Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme

The QTS Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board(HKTB) to help visitors find shops and restaurants they can trust. This scheme certifies shops and restaurants that pass stringent annual assessments showing that they:

Provide genuine products with clearly displayed prices;

Display clearly product information and/or menus;and

Ensure superb customer service with front-line staff possessing extensive product knowledge so they can answer questions efficiently.

Only shops and restaurants that qualify for the scheme are allowed to display the QTS sign of quality. The HKTB also provides assistance for enquiries about purchases from shops and restaurants accredited by the QTS Scheme.

To search QTS Scheme Certified retail shops, please click here.

 

Duty-free Prices

All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. This makes Hong Kong one of the world's most attractive shopping destinations.

 

Compare Prices

Check different shops to compare prices of items you want to buy. Department stores and chain stores also clearly label their products. Smaller shops and street market stalls often do not mark product prices providing a great opportunity to practise your bargaining skills. You may contact the Consumer Council on +852 2929 2222 for suggested retail prices.

 

Know Your Product

Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features, price, accessories and warranty such as terms and geographical coverage, especially when you buy electronic goods. When you buy Chinese medicine and dried seafood, please check the product’s unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods. If you have any queries about prices please contact the Consumer Council, wholesaler or agent, or visit the manufacturer's showroom for further product information.

 

Be Aware of Parallel Imports

Parallel imports are items brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official import agent. While these products can be cheaper, they often offer restricted guarantees or limited after-sales service. Check the product and ask the sales staff before buying.

 

Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics

Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on a product only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive product is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where product price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the product’s price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. We recommend that you patronise QTS-accredited merchants only.

 

Inspect Your Products

Check the product before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the product you have bought again before you leave the store.

 

Check Your Receipts

You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the product details listed match the product you have bought.

 

Credit Card Payments

Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.

 

100% Refund Policy

All travel agent members of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, telephone: +852 2807 0707, offer a 100% refund guarantee to visitors who patronise shops in tours arranged by travel agents. You are entitled to a full refund within 14 days of purchase, provided that the goods sold are returned intact and unused. If you're not satisfied with a purchase during shopping activities arranged by your travel agent, you should first approach your guide for assistance. Don't forget to keep original copies of your sales receipts.

 

Disputes

If you have any problems, keep your receipts and call the Consumer Council Hotline +852 2929 2222 for assistance.

In the event of a serious dispute, call the 24-hour Hong Kong Police emergency number 999 or obtain assistance from a nearest police officer.

You can also call the HKTB multilingual Visitor Hotline +852 2508 1234 for assistance.