Rand stretcher shopping destinations
Vietnam is becoming a popular holiday destination, value for money in all aspects combined with fascinating history and great food If you are looking for tailor-made clothes and shoes this is where you should go. The best high-end shopping is Dong Khoi Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Thailand is a great test of your bargaining skills, once again fabulous for tailor-made dresses or suits, handbags and accessories. If you are looking for the genuine fakes, then unless you buy from a reputable shop you will probably buy them without asking. The best part is that you can spend your days exploring and your nights shopping. The shopping is good in Bangkok but even on the islands if you don’t want to stop in Bangkok.
Turkey is perfect for both high-end and bargain shopping. You need to be careful of fakes or bad quality so only purchase high-end products from reputable stores. The bazaars are perfect for the souvenirs, pashminas and clothing but I would recommend you not to purchase good leathers, gold and expensive carpets from them. Good buys in Turkey include carpets, leather, kilim’s and glassware. Food buys include Turkish delight and my favourite roasted coffee beans covered in chocolate.
Indonesia is a great getaway and lots of shopping at good prices. You can get designer brands, paintings, fabrics, silk products, bags, antique furniture to mention just a few. Ubud has a nice open-air market or you can try The Bali Collection which is a high-end department.
Eastern Europe is still reasonable for South Africans. Prague is known for its bohemian crystal but be sure to look for a sign of authenticity, which is an oval label saying “Bohemia Crystal made in the Czech Republic”. Porcelain, historical artwork and tapestries are also poplar buys. Budapest is known for paprika and popular folklore products such as embroidered cloths, pottery and porcelain. Good places to shop for any of these is Belvàrosi Piac in Hold Street or the Central Market on Fôvàm tèr. These are both stunning cities with a lot to offer the visitor.
India is fantastic for fabrics, carpets, pottery and textiles. They can make outfits for you in an afternoon and have it delivered to your hotel. It is great for spices and of course the food is simply divine. India is so culturally diverse and offers great value for money.
Dubai cannot be left out of this list. Over 95 shopping malls means that virtually every brand is on sale alongside local specialties. You can combine your shopping with a quick ski down a snowy mountain or a swim with sharks or a dune adventure. Good buys include carpets, spices, pashminas, perfume, electronics, gold and chocolate.
So many places and so little time, so start now by contacting me to plan your next holiday or shopping trip.