Shopping in Portugal

Though most large towns in Portugal have at least one out-of-town shopping centre, in the majority of places people still do much of their purchasing in traditional shops and markets. Old town centres look like they haven’t changed much for thirty years or more, with a butcher, a baker and a candlestick-maker on every corner, not to mention a florist, a grocer and a hardware store.

Continue reading to find out more about...

• Markets
• Minimarkets, supermarkets and malls
• Ceramics
• Carpets, rugs, blankets, tapestries, linen and lace
• Food and drink
• Clothes, shoes and accessories
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• The Chinese shop
• Specialist craft and souvenir shops might be able to arrange shipping home for you; otherwise, go to the local post office, where all kinds of insured, registered and signed-for services are available (for more information, see ctt.pt, which has an English-language version).

Prices are fixed in shops everywhere, though you might be able to negotiate small discounts when buying large souvenirs (or buying in bulk). Open-air markets are a bit more flexible, though don’t try haggling for food, drink, clothes or anything that has obviously got a price attached to it – for everything else you can try asking for the best price, and you may get a discount.

Markets

A town’s mercado municipal (municipal market) is the place to buy meat, fish, fruit, veg and bread. In larger towns they are open daily (not Sunday), usually from 7 or 8am until lunchtime; smaller towns might have a market just once or twice a week. Often, a town’s regular market is supplemented by a larger weekly affair, sometimes at a different site in the open air, where you’ll also be able to buy clothes, shoes, ceramics, baskets, furniture, flowers, toys, tools and a million-and-one other things you never knew you needed. In the case of the great weekly markets at Barcelos (Minho; Thurs), Viana do Castelo (Minho; Fri), Ponte da Barca/Arcos de Valdevez (Minho; Wed), Carcavelos (Lisbon; Thurs), Estremoz (Alentejo; Sat) and Loulé (Algarve; Sat), or the monthly markets at Évora (Alentejo; second Tues) and Santarém (Ribatejo; second/fourth Sun), these constitute a major reason to visit in the first place. The best flea market in the country is Lisbon’s Feira da Ladra (Tues & Sat), just the place to buy a candelabra or a set of dusty postcards.

Minimarkets, supermarkets and malls

In small villages and towns the minimercado (minimarket) is as convenient as convenience-shopping gets, which isn’t very if you want a store bigger than someone’s front room. Supermercados tend to lie on the outskirts of towns – Intermarché, Pingo Doce, Jumbo, Continente and Mini-Preço are the main supermarket names, selling pretty much everything you would expect (though choices can be more limited in out-of-the-way locations), while the pile-’em-high Lidl is increasingly prevalent. In Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve, the mall is king. Geared up for whole days out, these giant shopping centres have hundreds of stores, plus cafés, fast-food restaurants, cinemas and kids’ entertainment.

Ceramics

Highest-profile souvenirs are probably ceramics of all kinds, from traditional azulejo tiles to elaborate figurines, cookware to sculpture. The virtual symbol of Portuguese tourism, the ceramic Barcelos cockerel, perches on every tat-shop shelf. You can buy rustic, brown kitchen earthenware in every market and supermarket for just a few euros, but interesting regional variations include Barcelos’ own brown-and-yellow pottery ware, black earthenware (from Tondela) and the almost Aztec-style patterns typical of Santa Comba Dão in the Viseu region. Porches is the centre for the Algarve’s pottery and ceramics, while Caldas da Rainha in the historic region of Estremadura is probably the best-known ceramics town – caricatured rustic figurines and floral- and animal-inspired plates and bowls have been produced here since the nineteenth century. Estremoz in the Alentejo has an even older heritage, and is also known for its elaborate figurines and its flower- and leaf-festooned pottery.

