Traveling to Italy, Spain and France, what to buy

[mariafromnj]

Hi Ladies, I know there are some items that are cheaper to buy in Europe or at least this used to be the case not sure if it works out now with the Euro.
Is there anything I should budget for while I am over there?

[ybee]

Invest in some real Italian leather. U will not regret it!

[Lucille Bluth]

Don't forget you'd get the VAT back on things, which can be 19% or so. Sometimes even if the exchange isn't in your favor it helps in that department alone to consider bigger ticket purchases.

[hz80408]

Def Italian leather or higher end items (purse, shoes, sunglasses, etc).

For items you could find in any of the three countries; look to see who was the highest VAT (value added tax; This is included in the majority of all services/goods. As a tourist you are eligible to receive a refund if you apply).

VATS, from what I can tell:
-Italy:21%
-Spain:18%
-France: 19.6%

so buy biggest items in Italy if you can!!
Source: www.tmf-vat.com/vat/eu-vat-rates.html

[vampsterdam]

Ditto the Italian leather.

Also, Spain makes some great shoes as well.

Not sure if you're into beauty products, but there are some amazing brands! Heck, even some of the pharmacies have great products for skin care.

[highlarious]

It bears repeating: leather in Italy! A bag, wallet, shoes (OMG - shoes!). Anything, really.

[msamyfarrahfowler]

Will you be visiting Madrid? If you are, there's a great shop off Plaza Mayor that sells hand crafted espadrilles in an array of styles. I bought 2 pairs that were about 45 USD each. I wish I bought more.

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 11:32:12 GMT -5 msamyfarrahfowler said:

Will you be visiting Madrid? If you are, there's a great shop off Plaza Mayor that sells hand crafted espadrilles in an array of styles. I bought 2 pairs that were about 45 USD each. I wish I bought more.

That souunds awesome!

[mariafromnj]

I travel to Greece often and would buy Italian shoes and they were great.

I don't want to sound silly but I have never heard of the VAT. Someone wrote value added tax... ok so when you say I get this back, how do you mean?

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 11:14:22 GMT -5 Lucille Bluth said:

Don't forget you'd get the VAT back on things, which can be 19% or so. Sometimes even if the exchange isn't in your favor it helps in that department alone to consider bigger ticket purchases.

Def this. I'm contemplating buying another LV in Dublin soon.

US retail price is $900, with tax in Chicago: ~$986

Looking on LV international sites: Purse is 585EU; convert to USD (using xe.com's 1.25 exchange rate) = $731.25; then take off VAT percent (I'm using 17% even though Ireland VAT is 23%, you don't get everything back); so $731.25 * .83 = $607 USD

$607 in Dublin compared to $986 in Chicago!! Woohoo! (I) (I) (I)

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 11:45:19 GMT -5 mariafromnj said:

I travel to Greece often and would buy Italian shoes and they were great.

I don't want to sound silly but I have never heard of the VAT. Someone wrote value added tax... ok so when you say I get this back, how do you mean?

A lot of people don't know about it or realize and then essentially the government gets to keep money you're entitled to getting in a refund. You have to fill out paperwork though (either in store at time of purchase or at airport).

Rick Steve's does a good job of explaining it: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/vat.htm

[Lucille Bluth]

If you go to the Florence area a place called "the mall" that is really good.
www.themall.it/en/region/florence

[mariafromnj]

Aug 30, 2012 11:48:04 GMT -5 hz80408 said:

Aug 30, 2012 11:45:19 GMT -5 mariafromnj said:

I travel to Greece often and would buy Italian shoes and they were great.

I don't want to sound silly but I have never heard of the VAT. Someone wrote value added tax... ok so when you say I get this back, how do you mean?

A lot of people don't know about it or realize and then essentially the government gets to keep money you're entitled to getting in a refund. You have to fill out paperwork though (either in store at time of purchase or at airport).

Rick Steve's does a good job of explaining it: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/vat.htm

I had not idea about this. I have been shopping in Greece for years. I assume the same applies to there. I will look into this. Looks like I will be doing more shopping LOL

[Deleted]

I didn't realize the savings on LV was so significant. I picked up a wallet for my H last month in Paris during a last minute business trip and it ended up costing almost 40% less than in the US. I will definitely get a purse for myself the next time.

[laptopvixen]

www.italialiving.com/articles/travel/luxury-fashion-outlet-shopping-in-and-near-rome/

[mrsredrox]

Another repeat for leather. I've never been to Italy but my mom brought back leather bomber jackets for me and they've held up so nicely. They're amazing!

