What to Buy
First time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer variety and beauty of products produced in Thailand and available in Bangkok. That said, here are some ideas to get you started.

Thai silk is without doubt the most famous of Thailand's handicrafts and available in many forms. Dresses and household furnishing are particularly beautiful - check out the Jim Thompson stores for ideas. Woven cotton, embroidery and batik are attractive and popular handicrafts, easy to pack making them nice souvenirs and home decor gifts.

Need a new suit or dress? There’s nothing like a custom tailored suit or dress. Tailors in Bangkok are affordable, fast and will keep your measurements on file so you can order again from home.

Bangkok is the hub of colored gemstone trade in Asia. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand but all gems precious, semiprecious and other colored stones can be found. But beware and buy from those retailers with the Jewel Fest Club logo clearly displayed on the shop window (see sidebar).

Asian ceramics are famous the world over for their unique beauty and ceramics from all around Asia can easily be found in Bangkok. Of special interest is Thailand’s indigenous five colors Benjarong porcelain.

Reproduction antiques and furniture. You'll be spoiled for choice with the different Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer style furniture that makes making a decision difficult - all are beautiful. As well, modern furniture designs from bamboo and rattan are also worth a look.

Nielloware, unique to Thailand, is the art of etching gold and silver objects trays, jewelry boxes, drink coasters and the like with delicate designs and filling the etching with another base metal. Very attractive.

Lacquerware is similar to Nielloware except the medium is usually bamboo. The bamboo is fashioned into whatever product, coated with hi gloss lacquer and then hand painted with intricate Thai designs.

Last but not least orchids. No trip to Thailand seems complete without buying a few Thai orchids at the airport for your friends back home.

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Opening Hours
Most Bangkok shopping centres and the shops in them are open daily from 10.00am to 9.00pm with a few shops staying open until 10.00 pm on weekends. Some smaller independent shops close at 8.00 pm. For a list of Bangkok's major shopping centres and best areas to shop - click here.

Tax Free Shopping
Thailand has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7% of the value of the merchandise (or service) purchased. If you are thinking about buying a camera, reasonably expensive watch or whatever you should take time to learn about the VAT refund procedure. Detailed information can be had by contacting the VAT Refunds for Tourists Office, tel: 0 2272 9388 or the VAT Refund Office at Bangkok International (Don Muang) Airport, tel : 02535 6577.

In general visitors entering Thailand on a tourist visa are entitled to be refunded the 7% VAT paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying a ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’ sign. After you have made your purchase just ask for a VAT refund application forms. Some shops will advise you as part of closing the sale.

Once at the airport and prior to your departure from Thailand you present the completed VAT refund form and hand it to a customs officer together with your passport information and sales receipt(s). Be advised that certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official so don’t pack such items in your checked luggage (if in doubt, ask the store clerk if what items need to be shown to customs). Refunds are given in the form of a bank draft form or credited to your credit card.

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Prices and Bargaining
Bargaining in the markets and sidewalk stalls is ‘de rigueur’ and considered a part of the Bangkok experience. Quite a few stores selling electronic goods will allow you to haggle a little. However in the name brand boutiques and department stores throughout Bangkok prices are clearly marked and fixed but no matter retail competition is very stiff so prices, although higher than in the markets, are still reasonable and there are benefits to shopping in department stores).

Credit cards are widely accepted at department stores and larger shops in Bangkok. Cards that are accepted by merchants are usually posted on the front door. Be alert should a shop insist on adding a surcharge (to cover the bank transaction fee). You will not get anywhere arguing with the store's staff. If the store insists on charging you a surcharge to use your credit card, make sure that the charge is separate and clearly marked as a surcharge for using the card and dispute the charge with your card issuer later. If you need to contact the local office of the card company (click here). Another option is to go to an ATM and withdraw cash to make the purchase.

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Exchange Policy
Many (not all) reputable shops and department stores in Bangkok will exchange or even refund goods that are returned quickly and undamaged as long as you have the receipt or cash slip. Smaller shops will generally refuse to give exchanges or refunds. Always check the store's exchange and refund policies BEFORE you buy. Items on sale are generally not exchangeable and cash sales are usually final.

Guarantees
Visitors making a sizable purchase should insist on a sales receipt (same goes for any purchase of electronic goods and jewelry) and always get the original warranty card. As well, the manufacturer's international guarantee card should be available with all brand name items. Always check to make sure that the serial number on the product matches the serial number listed on the warranty card.

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Shipping
If your purchase is too bulky to carry or you are not going home directly, you may want to ship your purchases. Many shops are experienced in such matters however there are many reliable freight forwarders in Bangkok. As a reminder, always get a written confirmation of your shipping details (i.e. merchandise and the delivery details, tracking number and so on). If you don’t use a credit card that includes purchase insurance to pay for the shipping it may be a good idea to buy all-risk insurance. Before shipping your goods, always check on the latest customs regulations of your country.

For small packages visit the Central Post Office; they can help you wrap and post your souvenirs.

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