Carpets, rugs, blankets, tapestries, linen and lace

Hand-stitched Arraiolos carpets (from the town of the same name in Alentejo) have a worldwide reputation, and they cost a fortune, but there’s nothing to stop you looking. Tapestries from Portalegre (Alentejo) have been known since the seventeenth century, and the colchas or embroidered bedspreads of Castelo Branco (Beira Baixa) for just as long – again, the high prices and lengthy ordering times mean these are unlikely spur-of-the-moment purchases for most visitors. Hand-woven woollen rugs and blankets are a more realistic buy, with particularly fine examples from Reguengos de Monsaraz (Alentejo) – you can hang them on a wall. Rustic woolly blankets (and fleece-lined slippers) are also a feature of the mountain villages of the Serra da Estrela – Sabugeiro has hundreds of them displayed in its souvenir shop windows. For embroidered linen and lace it’s Vila do Conde (north of Porto) that is the best-known centre, though many other fishing towns – such as Peniche and Nazaré (north of Lisbon) – also have a strong bobbin-lace tradition. The biggest and best pieces command high prices, but there’s plenty of reasonably priced work available too.

Food and drink

Port wine is the most popular buy, with cheap run-of-the-mill stuff available in supermarkets or gathering dust above the salt cod in old-fashioned grocery stores. For specific names and vintages you'll need to have done your homework since a recent vintage (not yet ready to drink) starts at around €30, with the serious stuff commanding prices of €100 and upwards. Visiting a lodge in Porto or along the Douro is by far the best way to immerse yourself in the subject. Don’t miss a drink in the solares in Porto or Lisbon either, where you can sample individual glasses from hundreds of different varieties.

Virtually every region in Portugal produces table wine, often remarkably good. Regional wine routes (past vineyards and estates open to the public) are well signposted, particularly in the Douro, Alentejo, Ribatejo and Dão valley.

Taking food home is more problematic, depending on your country’s importation laws, but no one is going to object to a bottle of olive oil – the best are now sold like wines, from single estates, particularly in the Douro, where production is an adjunct to the wine business. Other suggestions include a jar of mountain honey from the Serra da Estrela, or packs of mountain herbs and teas, particularly from the Serra do Gerês. Portuguese cheeses and hams are excellent, though to take them home you may have to get them vacuum-packed (you can buy them like that at Lisbon airport).

Clothes, shoes and accessories

Portugal’s textiles industry has traditionally been one of the most important in Europe, and though this has suffered badly from cheap rivals from the Far East, you can still pick up brand-name seconds from many of Portugal’s weekly markets. For quality designer clothes, however, you have to head to the upmarket malls or larger city centres, particularly Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade (for international names) or the Bairro Alto (for local cutting-edge styles). Fátima Lopes, Maria Azevedo and Ana Salazar are established names, while Alexandra Moura, the duo Alves/Gonçalves and Nuno Gama are also worth looking out for. Some of the larger shopping centres also have designer boutiques; indeed the giant Freeport mall at Alcochete is Europe’s largest designer discount outlet. Leather goods have a fair reputation in Portugal, particularly bags and shoes (and belts and briefcases) – most big towns and shopping centres will have a decent selection, though a common complaint is that Portuguese shoe shops don’t always stock the larger or wider sizes you might require. Gold and silver filigree work is notable – there are some fine shops in Lisbon and Porto – and you’ll be able to pick up cheap, hippy-style jewellery at beaches along the Algarve, especially Albufeira.

The Chinese shop

There’s scarcely a town in Portugal that doesn’t have a Loja Chinês, a Chinese-run emporium selling everything under the sun. In many ways, they fulfil the same function as a “pound” or “dollar” shop, selling basic household items really cheaply – if you need two-dozen toilet rolls, a set of tupperware, fifty wine glasses or a washing-up bowl, this is where you come. But they are also good for dirt-cheap toys and electronics – all made in the Far East, guaranteed to break after a couple of hours – and for all those things you never knew you needed, like a Portuguese flag, a Star Wars light sabre or an alarm clock shaped like a man on a toilet.

Shopping in Italy – 7 Tips for 2020

Everyone knows that shopping in Italy is one of the best experiences you can do.

The beauty of Venice is a marvel to behold. Rome is a place for exquisite, high-end shopping. Tuscany has its gustatory delights.

There are many beautiful places to shop in Italy. With so many places to go and merchandise to buy, you’ll find it hard to pick from all the awesome choices.

