Buying things in Thailand?

Question

I am traveling to Thailand in 5 days but need a few tips.

In Thailand if I bought a computer game would it work in Australia?
If I bought a phone would it work in Australia?
Are the clothes there dodgy like ones you get at markets, or are they genuine?
Any tips on what and what not to buy?
Anything else you think would be helpful to me would be very appreciated.

Cheers

Answer 1

I would not purchase electronics in Thailand. Though I live in the USA. The cell phones in thailand on the average cost as much as in the USA for comparable models.

Clothes are inexpensive. You be the judge, jeans for 200-250 baht, t-shirts for 100 baht, etc.

I would not buy dvd's for the extras, no guarantee that you will get what you pay for.

Street stalls for tshirts and assorted souvenirs fine. Other clothes go to MBK Center or Mah Boon Khram Center in Pratunam or Central World Plaza or just north of MBK there are some clothing shops.

As you would shop in your home town, use your best judgment when shopping in Thailand.

Good luck.

Answer 2

computer games - should work, as long as they are genuine stuff and not pirated or bought from the street vendors.

phone - don't really know but DO check the specs

clothes - great buys! cheap. They are copies unless bought in a genuine brand shops. MOST of the stuff on the street are actually quite good quality (on a rare occasion you get a "bad batch" but for the price you are paying - who cares)

NOT to buy? - Electronics equipment. VERY expensive.

Tips: be prepared to haggle. Haggle PATIENTLY but ruthlessly and KEEP CALM. It is supposed to be fun and keep it within reason (do you really need to haggle for something that is only 10 baht?)
Don't demand everything to be ridiculously cheap. The prices there are cheap enough already. Do some research.
Get a copy of Lonely Planet guide - it is essential reading.

Last tip - BUYERS BEWARE. There is no consumer laws and protection like we might have overseas. Things DO NOT operate the same way as home. Get used to it. For the cheap prices we pay for stuff over there, learn to shrug it off.

Answer 3

Most of the things on the street are not genuine. However, they do have some very good replicas at great prices. I wouldn't buy the clothing, though. This is usually cheaply made.
I suggest purchasing things for your home, like wooden vases, candel holders, place settings, etc.
Silk is very inexpensive there and they have a ton of silk items (bedding, curtains,etc).
You have to get a thai massage!

Answer 4

Most of the things that you buy there can work in Australia.

As for clothes, you can get genuine items if you shop at the big retail shops. Streetside, you expect copies only, none genuine. But then again, some do have good quality and cheap to buy.

What to buy and not to buy will depend on you, what will you be looking for. You can email me at [e-mail] to help clear some of your queries if you like.

Answer 5

most things r fake