedly higher than in Vietnam. The quality may be similar or even inferior.

Due to tax policy differences, especially for luxury items, prices in Vietnam are often higher than those of the same kind in neighboring countries. Therefore, when traveling abroad, one has the opportunity to purchase coveted items at reasonable prices, as prices in Vietnam are prohibitively high and rarely reduced by 50-70%. In other words, buying luxury items abroad is more sensible.

Once you've decided to purchase luxury goods, confidently step into the glamorous shopping centers in Singapore (ION, Nghee An, Takashimaya...), Hong Kong (Pedder Building, Landmark, Harbour City...), or Bangkok (Siam Paragon, MBK, Platinum...). Here, there are countless luxury shops, and discounts are available almost every day, even outside the shopping season. Sellers set up special areas and boldly display price reductions, ranging from 10-20% to nearly 50%.

As a result, you can acquire a highly fashionable Bonia handbag for around 3 million dong in Singapore, much cheaper than a similar bag that can cost up to 7-10 million dong in Vietnam.

Based on the experiences of those who have shopped abroad, the most desirable items to purchase are luxury handbags, wallets, accessories, and fashion items. High-tech products like iPhones, iPads, or computers have prices comparable to those in Vietnam.

Shopping Tips Abroad

• When traveling abroad, Vietnamese often join tour groups. Guides and organizers assume that Vietnamese tourists don't have much money, so they typically lead them to local markets, budget shopping areas, or street vendors. While these places are fun to visit, the shopping experience often ends in disappointment. You'll find the same items available easily in Vietnam, but at lower prices.
• It's best to inform them of specific brands you prefer, such as Gucci, Armani, LV, Lancôme, or Charles & Keith, and request to be taken directly to those stores. Buying luxury goods at reasonable prices is more economical than shopping in bargain markets filled with Vietnamese surplus goods.
• In developed countries like Singapore, you can use the subway to access various shopping districts or opt for taxis when traveling with a group, which are convenient and affordable. There's minimal risk of being taken advantage of by dishonest drivers, so you can shop with peace of mind.
• Always pick up maps, brochures introducing shopping centers, and promotional programs available at airports or information centers within the city.
• In large shopping centers or official distributor stores, their marketing strategies are very enticing. Aside from individual item discounts, the more you buy, the greater the discount you'll receive.
• If you still prefer shopping in areas like Bugis, Jurong East (Singapore), or in marketplaces or roadside shops, feel free to negotiate prices.
• Some places offer tax refund policies for shoppers, such as in Singapore. For purchases exceeding 100 Singapore dollars (about 1.7 million dong), the current tax refund rate is approximately 6%. You can receive the tax refund in cash at the airport, with a quick and simple process even if you don't speak English. When shopping, simply present your passport to the seller, and they'll assist you in completing the necessary procedures for a smooth tax refund at the airport.
• For currency exchange, visit establishments with 'Licensed Money Changer' signs, indicating legal currency exchange counters. It's advisable to exchange currency at domestic banks before departure or use credit cards for services and shopping.

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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – By Thebox/Fashion & Lifestyle