Thailand - Shopping
Advice
Shopping Tips:
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have
fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable
and expected; some department stores will even offer a discount
on expensive items like jewellery and fine furniture. No
fixed rules can be given on the process depending as it
does on the bargainer’s skill and the shopkeeper’s
mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as 30%
to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind
is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour
and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. Providing you
have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of
several shops selling the sort of items you want before
coming to a final decision.
The Jewel Fest Club:
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite
item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality
craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious
and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally,
there have been visitors who complained about the action of
few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery
at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders
Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing
about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers.
The club’s aim to offer quality products at reasonable
prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely
satisfied with their purchases.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is
clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your
purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing
your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate
of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your
purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to
return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0
2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
Packing and Shipping Services:
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to
Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and
will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs
and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers
a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small
shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments,
there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such
matters.
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 and department stores displaying
“VAT Refund for Tourists” signs. The refund may
be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10’s have
been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive
P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over
is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking
in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat
Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed
P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection.
Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official.
Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit
card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund
for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
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