[gapeach]

Aug 30, 2012 13:18:35 GMT -5 @missy1 said:

I didn't realize the savings on LV was so significant. I picked up a wallet for my H last month in Paris during a last minute business trip and it ended up costing almost 40% less than in the US. I will definitely get a purse for myself the next time.

It really is surprising sometimes. I've bought two LVs in St. Barth and saved quite a bit on both. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying another one when we go back in the Fall...

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 14:08:38 GMT -5 gapeach said:

Aug 30, 2012 13:18:35 GMT -5 @missy1 said:

I didn't realize the savings on LV was so significant. I picked up a wallet for my H last month in Paris during a last minute business trip and it ended up costing almost 40% less than in the US. I will definitely get a purse for myself the next time.

It really is surprising sometimes. I've bought two LVs in St. Barth and saved quite a bit on both. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying another one when we go back in the Fall...

I was a bit baffled too. Last year my parents went to Paris and prior to the trip I stumbled about an online article about it; I'd been saving for a purse anyways, so I convinced my parents to buy it for me there and saved some $$$.

Now of course I want another when we go to Ireland next month. Unfortunely the bag I really want is still close to $900 AFTER the VAT and conversions; so I'm torn!

[mariafromnj]

So if I buy a LV I have to bring my passport and get some form and then go to customs in the airport to get my refund?

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 14:54:05 GMT -5 mariafromnj said:

So if I buy a LV I have to bring my passport and get some form and then go to customs in the airport to get my refund?

Exactly; I believe LV could also give you an instant return (some stores can; I'm not sure which), but I believe since the store does some of the processing, they take a portion of the refund. Best bet it to get form at LV but file at airport.

[gapeach]

Aug 30, 2012 14:19:47 GMT -5 hz80408 said:

Aug 30, 2012 14:08:38 GMT -5 gapeach said:

It really is surprising sometimes. I've bought two LVs in St. Barth and saved quite a bit on both. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying another one when we go back in the Fall...

I was a bit baffled too. Last year my parents went to Paris and prior to the trip I stumbled about an online article about it; I'd been saving for a purse anyways, so I convinced my parents to buy it for me there and saved some $$$.

Now of course I want another when we go to Ireland next month. Unfortunely the bag I really want is still close to $900 AFTER the VAT and conversions; so I'm torn!

I hear you hz! I can only justify so much for a bag so I've limited myself to the less expensive LVs (Speedy, Papillon, Antigua Cabas PM) but I really would like a larger black Epi. If I get one on our trip I'll probably just get a pochette to be frugal Which bags are you looking at?

[hz80408]

Aug 30, 2012 15:27:49 GMT -5 gapeach said:

I hear you hz! I can only justify so much for a bag so I've limited myself to the less expensive LVs (Speedy, Papillon, Antigua Cabas PM) but I really would like a larger black Epi. If I get one on our trip I'll probably just get a pochette to be frugal Which bags are you looking at?

I really want a tote next. I told H it'll be a pre-push gift to myself (we're not planning on kids for several years, but I could use as a diaper bag); originally I wanted Neverfull; but then I discussed the Totally, which has zipper closure and 2 exterior side pouches!

[gapeach]

Aug 30, 2012 16:01:52 GMT -5 hz80408 said:

Aug 30, 2012 15:27:49 GMT -5 gapeach said:

I hear you hz! I can only justify so much for a bag so I've limited myself to the less expensive LVs (Speedy, Papillon, Antigua Cabas PM) but I really would like a larger black Epi. If I get one on our trip I'll probably just get a pochette to be frugal Which bags are you looking at?

I really want a tote next. I told H it'll be a pre-push gift to myself (we're not planning on kids for several years, but I could use as a diaper bag); originally I wanted Neverfull; but then I discussed the Totally, which has zipper closure and 2 exterior side pouches!

I think you have a fantastic plan! I've looked at those two bags as well and think the Totally is much better since it has a zipper. You're right, it would be a fantastic (and stylish!) diaper bag when the time comes

[mariafromnj]

So I started pulling some info on LV bags and i see there is a price difference from one country to the next. France is about 35-40 euro cheaper depending on the bag. I am not flying out from there though. I am going to be getting back on the cruise ship so do you think there is a way to get the VAT back? Is there customs by the cruise ship?

[mariafromnj]

Aug 31, 2012 10:05:43 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Can you call the cruise line and ask?

I've only done the VAT refund process at the airport.

good idea... i will call them later.

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2012 10:10:19 GMT -5 mariafromnj said:

Aug 31, 2012 10:05:43 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Can you call the cruise line and ask?

I've only done the VAT refund process at the airport.

good idea... i will call them later.

Worst case scenario: You can get the cash back on-site. I know that you can definitely do this at Galeries Lafayette. Like hz mentioned though, the conversion rate may be poor.