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How to Make Your Shopping Experience Better When Travelling Abroad?

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Vacations abroad come together with shopping. When you are relaxed and away from the hectic life, shopping is easier and more fun. Sometimes it is shopping for souvenirs or things not available or expensive in the country or sometimes just for fun as you are relaxed and have more time on your hands. It is difficult to not shop when you are travelling overseas. Like you buy a travel insurance cover and be prepared for an emergency, be prepared to shop and spend money abroad.

Shopping is something you might not be able to control but what has to be kept in mind is that you do not go overboard. It is easy to get carried away when you are shopping and this has to be checked as it can have some serious repercussions.

Let us discuss some basic tips that can be kept in mind to shop better when travelling abroad:

1. Set a Limit

When you travel you are bound to have more time and thus, you realize that that there are so many things which you can buy. It is natural to take as much as you can back home, but practically and financially this is not possible. Thus, it is imperative you set a limit. Keep a budget in mind and also the amount of stuff you will carry. Sometimes when things are cheaper than in the home country, one can go reckless, thus, be careful and set your limits.

2. Credit Card Checks

In today’s time, everyone lives on plastic money and it is definitely more convenient. Before you travel abroad, do take a travel insurance cover for emergencies. Also, remember to carry more than one credit card which has international transactions enabled and has no foreign transaction fees. Also, both cards should be kept separately so that in case you lose one, the other is available. Also, always before you travel the card will be valid in the country you are travelling to.

3. Be Sure of What You Buy

Shopping in your home country is easy as you can always go back and return or exchange. But when you are shopping abroad, be careful of what you buy. It is always not easy to go back and change in a foreign country as you might have shopped at a place far from your hotel. Also, the sizes in each country can differ. Always knowing your size in US or Euro size helps to check the sizes and as far as possible one should try the clothes and footwear before buying especially from local stores which might not have standard sizes.

4. Keep Utility In Mind

Sometimes it is easy to get carried away and pick up stuff. Before picking up anything while shopping abroad. Think twice about the utility in mind. Sometimes what you buy in another country might not be wearable in the home country due to the fabric or maybe the style. So, always think of the wearability and utility before you buy anything.

5. Know the Items Prohibited

Each country can have a list of things that are restricted or prohibited. Before you shop, remember the list of your country so that there is no issue when you land back. Carrying things that are not permitted can invite serious trouble and thus, it is always carrying things allowed and within limits as per the country rules.

6. Custom Rules

There are custom rules which allow restricted quantity etc, into the country. You cannot easily carry many luxury items above a certain value or bottles of alcohol etc. Before you shop thinking it is cheap, remember the custom limits. Else you might end up paying taxes much more than the amount you have saved while shopping abroad. You might need to fill out a customs declaration form or there might be other formalities. It is always good to shop within the limits than to sit at the airport to answer questions from the authorities and pay heavy taxes.

7. Learn to Bargain

Bargaining is an art and must be done when shopping abroad. There are many local markets which do not have MRPs printed or that keep things overpriced because they know the customers will bargain. Always ask for discounts or deals to be able to save money. The decision to bargain or not has to be taken seeing the place, but where you think it should be done, go ahead and do it.

8. Know the Right Places

Each country has different kinds of markets. There are malls for brands but then there are outlet malls as well where you get branded items at a discount. Then there are local markets or areas where you get the local stuff. It is always good to research and go so that you know what is available where and where you will get the best deals. Talk to local people or take help from people you know to guide you to know the best places to shop.

9. Cash Limits

When travelling abroad, remember your country might have some restrictions on the amount of cash you can carry. Travelling with credit cards or travel cards is always better than cash but if you need to carry, always keep the limit in mind to avoid any issues at the airport.

10. Tax Rules of the Country You Are Visiting

Be aware of the tax rules of the country you are travelling to. Some countries have tax-free shopping which means you can get the tax reimbursed after doing the formalities. You have to take the tax-free receipts from the stores that check your passports. All these have to be submitted at counters at the airport or in the city, and within a few weeks, the tax part is refunded after deducting the fees. Understand the process and save money while you shop.

Conclusion

Shopping and travelling abroad are fun as it is always nice to explore new places and their crafts. While shopping abroad, it is important to keep some things in mind to ensure shopping remains fun and does not become stressful later on. Above are some simple tips you can keep in mind when travelling abroad next time. Always research and go so that you know which the best places are to shop and where you can get good deals. Taking help from locals is another great way to figure it out. Set your limits and get good deals, and enjoy your trip abroad. Always remember to have travel insurance cover to ensure you are covered in case of theft or illness.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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