bhuty

Where can I go in Phuket or Krabi to buy authentic handbags and how much should I expect to pay relative to shopping in USA, UK, China or Australia? (provided a range of countries because you probably have different countries to compare against)
I guess a side question is what country is the cheapest to buy these. I'm talking Chanel, Prada, Burberry etc.

Hanuman

There's a big mall in Phuket(Jungceylon Mall) but I don't believe that they have brand name shops like you've listed. I don't recall seeing any of the shops you've mentioned in any of the hotels as well. Nearest place will be in Bangkok like at the Gaysorn Plaza or the Paragon Mall. Expect roughly the same prices as Hong Kong or Singapore but the collection will not be the same.

bhuty

thanks. Are you telling me that I can only expect to buy the authentic product at a brand owned and operated by those brands?

Hanuman

In Thailand for Chanel, Prada etc yes you will only be able to their products at their stores with exception for perfumes.

Cicerone

I don't think you will find any major savings buying an authentic Chanel or Prada bag in Thailand versus buying it in the US, Europe or Australia. The luxury makers now try to keep prices constant in each country. The one current exception may be the PRC (excluding Hong Kong) where luxury goods can cost a little MORE than they do elsewhere.

You may find in some countries that the selection is better or worse than the US. Japan tends to have the widest selection, but IMO no price advantage or disadvantage. But some people like to have a wide selection.

But in other countries, other than the lack of sales tax, which certainly can be a consideration if you live in a high-tax US State, the price difference is relatively small in my experience. (If there is a coup in Thailand during your visit, you may realize a savings before shops have had a chance to adjust their prices to offset any signficant currency drop. But most Asian currencies don't fluctuate in a wide band over a short term, so any "savings" on exchange rate is going to be pretty small, IMO. And no reason to buy a bag here versus the US.)

And of course if you buy a bag in Asia, then may have to pay US Customs duty on it when you bring it back to the US if you exceed your duty-free allowance.

Hanuman

My wife just reminded me about the Prada outlet near Florence in Tuscany. Definitely one of the cheapest place to buy Prada merchandises in the world.

simpsonc510

bhuty, will you not be travelling to Bangkok on this trip? You would be able to find a huge selection at the topline malls in the city. Since you want 'authentic' goods, you do not want to shop at MBK (other than maybe the Tokyu store) as it's full of knock-offs.

Guenmai

I have a handbag passion, and buy plenty of them, but not European designer handbags in Thailand. The serviced apartment building that I stay in in Bangkok is attached to the Emporium Mall and the big designers, Vuitton, Chanel, etc are on the ground floor. The prices are higher than the U.S. prices which is why I either buy them in Paris or here at home in L.A. Happy Travels!

bhuty

Hey thanks everyone. I thought the idea was wrong but always can rely on fodors for good help.

No I'm not going to bangkok, maybe on a different trip.

rhkkmk

don't expect any savings at all in thailand over usa costs...they might even be more