Asia - What's cheaper? BKK or KUL?

Ok, I'm planning a trip to both Bangkok and KL. It's a question more for my significant other... ;)

For brand stuff (bags, clothing), would it be cheaper in Bangkok or KL? I'm not talking about the fake items. We'd be going to the real shops in the WTC in Bangkok and the duty-free shops in KL.

Since we're going one-way through both countries, there wouldn't be an opportunity to comparison shop.

Thanks.

I would think KUL - cost of living when comparing both cities, KUL is always cheaper (e.g. hotels, food, medical etc). Not sure about bags but a year ago I was shopping for a mid-end watch (I looked at an IWC) and it was cheaper in KL than in BKK, and I think the significant factor is in the amount of taxes levied plus cost of business.

Here are my observations which are worth about .08 ringgit or 1 baht:

I went to the mall right next to the Mandarin Oriental KUL. Having gone into one store, Emporio Armani, I would guess that luxury shopping in KUL is more expensive than in the U.S. Suits at EA run about US$1,000 where as in the U.S. they run about $900.

I also went into the Louis Vuitton store at the Oriental BKK. The prices there did seem a bit cheaper than in the U.S.

Of all the Asian cities I have visited (NRT, ICN, HKG, BKK, KUL, and SIN), SIN has the lowest prices for upmarket shopping.

But my observations are based on a very small sample size. I'm sure others with more travels in Asia can be of greater assistance.

Thanks for the comments.

I'm actually going to Europe (including Vienna and Paris) before Asia. Would Paris or BKK/KUL/SIN be cheaper?

I remember KL being more expensive than BKK, and I went there during the Asian currency crisis...

Anyway, if your SO likes high-end stuff, the one thing your SO might be interested in is jewelry - it's much cheaper there, both because it's closer to the source and because of the cheap labor. My SO has an acquaintance who is a professional personal shopper, and she goes to BKK all the time to pick up jewelry. I can personnaly recommend Gems Gallery for a huge range of stuff, and Thada Jewellers (at the corner of Surawong and Charon Krung (New Road))

Thanks for the comments.
I'm actually going to Europe (including Vienna and Paris) before Asia. Would Paris or BKK/KUL/SIN be cheaper?

I wouldn't be qualified to compare the CDG/VIE and BKK/KUL/SIN. However, I will say that at CDG, you can apply for a 12% tax refund on your puchases, if your puchases are at least €100 or something like that, an amount that would be easy to surmount at any luxe store.

Also, if you go to CDG from the second week of January to the middle of February, you can take advantage of the great sales. Markdowns are quite significant. If your wife is interested in LV bags however, LV never marks down their prices.

Thanks guys! ^

Based on my experiences shopping in Singapore and in Paris (and lots of those, I'm afraid to admit), Paris is cheaper when it comes to the fashion goods (apparel, accessories like luggage), especially if you can get the tax refund. But for luxury watches and electronics, Singapore has the edge.

Thanks jjpb3. Unfortunately, I'm being placed in the same position. ;)

Electronics in Singapore? My experience is a bit dated, but I'd say the U.S. discount chains are noticeably cheaper these days and you get a U.S. warranty! No reason to buy electronics in SIN, IMO.

Is Singapore really the best place to purchase new luxury/designer watches, versus say HKG or the USA?

Is Singapore really the best place to purchase new luxury/designer watches, versus say HKG or the USA?

I couldn't say it's the best place, but I can vouch for the fact that the prices are better than in Tourneau in NYC, and my friend, who travels frequently to both Singapore and HK, say the prices are better in Singapore compared to HK. Obviously, if cheaper prices than at Tourneau (at the same guarantee of quality and service) can be had, I'd be wrong in my claim. Also, highly marketed brands like Rolex and Tag aren't going to be cheaper in Asia. Finally, you'd have to go into town (and not buy at Changi) and then haggle for a good price (this, even at the high-end malls like Takashimaya and Raffles Place).

I think there was another thread on this a while back in this forum. Sorry I can't provide the link but a search for "luxury watches" should be able to take you there.

Good luck with the search.

Actually, for luxury watches, I found Japan to be cheapest. You can haggle with the discount stores in Shinjuku and even get it tax-free if you show your passport. I was talking prices with a co-worker of mine and seems like it's almost identical pricing to Switzerland.

In HKG, I'm always afraid they'll switch it with a fake on me when I'm not looking. :p

(Of course, this is without experience in SIN/KUL/BKK. ;) )