In this guide, we’ll give you 7 tips for shopping in Italy. These will help you to have the best shopping experience possible. Italy is beautiful, but you need to make sure you’re getting the best.

With so many things to buy in this European gem, these shopping tips are what you need:

Finding Better Things To Buy In Italy

The first thing you need to understand when shopping in Italy is to act like a local. There are areas that are surefire tourist traps, and the last thing you want is to go there. There’s no shortage of exquisite products from this Mediterranean fashion stop, so you need to go off the beaten path.

If you want to fit in, make sure to shop in smaller stores. One of the staples of many shopping tips is to make sure you see the price tags. Price tags should be visible by law to prevent anyone from taking advantage of tourist buyers.

If you can’t find a price tag on the product, inform the store owner or tell the police about it. Many big shopping centers will have higher prices, so you may want to visit independent stores and flea markets.

Find Regional Specialty Products in Italy

When looking for things to buy in Italy, you want to make sure you’re in the right region. Every general region has specific products they specialize in. The best shopping experience is when you know where you can buy the best.

For example, the Rome Shopping District has the best clothing and leather goods. The Amalfi Coast area in Salerno has artisan limoncello and ceramics as its best shopping options. Milan, of course, has high-end clothes as its representatives for the best things to buy in the country.

Check around on which region you can get the best products while shopping in Italy. While most of the products are high-quality, some regions have them in higher value or lower cost.

Understand the IVA Tax

If you’re going to Italy, one of the simplest shopping tips you can follow is taxes. The IVA or the Italian analog of the value-added tax is a way for the government to tax every sale. It goes at a rate of 22%, expected in the price tag already.

It’s crucial to always ask for a receipt from sellers, to make sure you have the IVA paid without issue. Keep it as you leave the store. This prevents anyone to charge you an extra 22% on top of the things to buy in Italy.

Even then, tourists can refund the IVA that they pay in Italy. There are tax refund kiosks in many major transport hubs around Italy. You can find them in train stations, airports, and many crucial stops when shopping in Italy.

If you want the best shopping experience, make sure you understand how the IVA works. Whether you’re on break in Rome or buying presents, knowing what to do helps.

Dress The Part When Shopping

If you’ll go around fashion-conscious Italy, dress the part. Be fashionable, but work on comfort and practicality as well.

When shopping in Italy, you would want to protect yourself from the cold, the sun, and the endless walking. When looking for things to buy in Italy, find the most comfortable set of clothes you can find. Comfy shoes go a long way in this country with many small walkways.

Since the best shopping options are in smaller corner shops, a casual wardrobe is great. Have a scarf ready to protect yourself on winds and cold during winter. Shades are the best during the sunny days of Sicilian summer.

Cash or Credit Card Is Not A Problem

There is no distinction if you are buying by cash or by credit card. Of course, flea markets, small stalls, and corner shops may prefer cash. This is especially true during bargaining situations when shopping in Italy.

Even then, there is not much distinction. If you buy using your card in Italy, you’ll find that you need to sign every transaction. This is a security feature for cardholders if you check for things to buy in Italy.

You need to remember that credit card receipts are not proofs of sale. Always ask for the actual receipt for the best shopping time.

Tipping in Italy

One of the Italy shopping tips you need to remember is tipping. Italy does not have the same tipping culture as the United States. This means you don’t have to tip.

Even then, some small concessions are present. For one, a 10% service charge is typical in many service stores. If you’re eating out, a bread and cover charge is standard even if you didn’t ask for bread.

If you have some small change, it’s good manners to leave them. People tend to do so, even when buying coffee while looking for things to buy in Italy. For the best shopping, check your receipt if there are a service charge and tip where needed.

Shopping Malls in Italy

If you’re looking for shopping malls, you would need to drive out of town. Due to the history of Italy, many of the modern outlets and malls are outside major areas, between 2 to 3 hours out.

Shopping in Italy means street shopping culture. If you want the best shopping, refer to street shops instead. For those who have to go to malls and outlets, getting a cab is your best choice.

