Insider tip - Rocky of Stitch & Style Tailors in Hong Kong
Rocky is a fixer | tout | promoter at Chungking Mansions
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Insider tip - Rocky of Stitch & Style Custom Tailors Hong Kong
Rocky is a fixer | tout | promoter at Chungking Mansions
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Hong Kong fixers outside Chungking Mansions on Nathan Road, Kowloon, in Hong Kong
I have known Rocky for many years, he is a super friendly chap and every now and then I send people his way who might be interested in what services he has to offer, he is very reliable and never gets offended if you do not engage his services.
.. and what services might those be - well read on, the Tailoring shop. is simply the legitimate business he works for, Rocky is a man of many talents and knows an awful lot about a lot of things! in other words a very proficient fixer!
I generally bump into him 3 or 4 times a month and always stop for a quick chat, he and the other fixers are what makes Chungking Mansions such an interesting place to visit and i have never had an issue in there, I am in there frequently to change money, it is perfectly safe (despite what you might read)
I have never been to his shop as I do not wear tailored clothes, I am quite sure the prices are cheap which means the finished product may not be Saville Row quality but I am sure it will be a fun experience! a quick google search will throw up a list of perhaps more quality orientated tailors with pricing to match.
I am also quite sure he can get you anything you want when it comes to purchasing goods that bear a remarkable resemblance to goods with a famous brand name.
… oh and I am pretty sure he can help you book a cheap hostel room in the building
Our youngest son is also a frequent visitor with his friends as it has loads of cheap restaurants with decent food and moderately priced booze.
In Hong Kong, the term "fixers" outside Chungking Mansions typically refers to touts or individuals who approach visitors to offer various services, such as budget accommodations, currency exchange, tailored clothing, or other goods and services available within the complex.
I have lost count of the number of times I have been in Chungking Mansions, it is many thousands of times and I have never had an issue
Chungking Mansions, located at 36–44 Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is a well-known 17-story building that houses a diverse mix of guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and businesses, often catering to budget travelers, traders, and ethnic minorities, particularly from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
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What to Know About Fixers Outside Chungking Mansions
Role and Activities
Touts and Promoters:
Fixers are often stationed outside the main entrance of Chungking Mansions, actively soliciting passersby with offers for cheap guesthouses, restaurants, or tailored suits. They may also pitch electronics, fake watches, or other goods and services if you get my drift
These individuals are usually associated with businesses inside the building and aim to draw in customers.
Cultural Context:
The fixers reflect the multicultural nature of Chungking Mansions, often being immigrants or members of ethnic minority groups (e.g., South Asians or Africans) who work in or run businesses within the complex. Their presence contributes to the building’s reputation as a hub of “low-end globalization,” where traders and travelers from diverse backgrounds converge.
Rocky is South Asian
Persistence:
Visitors frequently report that fixers can be persistent, approaching tourists repeatedly. However, a polite “no, thank you” is generally sufficient to move on oh and they always have a smile on their face!
Historical Context:
Chungking Mansions has a colorful history, evolving from a residential building in the 1960s to a bustling hub for budget travelers and traders. In the past, it was associated with questionable activities, including drug sales and petty crime, and fixers were sometimes linked to these shadier dealings.
Since the 1990s, efforts to improve safety, such as the installation of CCTV and better management, have reduced the building’s notorious reputation. Fixers today are more likely to focus on legitimate business promotion, though caution is still advised when dealing with offers for goods like fake watches or electronics.
Safety and Tips:
General Safety:
While Chungking Mansions is generally safer now than in its past, visitors should remain cautious. Keep an eye on personal belongings in the crowded environment and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true (e.g., counterfeit goods).
Navigating Fixers:
Most fixers are harmless and part of the building’s vibrant ecosystem, but it’s wise to research guesthouses or services in advance online to avoid being pressured into subpar deals. Booking accommodations ahead of time is recommended, as the better guesthouses fill up quickly.Fire Safety Concerns: The building’s narrow stairwells, crowded elevators, and exposed electrical wiring have raised concerns about fire hazards. If engaging with fixers, avoid committing to accommodations without checking the premises for basic safety standards.
Cultural Experience:
Engaging with fixers can be part of the unique Chungking Mansions experience, offering a glimpse into the multicultural vibrancy of the building. Visitors may encounter offers for authentic South Asian or African cuisine, currency exchange with competitive rates, or tailored clothing, reflecting the diverse businesses inside.
