Electronics shopping Malaysia
Malaysians love being online
Malaysians love their electronics and Kuala Lumpur has some of the widest choice of gadgets and gizmos of anywhere. But how can tourists shopping for electronics in Malaysia be sure that they are getting the best possible deal? Our handy guide to electronics shopping in Malaysia has all the answers and a few telling tricks of the trade to be aware of.
While it's great to browse around the swanky malls to get a decent idea of the different makes and models on offer, prices are always at a premium in these flashy venues so you should move elsewhere before actually purchasing a product. Times Square, Sunway Mall, Pavilion and KLCC have armies of coiffured colone-stinking shop assistants to obsequiously aid you with any questions, but the geek-havens of Low Yat Plaza and Sungei Wang Plaza are where the serious shoppers head.
For the best bargains steer clear of the latest models and perhaps target the ones which have just immediately been superseded. Retailers will be keen to get rid of these quickly as nobody wants dated stock cluttering up their shopfloor. And, unless you are an industry professional, an MP3 stereo or DVD player from six months ago will be more that adequate for every day purposes. And remember to push the sales assistant hard for what freebies you can get with a hefty purchase. Camera cases, spare batteries and PC mice should be thrown in so don’t pay for any extras.
Remember to check over what you are buying carefully and not to take your eyes off it for a second. There are common complaints regarding shops who subtly swap working goods for defective ones when the shopper is not looking, and then refuse to refund once the deception has been uncovered. Keep your eye on what you are buying, even getting it out of the box to check it over once again in the shop once the parcel has been handed over.
Using your credit card is a good safety net if it has buyers protection as you can always bring up any grievances to your bank if you are not completely satisfied. Of course, there are often surcharges or around three per cent this way. And remember that the island of Pulau Langkawi has some great discounts available as well by virtue of its duty free status.
But quite often prices are not as low as you may think. And with modern low import taxes and internet shopping, it is very possible that the same products will be available cheaper at home, especially if coming from North America. So remember to check out a few models and prices before you leave your own country to ensure you’re getting the absolutely best value for money. And if purchasing electronics in Malaysia remember you can save a bundle on VAT by picking up goods at the airport on your way home.
Where to buy electronics in KL
It can be hard to decipher where to go in KL for electronics as the capital is loaded to the hilt with futuristic-looking malls that look like the real deal. There are, however, a couple of stand-out options for electronics in KL.
Low Yat Plaza: Prices are extremely competitive with corridors filled with techno nerds seeking the latest applications or devices. Open: 10:00-22:00. 7 Jalan Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: (03) 2148 3651.
Sungai Wang Plaza: With one of the harshest bargaining climates in KL, there are massive discounts to be secured at the Sungai Wang Plaza.
You have to work for your deal with nerves of steel at Sungai Wang Plaza, and also getting to know your prices beforehand goes without saying. Although you are after the best price, remember to be firm but fair with your haggling and always wear a confident smirk. Open: 10:00-22:00. Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: (03) 2144 9988.
Where to buy electronics in Penang
KOMTAR: The tallest building on Penang also houses and impressive mall with a huge range of electronics stores offering year-round discounts. 1 Jalan Penang, Georgetown, Penang, tel: (04) 263 7570.
Prangin Mall: Georgetown’s largest shopping mall has some swanky stores with high prices but also some bargain shops with the same stock where prices are slashed. Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Georgetown, Penang, tel: (04) 262 2233.
Where to buy electronics on Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi Parade Shopping Complex: One of the biggest duty-free shopping complexes on Pulau Langkawi with a great range of cameras, laptops and plasma TVs. Open: 10:00-22:00. Pokok Asam, Kuah, Langkawi, tel: (04) 966 7528.
The Zon Duty-Free Shopping Complex: Cheap Langkawi shopping mall with lots of consumer electronics right by the tourist beaches. Open: 09:00-19:00. Pantai Cenang (near Underwater World), Langkawi, tel: (04) 955 5300.