8 Easy Ways to Save Money on Household Items

Detergents, deodorants, toothpaste, and toiletries – the various items needed in a household can easily cost hundreds of dollars every month. Humans are creatures of habit, so we tend to shop at the same stores week after week, buying the same goods each time without thinking. As a consequence, most Americans spend 15% to 20% more than necessary, wasting a massive amount of hard-earned dollars.

Retail is big business, and stores are set up to manipulate your senses and entice you to make high-priced impulse purchases. Unless you’re prepared, it’s hard to avoid over-spending. Most stores are designed to appeal to your emotional brain – that part of your mind that gets the pleasurable bursts of dopamine – with their aisle layout and displays, use of colors and sounds, pricing strategies, and the position of the products on the shelf.

To beat the retail geniuses, you need to be focused, aware of the situation, and determined to get the best value for your money.

Prioritize Cost & Convenience Over Customer Care

To get the lowest prices, the majority of your purchases should be in the stores that focus on price, rather than customer service. Good customer service requires retailers to employ more people who have received customer service training; in other words, stores with above-average customer service have more costs, which will be reflected in the price of their goods. Walmart, renowned for its low prices, is not noted for quality customer service, and the people who shop there don’t expect it.

Convenience is another factor that should be considered. It makes no sense to spend $4 more on gas, for example, to save a dollar or two on a single purchase. Studies have shown that every minute in excess of one-half hour adds an extra $5 to the total bill. Why? The more time you spend in the store, the greater you are likely to make impulse purchases. Grocery stores often have long lines at the checkout where buyers have plenty of time to scan the highest profit margin goods available in the store.

Simple Ways to Save Money at the Store

1. Know What You Need

Saving money begins before you go to the store. Research has shown that people who shop with a list buy less than shoppers without one. To save real money, however, you need to take more steps than preparing a list:

• Identify Your Staples. What kinds of products do you consume regularly? Scan your past grocery receipts for a month, along with any other receipts from stores you frequent often. In business terms, this is analogous to understanding your demand.
• Analyze Your Product Suppliers. While some products may be so unique that we will accept them from a single source, most goods of a specific type are fungible, or easily substituted. I prefer Diet Coke, for example, but I also like Diet Pepsi. If Coca-Cola isn’t available or if the price is too high, I’ll purchase Diet Pepsi. Identifying comparable brands allows you substitute products when it makes financial sense.
• Know Your Usage. How much do you use over specific periods of time? For example, a roll of paper towels might last a week, while a bottle of aspirin lasts two months. Knowing your usage pattern enables you to know how much to buy, or to time your purchases to take advantage of sales without having to add an extra room in the house to store them.

2. Tour the “Big Four”

Four popular retailers compete nationally for your household expenditures: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and CVS. There may be a regional or local store where you live that also advertises low prices and gets a portion of your shopping dollar.

Each of the “Big Four” advertises heavily in the local newspapers with coupons and sales; each maintains a website that lists the products they sell and their current prices. Also, each of these retailers has an online storefront as well, with prices that often differ from those in the physical store. Just be sure when you order from the online operation that you take into account any shipping charges.

CVS and Walgreens typically have higher prices than either Walmart or Target, but their weekly price promotions frequently are the lowest in the area in an attempt to get you in the store. In addition, the two pharmacy chains generally have shorter checkout lines, if any, than the bigger retailers. Sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it too.

3. Join Frequent Shopper Clubs

Many retailers offer membership clubs to their customers in order to better understand their buying habits and better enhance the store’s marketing programs. At the same time, members often get exclusive discounts and better terms that are not available to the general public.

Additionally, organizations like the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Association of Retired People (AARP) often also provide discounts for shopping at certain stores on top of store and manufacturer coupons and sales. Check with each organization for discounts in your area.

4. Use Coupons

Much has been written about the use of coupons and their effects upon the retail industry. Advocates chronicle savings of 80% or more on everything from cosmetics to pet food. Extreme couponing has become a “mini-industry” in the United States, the subject of TV series and national columnists. If extreme couponing appeals to you, go for it.

