Malls · markets · tax refund basics
Island: IFC (Central, Airport Express link), Pacific Place (Admiralty), Times Square and SOGO/Lee Gardens (Causeway Bay). Kowloon: Harbour City and K11 MUSEA (TST harbour), Langham Place (Mong Kok). Most stay open into the evening — ideal heat/rain escapes.
Ladies’ Market (Mong Kok) for souvenirs and clothes; Sham Shui Po Apliu electronics and fabric streets; Stanley Market for small gifts; Temple Street livelier at night. Compare prices; buy pricey electronics or watches from reputable shops and keep receipts/warranty.
Beauty/drugstore chains compete in CWB, Mong Kok and TST — compare member prices. For electronics, check parallel-import warranty cover. Souvenir classics: egg rolls, pineapple cakes, milk-tea kits, wife cakes — airport stocks them, city chains are often cheaper.
Hong Kong generally does not charge a VAT/GST-style consumption tax (unlike many countries’ tourist refund schemes). Some shops may run their own visitor refund promotions — terms are set by the retailer. This is not tax advice; ask staff before you buy.