The fixers’ presence adds to the building’s reputation as a “little United Nations,” where people from over 129 countries interact daily. For adventurous travelers, interacting with fixers can lead to discovering hidden gems like affordable restaurants or unique shops.
Practical Advice
Location:
Chungking Mansions is at 36–44 Nathan Road, near Tsim Sha Tsui and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations. It’s close to landmarks like Kowloon Park, The Peninsula hotel, and the Star Ferry.
Dealing with Fixers:
Be polite but firm if uninterested. If you’re curious, ask for specific details about the service or product being offered and verify legitimacy (e.g., check reviews for guesthouses or restaurants).
Exploring Inside:
If you choose to explore, head to the first two floors for shops and restaurants or upper floors for guesthouses. Be prepared for small elevators and crowded conditions. Consult security guards for directions to specific businesses.
Recommendations:
Popular spots like Sher-E-Punjab or Pakeeza Food Restaurant offer authentic cuisine and are worth seeking out.
For accommodations, check reviews for guesthouses like Hotel Skyview in advance.
Final Note
The fixers outside Chungking Mansions are a hallmark of its chaotic, multicultural charm. While they can be overwhelming, they’re part of the building’s unique identity as a global hub. Approach with caution, curiosity, and an open mind to experience one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and diverse landmarks. If you’re visiting, consider it an adventure into a microcosm of global trade and culture, but always prioritize safety and due diligence
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Money Changers in Chungking Mansions on Nathan Road, Kowloon, in Hong Kong
Chungking Mansions, located at 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, is a well-known hub for money changers offering competitive exchange rates. Here’s a concise overview and as mentioned below, I frequent Kin Shing Money Exchange except on a Sunday when they are closed, the staff are older Hong Kong Chinese people and utterly reliable, I have never, ever had an issue with them.
Location and Accessibility: Money changers are primarily on the ground and first floors of Chungking Mansions, a 17-story mixed-use building. It’s a 2-minute walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station (Exit H).
Why Chungking Mansions?: The building hosts multiple money changers in close proximity, fostering competition that drives better rates. Lower rental costs compared to other high-traffic areas also contribute to attractive rates.
Recommended Money Changers in Chungking Mansions:
Kin Shing Money Exchange Co Ltd: Shop 87, G/F, known for no commission fees and fair rates. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm. Phone: 2368 0084. | this is company I use, i have changed money there thousands of times
Hong Kong Forex Limited: Shop 110 A-B, G/F, offers Moneygram transfers and no commission. Open Mon-Thu/Sat 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-12:45pm/2-8pm, Sun/public holidays 11am-7pm. Phone: 2766 0066.
Pacific Exchange Co. Ltd: Shops 65 (1/F) and 72 (G/F), contactable via their website.
City Foreign Exchange Ltd: Shop 9, G/F, accredited by the Quality Tourism Services Scheme. Phone: 2739 2832.
Tips for Exchanging Money:
Avoid changers near the entrance as I have it on good authority that they pay some of the highest retail rents in Hong Kong for these tiny spaces; those further inside or on the first floor typically offer better rates.Compare rates across multiple booths, as they vary. Check for hidden fees and confirm the rate before exchanging.
Count cash and verify receipts on the spot to avoid errors or scams. Be cautious of pickpockets after exchanging.
Rates are often better than at airports, hotels, or banks, but always compare with the mid-market rate.
as an example at Hong Kong International Airport you literally lose 10% of your money because of the lousy exchange rate
Safety and Reputation:
Chungking Mansions has a gritty reputation but is generally very safe for money exchange during operating hours. Ignore touts at the entrance and stay vigilant, please note that there are camera’s literally everywhere in the building. there are also security guards and regular police patrols.
Payment Methods:
Most changers accept cash only; debit cards are rarely accepted, and using them may pose risks. Bring cash (preferably in major currencies like USD or EUR) to avoid ATM fees.
Trading Hours:
Hours vary, but many operate Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Specific hours depend on the shop (e.g., Kin Shing closes earlier on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays). For the best experience, visit during daytime hours, compare rates at multiple shops, and prioritize reputable changers like those listed. If you’re exchanging large amounts, consider nearby alternatives like Excellence Foreign Exchange on Cameron Road for potentially better rates. Always check current rates on-site or via changer websites like http://www.ksme.hk for Kin Shing.
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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