Making purchases in a foreign country can be confusing and difficult at times: using a different currency, the language, bargaining customs and methods can all combine to make it a rather stressful and worrying experience, particularly if you are considering parting with large sums of money. This section is designed to ease some of that pressure and offers practical information on how to avoid being cheated when making a purchase, who to contact if you need help, as well as links to relevant news items on the country in question.
Many of the countries listed here are hotspots for a wide variety of counterfeit products, whilst some have had problems in one particular area. We will continue to update the information featured here, but if you have experienced problems with counterfeiting on your travels, we would love to hear your story and could add it to the information we present here. Email us at info@notofakes.com.
Remember that, in many of these countries, by actively buying counterfeit goods you may be supporting child labour, money laundering and criminal activities. Many genuine items, especially electrical goods, can be bought at lower prices abroad, especially if you are travelling to Asia, and remember that you can also save money by keeping your receipts and claiming a VAT refund at the airport when you return home.
Finally, many countries have national organisations dedicated to preventing fakes and promoting the value of intellectual property and fair trade. Our other section highlights key national organisations and the work that they undertake.
General tips on buying abroad
Handbags, sunglasses, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, dvds – you name it and it is surely available on the counterfeit market. And, in some cases, very highly sophisticated versions that sometimes even fool the experts. So what should you do if you want to avoid coming home with a fake Rolex watch, Prada bag or iPod? The best thing is to do first is to inform yourself on the subject. This link will provide you with invaluable information on how the counterfeiters operate in China.
Know your stuff
Next, and this sounds obvious, but you need to know what the genuine article looks like. If while abroad you want to take advantage of the lower prices for electrical items for example, swot up before hand on what the genuine version looks like. Search the Internet to find out if it has been counterfeited; you may even be able to find images of that counterfeited version. Go on blogs and chatrooms to talk to other people about their experiences. It’s amazing what a wealth of information there is out there regarding all kinds of counterfeits, and No To Fakes should also be able to help you.
If it is designer labels you are after remember that many of these only sell their items through their own stores and outlets.
Inspect the item
Does the item look like it is good quality? Are the words and logos on the labels correctly spelled or sewn on properly? Are the zippers and stiching high quality? Is the item actually leather, or does it appear or feel fake? These can be tell-tale signs that the item is counterfeit.
A few simple tests include looking for signs of rust or corrosion on exposed metal parts, opening and shutting a zipper several times to ensure it runs smoothly, and inspecting the documentation or warranty certificate to look for misprints in the text. The packaging should also be carefully inspected as many suppliers now provide goods in sealed or tamper-evident packaging (especially electronic units) to avoid items being swopped with fakes.
Too good to be true?
Why would anyone in their right mind try to sell you a $2000 handbag/watch/pair of shoes for $40? Out of the kindness of their hearts maybe? And if they offer it to you for $200 then you know that it is either stolen or fake. Either scenario is not good for you. Don’t judge by price alone. Price is not always an indicator of fake goods as criminals sometimes charge high amounts for very good counterfeits.
Is the pressure on?
Retailers of genuine articles are unlikely to pressure you into buying their items. If there is a pressure tactic involved it is almost certainly a fake, so make your excuses and leave!
Click on the region you are traveling to on the map below for more information about the specific region.