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Traveling in Asia is Affordable |
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The sight of new and different items on display and theexcitement of open air markets and colorful shops makes shopping in Asia a unique and fun experience. Not onlywill you see goods that are different and hard to come by in thewest, but you'll find prices much different than those you'reaccustomed to, and different from prices seen when traveling toother regions, like Europe.
In China, clothing costs about four or five times less than inEuropean countries. However, the sizing system is much differentthan in the U.S. A woman who wears a size medium in the UnitedStates will find herself browsing the extra large section of thedepartment store. It is wise to try everything on to make sureit fits before buying, and carefully consider the size of anyclothing item you plan to purchase as a gift for someone else.
In Indiaclothing can be had for about half the price that it wouldcost in European stores, if you know where to shop. For example,on Mumbai's Fashion Street , surplus from the city'sclothing factories can scooped up at bargain prices.
It is best to purchase clothing made by famous Europeandesigners in Europe. Taxes and duties on imported goods in Asian countries tend todrive the prices up. An exception is Hong Kong, where goods arenot taxed and the prices are often comparable to the Europeanprices.
Naturally, Asian goods of all kinds are considerablycheaper in Asian countries than in Europe. For example, Chinesechops, which are name stamps usually used with red ink, can befound in many shops catering to tourists for about $5. Thepurchaser's name is normally carved into the chop at the store.The same item would cost around $40 outside of China.
Beautiful and unique jewelry can be purchased in Asia forbargain prices. Because of India's strong diamond industry,diamond rings and earrings can be bought for less than half ofwhat they would cost in Europe. For pearls, you would pay aboutfive times more in Europe than in China for astrand of similar size and quality.
A massage in China will run about $10, where a similar massagein Europe will cost roughly $80. The Chinese have practicedmassage techniques for thousands of years, and a genuine Chinesemassage is extremely relaxing. Foot rubs are popular as well,especially for travelers who have spent long hours on their feetvisiting temples and climbing several stories of stairs inpagodas.
A tailor made silk shirt in Hong Kong costs around $100. Beautiful silk fabric is available in Vietnam foraround $3-$9 a yard, depending on the quality. Good quality silk fabric in China costs about $4.00 a yard. The fabrictends to be narrower than the standard 45 or 60 inch widths, somake sure to ask how wide it is before purchasing. The method ofproducing silk from the cocoons of silkworms was originallydeveloped by the Chinese and remained a secret for hundreds ofyears. Eventually the technique became known and spread acrossAsia and Europe, but to this day China remains the leader inproducing silk.
Remember that the prices listed above are guidelines. Priceswill vary from shop to shop - expect to pay more at the store inthe hotel lobby than the one tucked away on a side street. Also,in most Asian countries it is customary to bargain over pricesand your skill at bargaining will determine the price youultimately pay for your purchases.
About the author:
John Riggin is Executive Editor for http://www.SeeYouInAsia.comthe largest and most comprehensive US to Asia vacation travelwebsite. Where you'll discover the best deals on flights, tours,hotels, cruises and more.
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