Andorra is a small mountain principality, which has positively established itself in several directions, and one of them is a pleasant shopping. In recent years, people from neighboring Spain and France have visited the cities of Andorra not only for the weekend, but also about 8 million tourists from all over the world.
What? Where? When?
In Andorra, there is absolutely no import tax, and the value-added tax (VAT) - 4.5% - is the lowest level in the whole of Europe. These are two economic indicators, thanks to which not only EU residents but also Schengen tourists aspire to shopping in Andorra. This is the second country in the world at low prices after Hong Kong.
On average, prices from the level of neighboring states differ from 15-20% and up to 40%, and in sales seasons even more. Therefore, the solid duty-free zone in Andorra is so loved by shopaholics. And the visa-free regime and the european european national currency - help to make purchases with greater ease.
Shopping in Andorra la Vella - it's a whole gamut of emotions that sweeps every shopaholic from the concentration of branded shops and boutiques in one city.
The counters of Andorra are closed only 4 days a year, namely on holidays :
- in the New Year on January 1;
- March 14th in the Constitution Day of the Principality of Andorra;
- September 8, when the country celebrates the day of Our Lady of Meritsholm - this is a national holiday;
- at Christmas, December 25.
All major shopping centers for clients are open daily from 10am to 9pm without any breaks. But stores are less closed for the traditional afternoon siesta from an hour to four hours.
For your convenience, from major European cities to Andorra la Vella, trains run, from cities smaller - tourist buses. But do not expect that all stores are in one place. Certainly, in the capital of Andorra la Vella and the cities of Escaldes and Sant Julia de Lori, they are somewhat larger than everywhere else. But, firstly, there are a lot of boutiques in the principality, about 2000 with all kinds of goods, and secondly, the principality develops its territory evenly, and shops and shopping centers are scattered throughout the small country.
In Andorra, you will not wonder what to bring from the trip . You can buy ski equipment, perfumes and cosmetics, clothes and shoes, jewelry, elite wine, cigars and tobacco, leather products, etc. Pay attention to the abundance of the range of rural products and products of local craftsmen. In terms of quality, they are not much inferior to world famous brands, and at a price they can be cheaper several times.
Clearance
The traditional winter sale begins in late December, just after the Christmas holidays, and lasts about two months. Especially successful in this period you can buy seasonal goods and ski equipment.
Some boutiques also arrange off-season sales in the spring and autumn, but this is due primarily to the change of collections of goods. Immediately after the end of sales, price tags for all products are raised.
Shopaholic for a note
- If shopping is your only goal, plan your activities for the siesta in advance, as cafes and restaurants , as a rule, are also closed.
- In Andorra, you can meet Russian-speaking staff, pay attention to the badge of sellers, they are marked by the flags of the country, in whose language you are ready to communicate.
Do not forget about customs restrictions on export, some positions:
- on table wine 5 liters;
- not more than 150 cigars;
- a maximum of 4 cheese heads;
- coffee is not more than 1000 grams;
- any perfume not more than 75 ml, cologne 375 ml;
- other food products at € 175;
- industrial goods at € 525, etc.
All that you are going to export above the required standards, is subject to mandatory declaration.
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