Jade Market, Hong Kong

This market is well known and everyone who goes to Hong Kong stops here... and the traders know it! Depending on what you look like and your ability to speak Cantonese, the price of the same item can fluctuate alarmingly; I was quoted $25 dollars for a necklace, which, when the American couple behind me asked the price of, it was $100 - which they paid. If you're quite clearly a tourist, vendors sum you up and smack a $300 price tag on a trinket that would go to a Hongkonger for a fifth of that. Suppose thats all part of the charm really; make sure you flex your bargaining tactics here because most are more than willing to go way down. Don't feel guilty about walking away if the price isn't right either... in my experience this usually results in them shouting after you offering incrementally lower and lower prices! Just don't push too hard, or they might get abusive. But the real recommendation here is, a couple of streets over is Jade St, where there are lots of Jade and Jewel shops, many of which have prices marked on items, not prices made up on the spot if it looks like you'll willingly part with your cash. You can use your plastics in these shops too, even Amex, and though Hongkongers are loathe to give refunds, there's still a certain amount of accountability here. Plus, if you don't really know the difference between your nephrite and jadeite jade, it's not wise to but expensive pieces at the market.