In this installment of our guide to holidays in Greece we look at what you can expect there in terms of shopping...
While Greece isn't known as a great shopping destination, it does offer some fine and unique local products. The country produces good handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, knitwear, lace, rugs and leather goods. In addition, its local wines and spirits make distinctive purchases.
Large international style shopping malls can be found in nearly all of its cities, and you'll recognize many of the retailers and brands stocked within them. Prices are similar to elsewhere in Europe for such goods though so don't expect to find any real bargains unless shopping during the sales.
Bargaining is only tolerated in tourist souvenir shops and, sometimes, in family-owned arts and crafts stores. In all other instances, it's ineffective and offensive. If bargaining is expected, you can expect to get at least 10-20% off of the price, with being able to speak a little Greek likely getting you the lowest possible price.
Most items incur Value Added Tax (VAT) and this is generally but not always included in price tags. However, some shops do provide tax-free shopping for non-European Union residents. Under this system, people who do not live in the EU can seek a VAT refund when departing the EU. To do this, ask for a VAT voucher when buying an item and show a customs officer all such vouchers and the related items upon leaving the EU.
The official currency is the Euro, and other currencies will not be accepted, but you can easily exchange money in the larger cities and in any tourist destination. Banks usually offer the most favorable exchange rates and automated currency exchange machines tend to offer the worst rates; specialist shops are somewhere in between. When changing money, try to get mostly smaller notes - nothing over a 50 - as many businesses are averse to accepting larger denominations.
ATM machines are widespread. Most shops, hotels, and travel agencies accept Mastercard, Visa and Eurocard, but some local souvenir shops and restaurants won't accept these cards.
While Greece isn't known as a great shopping destination, it does offer some fine and unique local products. The country produces good handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, knitwear, lace, rugs and leather goods. In addition, its local wines and spirits make distinctive purchases.
Large international style shopping malls can be found in nearly all of its cities, and you'll recognize many of the retailers and brands stocked within them. Prices are similar to elsewhere in Europe for such goods though so don't expect to find any real bargains unless shopping during the sales.
Bargaining is only tolerated in tourist souvenir shops and, sometimes, in family-owned arts and crafts stores. In all other instances, it's ineffective and offensive. If bargaining is expected, you can expect to get at least 10-20% off of the price, with being able to speak a little Greek likely getting you the lowest possible price.
Most items incur Value Added Tax (VAT) and this is generally but not always included in price tags. However, some shops do provide tax-free shopping for non-European Union residents. Under this system, people who do not live in the EU can seek a VAT refund when departing the EU. To do this, ask for a VAT voucher when buying an item and show a customs officer all such vouchers and the related items upon leaving the EU.
The official currency is the Euro, and other currencies will not be accepted, but you can easily exchange money in the larger cities and in any tourist destination. Banks usually offer the most favorable exchange rates and automated currency exchange machines tend to offer the worst rates; specialist shops are somewhere in between. When changing money, try to get mostly smaller notes - nothing over a 50 - as many businesses are averse to accepting larger denominations.
ATM machines are widespread. Most shops, hotels, and travel agencies accept Mastercard, Visa and Eurocard, but some local souvenir shops and restaurants won't accept these cards.
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