If you live to shop, Thailand can drive you to new levels of ecstasy.But there are some cautions to observe.
- Protect your cash
- Watch your credit cards
- Credit cards often cost extra
- Shop "alone" at reputable shops
- Learn to bargain
- Be willing to walk away
- If it's too big to carry, including shipping
- Buy it now or buy it later
Buying Gems in Thailand
The best advice is simply don't! But if you insist on entering that minefield, here are some suggestions.- Do your homework
- Get a referral from a trusted source
- Avoid the common gem scams
- Ignore touts & taxi or tuk-tuk escorts
- Remember the "rules of value"
Antiques Made to Order
I saw that sign on a shop near Chiang Mai. Their definition of antiques may be different from yours.- Some antiques require permission to export
- Know antiques before you shop
- Will it really get home
- Reproductions can be good
Handicrafts and more
More than you might imagine and some very nice quality- Silk for the senses
- Bronze, silver and gold
- Wood and furniture
- Designer knock offs
- Tailored clothing
Pearls in the South, Silk in Issan
More than you might imagine and some very nice quality- Mudmee silk in Issan and Jim Thompson in Bangkok
- Silver and gold jewelry on New Road and Silom
- Chiang Mai - Hangdong Road and Sankampeng
- Phuket is for pearls
- Bangkok tailors
