Bargaining
Most department stores and large retail outlets have fixed prices,
so bargaining is not applicable. At markets, small stalls, shops
or street vendors, bargaining is the norm.
Expect to pay from 10-40%
less than the original asking price - depending on your bargaining
skills and the will of the vendor.
Smile
Bargain with a smile and you will be rewarded. Many Thais work
long hours, so they appreciate a smile and good humour - you'll
get better bargains.
Beware of Touts
The Tourism Authority of Thailand warns against touting taxi drivers
and tour guides who offer to take you shopping and receive commissions
for bringing tourists to various places to shop. Often the experience
is a waste of your valuable shopping time.
Also, beware of people approaching or calling you with offers of
free trips or other prizes -- it's usually a timeshare sales representative
trying to book you into a sales presentation, which you'll have
to do if you agree to join its tour. Again, it could be a waste
of your time.
Export Restrictions
Be aware that it is forbidden to take images of Buddha, deities,
and some antique artifacts from the country without first obtaining
approval from the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok.
Gems and Jewellery Advisory
There are occasional complaints from visitors about unethical jewellers
who persuaded them to buy jewellery at an unreasonable price. There
are also cases where gems purchased have turned out to be fakes.
While such scams are largely carried out in Bangkok, there have
been complaints about jewel purchases in Phuket.
To combat this problem, the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association
and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have formed a "Jewel
Fest Club". The club aims to offer quality products at reasonable
prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely
satisfied. Some of the larger Phuket jewellers are in this program,
so look for the Jewel Fest emblem while browsing the shop.
The TAT offers these tips for your protection:
- Be wary of any encounter that ends up requiring your presence
in a gem shop. Most probably it is a scam.
- Buying gems or jewellery to resell at double or triple the
purchase prices is an impossible proposition under any circumstances.
Buy jewellery only for personal satisfaction for your own use
or for loved ones.
- Make price comparisons in various shops before deciding to buy.
Never be in a hurry.
- Never mail sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable
items with you.
- Do not believe special (jewellery) sales of any kind. Reputable
dealers hardly ever offer sales and never send touts to lure tourists
to their stores.
- There are no promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry authorized
by the government or any official agencies at any time of the
year.
- The government does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize
any jewellery stores.
- As far as you can, take time to verify all claims. Words, promises,
personal guarantees, unchecked documents, unauthorized verbal
or written statements, casual references, encounters and the like
do not constitute verification. Remember, you are your own best
protection.
- Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither
bound nor responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand.
Packing and Shipping Services
Many of the larger shops are experienced at shipping abroad and
will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and
necessary permits. Parcel-wrapping service is available at the main
post office in Phuket City (Montri Rd) and at post service outlets
such as PostNet in Tesco-Lotus. For larger items or bulk shipments,
check with courier services such as DHL (076 258 500/2) or TNT Express
(076 220 799 or 076 216 396).
VAT Refund
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to
refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased
at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying
"VAT Refund for Tourists" signs, where tax refund application
forms are available. Before leaving the country, visitors must present
a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and receipts,
to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise
official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit
card. Call the VAT Refunds for Tourists Office (02 272 9388) for
more information. |