However, you don’t have to be a fanatic to save money. Instead, employ a few simple tactics:

• Use the Internet. Electronic coupon sites are easily available on the Internet. In fact, a recent search listed more 773 million references, and sites like Coupons.com and Coupon Network are just a click away. It’s easy to find a coupon for the product you’re seeking, print it (or save it to your mobile phone), and take it to your favorite store. Some people no longer go to the physical stores themselves, preferring to shop exclusively online to reap the savings. If that is your preference, however, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages of online shopping: There may be no returns accepted, delivery can be delayed, and you may incur shipping costs.
• Double Up Coupon Discounts. Stacking coupons – the practice of using a manufacturer and a store coupon together – is the extreme couponer’s favorite tactic, but it’s easy for a casual shopper to employ also. This practice accounts for the claimed savings of 80% or more by some shoppers.
• Use Mail-In Rebates. Saving money while shopping is not limited to the store’s four walls. Manufacturers frequently offer hefty rebates that require nothing more than an envelope, a postage stamp, and a willingness to wait a few days for the manufacturer’s check. Companies offer significant rebates because they know most people won’t take the time to fill out and mail the rebate forms.
• Ask for Rain Checks and Substitutes. The discounts on some products may be so deep that the retailer runs out of stock. When that happens, ask for a comparable substitute product and, if not available, request a rain check. The retailer is legally bound to comply with the offer unless it’s limited to supplies on hand or a certain date.
• Extend the Due Dates. Retailers spend a lot of time and resources to attract you into the store. If you’ve just missed a sale date, explain to the store manager that you’re a regular customer and you would like the discount. Store managers generally have the discretion to reduce prices in order to satisfy customers, so you have nothing to lose by asking.

5. Buy Private Labels and Generics

Large retailers often go to the manufacturers of the products they sell and negotiate an arrangement whereby the manufacturer provides the same product, but under a different name to the retailer. These store or private brands are identical to the advertised brand, but available at much lower prices.

Aspirin was first sold by the German company Bayer in 1897. According to the National Library of Medicine, there are more than 35 brand names by which aspirin is old, not including the various private brands. The product is the same; the only difference exists in the consumer’s mind and the price. Buy store brands when they are available.

6. Purchase in Bulk

Generally, the more you buy of a product, the lower its per-unit price. Store offers, such as “two for one,” “buy one, get one free,” and “buy one, get 50% off,” are found in shelves throughout a store.

The danger of taking advantage of the offer is that you buy more product than you need or could use before the product expires. Share purchases with other family members or neighbors who use the same products in order to save money and share the effort to shop. And always take a calculator with you on your shopping trips in order to make per unit price comparisons.

7. Know How Much to Spend

Few people would pay $10 for a gallon of milk, nor would they pay 50 cents for it. Many would think the latter price is too low, perhaps indicating that the milk is out-of-date, while the higher price seems like price gouging.

You already have a subconscious sense of price fairness for the products you buy as the result of purchasing them repeatedly in the past. Refine that sense by paying attention to store circulars and sales and using coupons so that you know a real deal when you see it.

8. Make an Ally

Store employees are the most familiar with existing and upcoming store sales and product discounts. Introduce yourself to the store clerks and managers where you shop so that you’re more than just a face. Make a friend so that your shopping trips are more enjoyable – the store employees will go out of their way to be sure you get the best prices and service.

5 Tips to Save Money on Home Electronic Appliances Shopping

Buying appliances become quite confusing at times. There are so many things you want to know and many features that go ignored. Everyone wants to make the best deal when they make a home electronic appliances shopping plan. We are here with a list of top tips that will help you for sure to save an adequate amount of money on home electronic appliances shopping.

1. Negotiation 

Many a time you don’t know that there is some offer on the appliance you are buying. You might have faces situation like you bought something on some price and you find that your neighbour also bought the same thing at a better price than you. Isn’t it? To save money on the appliances try and negotiate with the shopkeeper. In case you are buying the appliance from the mall and the store manager is unable to give a discount, he will certainly give you an extra service like delivery and instalment of the item etc. Hence, it’s always good to negotiate and ask for offers. It saves a lot of money.

