Holiday shopping tips - helping you plan

To help you enjoy shopping on your Italian holidays to Piedmont Italy here are some facts to note. 

Don't hurry at lunch, take your time in Italy we take long lunches even at the retail shops. Therefore they are not open until 14.30 hrs or 15.30 hrs. Many start closing for lunch between 12.30 hrs to 13.00 hrs.

1. All items sold in Italy have a VAT tax. They range from 4% to 16%. Not all shops provide VAT refund service. Please check carefully not to disappoint yourself. Some shops do not display VAT badges on their store front, however they may actually refund VAT. The best way is to ask them. 
   
   
2. To qualify for a VAT refund you need to show proof of foreign residence purchasing a minimum value
   of €150 therefore bring your passport with you when you shop. No passport, no VAT claims. The
   refund is processed at Turin airport before departure. 
   
   
3. It is common practice to greet each other when you enter a shop usually Boungiorno or in English. When you leave it is also common to say goodbye/thank you or Arriverdeci.
   
   
4. It is good manners to queue for your service generally there are few shop assistance. 
   
   
5. All shops are closed during lunch hours thus do not plan to shop during these hours - 12:30 hrs to 15:30 hrs in some cases even up to 16:00 hrs. Generally shops closed on Monday. Downtown Turin you may find shops open during lunch time especially those located along Via Roma, Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello, Via Lagrange or Via Garibaldi.
   
   
6. Like most big cities in the world where there are major sales we have them too our big winter sales falls on 3 January. Summer sales falls in July.
   
   
7. Most of the shop assistance do not speak English therefore bring your Italian phrase book with you or
   a friend who can speak Italian. 
   
   
8. Do not expect to see taxis on the road unlike big cities such as New York, Tokyo or Hong Kong you need to call for service. Make sure you ask your hotel reception for Taxi companies telephone numbers that are able to take orders in English or a language that you speak. We doubt very much you can get Asian languages but French, German, Spanish are all possible. 
   
   
9. Prices in the shops are fixed and you cannot bargain. The only place you can bargain prices are at the flea markets. 
   
   
10. Last minute souvenirs for families and friends. Do not hope to get them at Turin airport. The only gifts worthy of considering to purchase at Turin airport are chocolates. Best to shop for your souvenirs before you depart.

For Quick and Easy Guide use Amazing North Italy sitemap to find information

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