- are electronics (such as a Blu-Ray player) still a bargain compared to Calgary prices?
Not really...at least not authentic electronics
- are most goods similar in price between Hong Kong and the mainland? I finish the trip in Hong Kong so if the prices are similar I'll hold off on my shopping until then.
Hong Kong will almost always be more spendy. You may want to hit up Shenzhen
- how much should I expect to pay for a knock-off Rolex watch or Mont Blanc pen?
No idea...$40?
- can I get a custom tailored suit/shirts made in Hong Kong if I only have about 2 and a half days there? How much should I be paying for a decent suit (nothing high end)? Any recommendations for tailors?
Two days is easily enough time. Depending on fabric you can get a custom suit for less than $250. I went to Sam's on Nathan Road...more for the experience than anything else...I'm sure there are better values out there.
- where in Hong Kong should I be shopping for cheap men's clothes? I've seen Jardine Crescent and the Ladie's Market recommended in some guidebooks.
We shopped around Nathan Road and found cool little shops on the sidestreets. To be honest Shanghai and other mainland cities may be a better bet.
Other things...
The
Badaling section of the Great Wall is the closest to Beijing and is a gong-show sooooo many tourists. If you have a chance to hike the
Simatai section it is rugged but worth it
There is a local antique market in Xian that is quite cool. located at the intersection of Zhuque Road and Nan Erhuan Road...like EVERYTHING in China assume it is fake and pay accordingly. Also if you like history the Xian museum is great (as is Shanghai's)
The Buddha in the
Lama Temple in Beijing is stunning...as epic as anything in China IMO
Learn to haggle and a couple of key terms (i.e. How much, Too expensive, Give it to me Cheaper...how to count). You can also use the calculator that almost all vendors will have to negotiate...if you pay more than 30% of the asking price you are getting scammed...definitely walk away from vendors they will chase you.
Bring a little phrasebook that has a decent menu in it with Chinese characters next to the menu items. Then if you are at a restaurant by yourself you can point to something you can handle and see if they can help you (try eggplant over there...)
Count your change and look out for non-chinese money slipped in with your change. Its hard when everything looks like Monopoly money but it will probably happen