2. Assess your requirement

Before giving a thought to buy any appliance make sure you need it and don’t buy it just because you want it. There are several kinds of alluring home appliances in the market that have zero performance benefits. Study about the model of the appliances and ensure its work and performance is helpful for you. Buy only when you are satisfied with the assistance of the appliance. If you have any doubt regarding the appliance do not buy. This will save you from buying an irrelevant appliance for your home.

3. Buy pre-owned things

Buying pre-owned things in good condition is the best way to save some extra money when you are doing home electronic appliance shopping. Make sure you reach the make while purchasing the pre-owned thing so that you don’t end up buying a lemon. This is the least you should be concerned about. Who knows when you can get a good deal? If you are buying any home appliances like inverter, fans, etc. make sure the warranty is still there on the products. Warranty solar products or other home appliances are always the best deal you can have.

4. Be patient till the sale arrives

The holiday sales and the seasonal sale in the stores offer really good offers. You may get the home appliances such as UPS for home, inverter, fans etc. on a double price when shopping on a normal day. On the other hand, you get a good deal and sometimes if you are lucky enough you may get stock clearance sale of up to 50%. So better be patient and wait for the sale.

5. Sell or exchange

Selling old home appliances or exchanging them with a new one is always a good choice. These exchange offers to give you really a good deal on home electronic appliance shopping. You can exchange your warranty solar products, the inverter of UPS for home when they get old and get a new and good deal to save your money on home electronic shopping appliances.

Use these 11 tips when you shop on the economy in Germany

My pulse raced and my palms began to sweat as I made my way to the entrance of the tiny village market for the first time. I took a deep breath, eyeing the other patrons as they chose their carts and disappeared one after the other behind the automatic sliding glass doors. It all looked so familiar and yet. . .  so completely intimidating.

“You can do this,” I giggled nervously, giving myself a last-minute pep talk.

Grocery shopping can be overwhelming enough in a store you know like the back of your hand. Add a new language, unfamiliar labels, and foreign food products to the mix, and the task becomes even more daunting. Feeling anxious about shopping on the economy in Germany? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the unique experience.

1. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags)

There is nothing quite like the walk of shame that follows paying for a cartful of groceries at the check out counter. . .  only to realize you left the mountainous pile of reusable sacks you’ve been collecting at home. Remember to bring your own shopping bags to save yourself the embarrassment of having to toss items back into the cart a handful at a time — while the line of waiting shoppers shoots a collective death-glare your way.

2. Keep a stash of coins handy

If your list is long enough to require a shopping cart, make sure you have a 50-cent piece or 1-euro coin on standby (quarters seem to work just fine, too). Buggies are chained together in the designated return area to encourage patron responsibility. Insert a coin into the slot to release the lock; you’ll get your deposit back when you return the cart to its rightful place.

3. Withdraw cash

The rumor is true: Many stores in Germany (especially smaller establishments) do not accept credit or debit cards. If you’re not sure whether or not a certain place takes plastic, stop by an ATM on your way there. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Avoid purchasing items in bulk

Many perishable German food products are not processed the same way they are in the US, and most items contain fewer (if any) preservatives. In turn, packages are usually smaller due to goods having a shorter shelf life. Do as the locals do–purchase only the items you’ll need for the next few meals to keep from wasting your money on items that will likely spoil by the end of the week.

5. If you can’t find an item in the refrigerated section, look on the shelf

I’m not kidding when I tell you it took me six months to realize German grocery stores do in fact carry coffee creamer, just not where I’m used to looking for it: In the refrigerated section. Instead, it’s stocked on the shelf, right next to the eggs, milk, whipped cream, and margarine.

6. Save your plastic bottles and beverage crates

It pays to recycle your drink containers in Europe. Return them in bulk to the automated recycling or reverse vending machine (it looks a little bit like an ATM), and you’ll receive a small deposit back.

7. Do your weekend shopping on Saturday

A vast majority of German grocery stores–even hypermarkets like Globus and Real that rival American counterparts–are closed for business on Sundays. Get into the habit of restocking your pantry for the week on Saturday–or you’ll have to wait until Monday morning.

