Buying electronics in Asia
 

I am looking for a good digital camera and I will be in Singapore and Malaysia this week. I will also have about 2 hours in NRT.

Which of these places have the best prices for electronics, and are the prices and selection better then in US?

I bought a digital camera in Singapore. I don't think the prices are any better or if they are not by much. And you need to enjoy bargaining (I do). I bought about $700 worth of stuff and perhaps saved $100 if that. The selection was very good in SIN.

Prices really aren't that much better than what you can get in the US, particularly if you consider important warranty/assurance coverage, compatibility (e.g., character sets in cellular phones), and the ability to earn miles using a credit card for purchase (many shops where electronics-shoppers prowl are cash-only, or offer better prices for cash only). In some cases, some products may actually be even higher priced than in the US.

Selection, on the other hand, is where you can win out. There may be models available in Asia that you can't find in the US, or similar models that are outfitted with different features and functions. Just pay attention to the voltage requirements as 220V products will require a step-down transformer and plug adapter, if they are not 100-240v.

It's a misconception that everything in Asia is cheaper. Concerning eletronics specifically, Asians are as much techno-geeks as the next nationality (the stereotype doesn't exist for nothing, you know), so vendors know they can in some cases command a premium. After all, who do you think comes up with so much of this stuff?

Happy shopping.

Additionally, there are no replacement return warranties etc. I bought a wide angle lens for my Sony Digital camera in Singapore. I did not have the camera with me and shop keeper assured me that lens will fit the model I have, and upon return I found it did not. Over here I would have no problem in returning it.

I can guarantee that there is no reason to buy ANYTHING at NRT. Last summer, in Singapore, we found no bargains at SimLim Square (which is supposed to be the place for electronics) or elsewhere. Singapore no longer sells all-zone DVD players, either, since that wouldn't be law abiding!

In Malaysia, well, the deals are pirated software, videos, and CDs....they might not work when you get home, but for $1.75 to $3.50 each, you might be tempted (also there is the gamble that customs might take them).

NRT is definitely not the place to buy electronics. You're stuck in the airport and they know it.

If you had more time in Tokyo, the best place I found to get discount electronics was Shinjuku. Akihabara is billed as "electronics town" but haven't had the best prices in a few years.

I have travelled miles to shop and eat. Singapore is a place to bargain. This is my approach to buying electronics. Buy the newest and latest but make sure you do your research. I dont like to keep electronic goods like digital cameras for more than a year. Check prices online and on ebay. Make sure you can resell it online for minimal loss in a year.

If the model can be bought in America, it is probable that you can get a good deal out in America. Make sure you buy top of the line in Asia, because one year later it will remain the top of the line in America and thus easy disposal on ebay.

NRT is a pile of crap. The store looks good in the airport. You are better off paying the 200 yen to go online and doing some research at the internet cafe right opposite the store.

Singapore I do not remember where I went to. it was this place on Orchard. This mall sold electronics and only electronics. You have to bargain. Contact me if you need help. I love to shop. I mean that.

Singapore is 30% more expensive across the board than what you will pay in the US (even after haggling) Singapore overall is overpriced. Tokyo is no better. It should be mentioned that in terms of newness, the last few years I have found that cutting edge stuff I've gotten in the west is actually about 3-6 months AHEAZD of SE Asia. Tokyo has a lot of new/cool stuff but it is expensive and often proprietary to Japanese systems.

The best deals are to be had at the low end of the spectrum in China/HK for things like no name all region DVD players ($50 with every feature you could want -- $75 w/progressive scan), DVD-R for like $200 and similar type things.

I found Taiwan has some real bargains right now