The Budget Babe

Fifi LaMode's shopping tips for overseas

The Budget Babe's International Shopping Advisor Fifi LaMode can find deals anywhere—and so can you! —TBB

by Fifi LaMode
Though virtually the entire industrialized world has acknowledged that the U.S. is THE place to shop, we still love Europe and still find bargains there.

Here's how:

Use your ATM card to get cash. Even with a transaction fee, it's still cheaper than using your credit card. We have found this in every country we visited, without exception.

Negotiate: If you pay cash, you can often get a discount of around 5 to 10%. Same if you buy in bulk (If you don't ask, you don't get.).

Go into the neighborhoods, rather than the main shopping streets. Same brands as in downtown department stores, usually cheaper. You will also find more eclectic selections in smaller boutiques. A privately-owned store will have more wiggle-room regarding pricing than a department store.

Look at the brand names you see on the street. American labels cost a fortune (approx. 30-40% higher than U.S. RETAIL prices!), but if you buy local brands, they will not only be cheaper, you'll get something you won't find back home.

Buy what's made in a given country that is unique. Cotton Provencal scarves are cheaper in Provence (and you get a more varied selection) than in Connecticut.

Talk with people in the shops. The salespeople are locals after all and can give you advice on what to buy and where to get the best prices.

Take advantage of Sunday markets. In small towns these are outside churches, in cities they are in tented venues in parks or squares. Some are flea markets with a mish-mash of goods ranging from cutlery to $5 jeans to socks, computers and fast food. Others are more up-market, selling antique jewelry, oil paintings, and period furniture. Whether you are a serious buyer or just looking, it's a wonderful way to learn a bit about a country's customs and history through its goods.

Don't forget your VAT forms if you buy over a certain amount (usually a 150-175 Eu minimum). The store has to sign/stamp them, then when you get to the airport they get stamped again and you get 9% to 12% back. It's that easy. The more you spend in one place, the larger the percentage of the refund. If you buy high-ticket items, it's a no-brainer.