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 bargainers skill and the
shopkeepers 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 clubs 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.10s 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 VAT Refund Office at Bangkok
International Airport, Tel: 0 2535 6577-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html |
