Where to buy phones, computers, cameras, and games in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a shopping Mecca, and that metaphor holds true for lovers of electronics. But among the throngs of shops lining the streets of this concrete jungle, where do you start looking for the best prices and trustworthy vendors?

To find out where to buy phones, computers, cameras, and video games in Hong Kong, Tech in Asia sought the advice of locals and scoured Reddit for the most recommended places to get your gadget on. But before you set out on your journey, let’s start with a few guidelines to make your purchase go smoothly.

Contrary to popular belief, not everything is cheaper in Hong Kong. Compared to mainland China, yes, lower taxes result in most electronics being 20 to 30 percent less expensive. But for those coming from other countries, we highly recommend you look up prices on Price.com.hk. The website is all in Chinese, but it’s fairly straightforward. Nearly every consumer electronic product sold in Hong Kong can be found here, and you’ll get a good idea of how much you should be paying.

The specific shops are also listed, but there’s no guarantee that price will still be there by the time you walk in. We recommended you call or WhatsApp the store ahead of time to make sure it’s in stock at the quoted price.

As a general rule, don’t buy extended warranties. Most warranties for goods sold in Hong Kong are only valid in Hong Kong, anyway. Keep that in mind if you’re coming from overseas.

Also for out-of-country buyers, do your research on electronics that might be region-locked. Are your games and DVDs in PAL or NTSC format? What bands does your smartphone use to connect to your local data network?

Steer clear the neon-clad shops in Tsim Tsa Shui. With a couple exceptions, these are notorious for scams.

Finally, unless you plan on purchasing from a major chain, have cash handy. Many places won’t accept credit cards, or they charge a premium for it.

Ok, now that the formalities are out of the way, here’s the best places in Hong Kong to buy electronics:

Smartphones

Sin Tat Plaza (a.k.a. Sincere Podium)

A large market full of the widest range of smartphones and a few other gadgets. Vendors are generally trustworthy and most products are genuine, but don’t drop your guard. You can try bargaining down prices a bit. This is the most highly-recommended place for phones in Hong Kong. You can also take phones here to get them repaired or unlocked.

Computers

Cameras

Video Games