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From: steves@shark.UUCP (Steve Shellans)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Buying a camera in Japan
Message-ID: <1646@shark.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 19-Feb-86 11:29:43 EST
Article-I.D.: shark.1646
Posted: Wed Feb 19 11:29:43 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 21-Feb-86 05:36:11 EST
References: <461@faron.UUCP> <26400006@hpcvrd.UUCP>
Reply-To: steves@shark.UUCP (Steve Shellans)
Organization: Tektronix, Wilsonville OR
Lines: 30


This is in response to Faron's posting on this subject.

A few years ago I had a business trip that included Singapore,
Thailand and Hong Kong.  I wanted to buy an expensive Canon lens,
an expensive flash and some jewelery for my wife.  (never been to
Japan).  Here's what I found:

Singapore: They like to advertise themselves as a duty-free port.
All I know is that it doesn't pay to buy *anything* there.  Prices
are no better than U.S.  When I arrived at the airport, I checked
the camera shop there, and their price for the lens was roughly
equivalent to U.S. *list*.  Although the stores in the city were
better than this, they did not match New York prices.

Thailand: Forget about anything technological.  Prices can be up
to double U.S. prices.  However, there are outstanding values
on locally made handcrafts.  Example: I bought a purse for my wife.
The surface was covered with tiny beads strung in such a way that
they formed a design.  Handmade, but well made.  Price: 25 *cents*.
Not sure about the jewelery.  I saw some inexpensive stuff and some
expensive stuff -- I dont know enough about precious stones to
judge prices.  Emeralds are a local product - they *should* be a
good value.

Hong Kong: This is the place for cameras, computers, jewelery and
just about anything else that is made anywhere in the world.
I got my lens at a big discount over the best advertised New York
price (30% ??  It was a few years ago.)  Got my flash; also
outstanding value.  Got jade bracelet for my wife.