Buying in Macau
Macau is a good place to shop for Chinese antiques and artifacts, and an excellent place to buy well-crafted Asian furniture in wood or wicker. Many Hong Kong expats buy their furniture here and have it delivered to Hong Kong, often free of charge. Shipping prices may be lower than expected.
The majority of the antique stores are clustered in Rua de São Paula, the busy lane which leads up to the facade of São Paulo. You are free to bargain hard here. Otherwise, Macau is rarely thought of as a shopping mart, except for its magnificently priced wines, brandies and ports, which are restricted upon return to Hong Kong. Though it is a duty-free port like Hong Kong, the array of goods available is not nearly as extensive. Some items, such as cameras or stereo systems, are more costly in Macau because of the smaller number sold. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a clothing manufacturing center.