Close up of woman holding reusable shopping bag ()
Retail therapy can be a great way to spend a day. However, shopping in Germany is a little different than shopping in America. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you have a successful shopping day.
1. Sunday is not the Day to Shop
Most stores in Germany are closed on Sundays. This is considered a day of rest and unless you want to compete with everyone else at the Commissary and Exchange, it’s best to avoid going shopping on this day. Alternatively, gas stations are usually open and carry limited convenience items. You can also look for dairy, honey or even butchery vending machines in your town when you’re missing something delicious for Sunday dinner.
2. Keep Cash on Hand
It is not a given that a store will accept credit cards. This is especially true if you want to spend the day shopping at outdoor markets. Make sure to bring enough euros to cover your projected costs.
3. The Price you See is the Price you Pay
This is one of my favorite things about shopping in Germany. There is no need to do all of that mental math before getting to the register. Tax is already included in the price your see.
4. Eventual Cash Back
If you are making a large purchase on the economy, such as spending the day at IKEA, it might be beneficial to utilize a VAT (value added tax) form. If a store takes a VAT form, you can have the cost of the taxes removed from the final price. Each store has different procedures for processing your purchases to refund the VAT, so be sure to ask when to turn them in.
5. Bring your own Bags and Bottles for Deposit
Stores may not have bags, or, if they do, you will be charged for them. Remember to grab those reusable bags that you already own too many of before you head out for the day. You could clip one of the small packable bags to your jacket or purse. Be sure to grab your returnable bottles as well to get your “pfand” back if the store has a recycling center.
6. Know the Lingo
Textbook German and conversational German are two different languages. I learned the word for bag was “Tasche,” which is true, but not that kind of bag. The clerk did not ask me if I needed a “Tasche;” they asked if I needed a “Tüte” and I was completely lost. Also, personal chitchat isn’t expected or even welcome by most cashiers so its ok to be quiet and simply say “bitte mit card” at the end to ask to pay with a card. A quick “Tschüss” when you leave is also nice.
7. Germany is not 24/7
I have spent many bored late nights perusing the $5 DVD rack at Walmart. That isn’t an option here. While areas may occasionally have a nighttime market, most stores close before 8 p.m.
8. Know where to go
Smaller towns will typically contain smaller boutiques and shops. If you are wanting that “mom-and-pop” experience, this may be the route to go. However, if you are looking for a mall or a large furniture store, you may need to travel to a bigger city.
9. Bring a coin for the shopping cart
If you’ve ever shopped at an Aldi in the States, you may already be familiar with this practice. If not, you will need a euro coin or 50-cent piece to get a cart to shop with. Be sure to retireve your coin when you put the cart back in the stall.
10. Don’t be surprised if the clerk is sitting
This is especially true if you are shopping for groceries. You will be surprised how quickly the cashier will scan your items, and you will have to bag them yourself. Bag quickly or simply place it back into your cart and sort it all later so you do not hold up the line. At some stores, like Globus, you can register for a self-checkout program that allows you to scan your items and pay without having to wait in regular checkout lanes.