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
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 |
