To the first-time visitor, it seems like virtually all of the world's fine consumer products --- luxury goods, pretty baubles and expensive toys --- can be found in Hong Kong's stores or alleyways.

You name it -- it is for sale here: electronic goods, jewelry, expensive watches, name brand clothing and designer outfits, tailor-made clothing, furs, cameras, perfumes, fine are, quality furniture and objects for the home, and countless other temptations.

With the exception of perfume, all of the above are duty free. And there is no sales tax either. It is true that Hong Kong is not as cheap as it once was, but there are still bargains to be had though you may have to compare prices a little more carefully these days.

Every district in Hong Kong is a shopping district, but the premier areas, not surprisingly, are located near the major tourist hotels. You will have your choice of wonderfully air-conditioned malls or street markets or just stores.

A word of warning: It will come as no surprise that some stores take the opportunity to rip off their unsuspecting tourist customers. Nevertheless, it is still a buyer's market here so try to leave enough time price you purchases first.

Courtesy, particularly with shop clerks, is another area where Hong Kong is lacking. After pricing, get the shop's business card and have them write down model and price. If the shop assistants are rude or aggressive or refuse to comply with your request, move on. The stores are just next to each other! And bargain like mad.

Scams: Sometimes, after payment has been made, an unscrupulous assistant will switch a less expensive model for the one the customer thinks he is getting.

Or they will sell used goods as new. Or they will charge additionally for accessories which are supposed to be included with the item (a lens or earphones or carrying case, for example). Or they will "forget" to include a guarantee card, or include one that is worthless.

Don't put a deposit or pay in advance for an item that the shop does not have in stock. Let them get it first, and inspect it before paying.

In spite of the glass door being plastered with credit card decals, when you go pay with your friendly credit card, you will be told "cash price". There is not much you can do with this, by the way.

Officially the credit card companies say any shop must accept your card and cannot ad on the service charge, but they do not enforce it.

The scams are most prevalent in the hi-fi/camera shops along Nathan Road in Kowloon and the streets off it.

Don't be scared off by those words of warning. Just be alert, and make certain that you're getting exactly what you want at the price agreed upon.

For your own protection, buy only in shops that show the red junk decal of the Hong Kong Tourist Association on their doors or shop windows.

If you do encounter any problems inform the HKTA (hotline: 2508 1234) and the Police (Crime hotline: 2527-7177).