Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining is acceptable and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very rewarding, but the following advice is useful especially when making gem and jewellery purchases :

:: Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important with gems and jewellery.
:: Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if is correct before leaving the shop
:: Never let a tout or new found friend take you shopping. Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.

-- In general, jewellery items cannot be returned. If refunds are allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be deducted as “costs of damages”. More reputable companies may offer a full refund although usually only within a certain time limit, such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates or other government offices overseas.

-- Reputable shops will give a written agreement to a full refund on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this, go eslewhere.

-- Shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand, hotel arcades are very convenient if you have little time for shopping.

Packing and Shipping Services

Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.

VAT Refund

Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying " VAT Refund for Tourists " signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refunds for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388 or VAT Refund Office at Bangkok International Airport Tel : 02535 6577-8

3.1The following documents should be produced together with the application form:

a) two copies (3x5 inches) of front view photograph of the object(s)
b) a photocopy of the applicant’s passport (in case of export of Buddha ../images the photocopy of passport must be certified as true copy by the respective Embassy or Consulate in Thailand.)

3.2 Bring the object(s) and the documents to apply for a license at any of the following Places:

a) Office of Archaeology and National Museums 81/1 Si Ayutthaya Road., Theves, Dusit, Bangkok, Tel: 0 2628 5032
b) Chiang Mai National Museum, Superhighway Road, Amphoe Muang, Ching Mai, Tel: (053) 221-308
c) Songkhle National Museum, 13/1 Jana Road, Tambon Bohyang, Amphoe Muang, Songkhla, Tel:(074) 311-728} 311-881
d) Thalang National Museum, Tambon Si Sunthorn, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket, Tel:(076) 311-426
3.3 Please allow 4 working days for license issuing process.

The Jewel Fest Club

Jewellery and gemstones form Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.

Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 50 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club's aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases. Retail outlets bear the emblem featured here for ready identification.

When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase, cut by 10% if you return the merchandise to the point of sale within 30 days, and by 20% after 30 days but within 45 days of purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel : 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, www.jewelfest.com

The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000 complaints a year about fake jewellery purchases. To avoid being a statistic, you must stay alert to the warning signs of a swindle at work. Heeding our warning could help you stave off unpleasent surprises and make your vacation what it should be - full of sparkle.

The following are valuable pointers for your protection :

• Be wary of any encounter that ends up requiring your presence in a gem shop. Most probably it is a scam.
• Buying gems or jewellery to resell at double or triple the purchase prices is an impossible proposition under any circumstances. Buy jewellery only for personal satisfaction for your own use or for loved ones.
• Make price comparisons in various shops before deciding to buy. Never be in a hurry.
• Never mail sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable items with you.
• Do not believe special (jewellery) sales of any kind. Reputable dealers hardly ever offer sales and never send touts to lure tourists to their stores.
• There are no promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry authorized by the government or any official agencies at any time of the year.
• The government does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize any jewellery stores.
• As far as you can, take time to verify all claims. Words, promises, personal guarantees, unchecked documents, unauthorized verbal or written statements, casual references, encounters and the like do not constitute verification. Remember, you are your own best protection.
• All Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither bound nor responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand.
• When in doubt about a gem shop, check it with us at:

Tourist Assistance Centre
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Phetburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10310
Tel: (66) 2250 5500 Fax: (66) 2250 5511
Email : center@tat.or.th

In Bangkok : Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. Here’s just a selection of some of the places to go shopping!

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market :
A famous Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants - a paradise for browsers and bargain- hunters alike.

Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Many gems and jewellery stores are found here, also the River City Shopping Complex, known for its quality antique stores and regular auctions.

Silom-Surawong-Patpong :
The commercial heart of Bangkok. houses dozens of specialist shops,
boutiques and shopping plaza representing all the major buys. Street stalls also abound, most notably Patpong’s famous night market.

Ploenchit-Ratchadamri :
Many department stores and shopping malls are here, including the Central World Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza, Sogo, Central Chidlom and Peninsula Plaza with dozens of shops and restaurants, and the Siam Centre, Discovery Center which contains many fashionable boutiques. Opposite the Central World Plaza you will find the Narayana Phand Co.,Ltd. (A joint venture with the Ministry of Industry) 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 0 22524670-9 Fax: 0 2255 7247 website: www.naraiphand.com the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country.
Chitralada Shops: Outlets for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s SUPPORT Foundation, which encourages the production of traditional Thai handicrafts. Chitralada shops can be found in Bangkok and other major travel destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi :
Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's garment districts, is the place to go for low-priced clothing of all kinds.

Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and cottage industries. The extensive range of local products includes cotton and silk, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, hand-painted umbrellas and lacquerware, and many such items can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers plentiful shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs, as well as local specialties.