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 bargainers’ 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 is also a favourite item for
many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftsmanship 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 totalled 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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