Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Vietnam is great for custom-made outfits and lacquer homewares. There’s the giant Ben Thanh Market for bargains and knock-offs, but if you’re looking for quality lacquerware, head to Phuong Nam Lacquerware in District 3. If you’re wanting a runway-worthy outfit made, there are many tailors available. Our pick is Cong Tri which has a boutique on Le Thanh Ton Street. You may need a few fittings and it takes around 10 days to make, but they’ll ship the outfit home.
Insider Tip: Visit Diamond Plaza and Saigon Centre.
Seminyak, Bali
These days, Seminyak is brimming with fabulous fashion boutiques, homeware shops and surf stores. There are great designers here such Uma and Leopold who have boutique on Jl. Raya. For the kids, head to Kidsagogo on Jl. Kayu Aya. For surf gear, try Drifter and refuel at their cafe. Locally designed homewares abound at Satunama on Jl Kayu Aya
Insider Tip: Hire a local driver to take you shopping! To learn more, visit indonesia.travel.
Maui, Hawaii
Even with our dollar struggling against greenback there’s still plenty of bargains to be had in the US and Hawaii is a great place to visit.! Maui has both large malls and small, independent boutiques and we have fallen in love with The Outlets of Maui. You’ll find great bargains from Adidas and Gap to Coach and Guess. In nearby Lahaina and Paia, there are shops that have one-off pieces and homewares.
Insider Tip:Download the Outlets Of Maui VIP coupon booklet.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is a fun and fascinating place to shop with many malls and markets to explore; take a walk down Hollywood Road in SoHo and up Aberdeen Street to the PMQ (formerly known as the Police Married Quarters its now a thriving cultural hub and shopping centre). Stanley Market is also notable, as well as the electronic stores in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Insider Tip: Shop at Horizon Plaza on Ap Lei Chau island.
London, England
A great reason to go shopping in Britain is that Aussie shoppers are eligible for tax-free shopping, which is currently at 20 per cent. Upon request, participating retailers will give you a form (VAT 407) you will have to show customs (These goods can’t be shipped). London is of course home to one of the world’s largest ranges of stores including Topshop, Zara, Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, and Hamleys toy shop. Shop the markets by going to Portobello Road for vintage or Greenwich to buy unique gifts.
Insider Tip:If you like H&M, check out & Other Stories on Regent Street – it’s owned by the same company.
Tips for international shopping
•Beware of the tour guide shops
If you’re on a tour and they stop at a shop, there’s a good chance they are being given a commission to take you there. You may get a better deal elsewhere.
•To market
If you’re at a market or bazaar, don’t buy straight away. Go to a few stalls with similar stock and, depending on your haggling skills, you may find a bargain.
•Know your limits
Overseas shopping rule number one: make sure there’s room in your suitcase! Research the baggage weight limits before booking a flight.
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