8. Weigh your produce

When shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, observe the other patrons to see whether or not you need to print stickers indicating the weight of your items to present to the cashier. I’ve made the mistake of assuming there was a scale at the register more than a couple of times, and I have had to face the option of going back to weigh my produce. . . or leaving these goods behind.

9. Give yourself time to adapt

It’s unrealistic to expect to become a pro at navigating the local grocery store overnight. Give yourself plenty of time to get to know and adapt to your surroundings. Avoid shopping at the last minute so you have time to explore, translate food labels, and compare items. Keep your list short and sweet until you feel comfortable in local stores (it won’t take long, I promise).

10. Try something new

Shopping on the economy is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in German culture and experience the flavors of regional cuisine in your own kitchen. Challenge yourself to choose a new product to try each time your shop on the economy. A few of our family favorites include fresh Spätzle (a German noodle that can be found in the refrigerated section), Rotkohl (red cabbage), and potato croquettes.

11. Lean on your sense of humor

If–or, more realistically, when–you find yourself in one of the many embarrassing situations that commonly befall military families at German grocery stores, you have two options: You can either let it bring you down and discourage you from taking advantage of the opportunity to experience Europe like or local, or you can laugh it off, learn from it, and move on. I prefer the latter.

Now that we’ve been in Germany for a little over two years, it’s been a while since a wave of anxiety has stopped me it my tracks at the local grocery store, but I can remember the first trip like it was just yesterday.

Bonus tip? Next time you push yourself to step out of your comfort zone at the local market, treat yourself to a Kinder Egg or a bag of sour gummy bears (my favorite) to celebrate a successful overseas grocery shopping excursion. You’ve earned it.

Grocery Shopping in Germany

Groceries (Lebensmittel)

Many Americans dream of life in Europe with an image of shopping for cheese at the local market, conversing with the farmer that milked the cow and taking home a chunk of smelly deliciousness. I know I did.

But grocery shopping in Germany is usually a very modern affair. Granted, there are German farmers’ markets, usually on the weekends or sometimes throughout the week. You should go and indulge in fresh produce, but know that most people do most of their shopping in large chain grocery stores that look similar to chains in the UK, the USA, etc.

Here is a rundown of some of the typical grocery stores in Germany, and what you can expect from each of them.

Discounters (Lidl, Netto, Aldi): Don’t sniff at discount grocery stores; most people shop here. You can complete your shopping list with items at their lowest price. Fruits and veggies don’t always look their best, the aisles are crowded, presentation is nil and customer service can fall to a new low, but the first time you make it through a Lidl visit without getting impossibly frustrated you have taken a positive step towards integration. Watch for special promotions like “America Week” where Americanesque items (from a brand bizarrely named “McEnnedy’s”) are sold.

Major Grocery Stores (Real, Rewe, Edeka, Kaufland): These grocery chains most resemble something you’d find in the States or the UK. They are usually large and have (almost) everything you want. Some chains, like Real (ray-all), sell everything from groceries to bicycles to underpants. While the selection is much greater than at the discounters, it is still more limited than American grocery stores. Look for small sections of international foods like the “America” shelf at Real. Not everything will be authentic or inexpensive, but it can satisfy a need.

Bio/Natural/Organic: Bio (BEE-oh) refers to organic goods in Germany, and Bio markets can be found in every town. There are usually some bio goods in major markets.

Turkish, Asian and African Markets: Turkish markets are plentiful around my home in Berlin-Wedding, and they are my go-to for beef, tortilla-like breads, and unusual cheeses and pickled items. Asian markets offer the Asian staples missing from the other grocery stores plus surprising finds like cilantro, peanut butter, and root beer. African shops are harder to find, but provide a different array of options.

Online & Specialty: Even though you can find most things in Germany, you can’t find everything. While you should try to adapt to your hot dogs becoming Bratwurst, most people have that one item they just can’t live without. Specialty retailers such as Berlin’s enormous KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) department store sell many of the goods you may be missing – for a high premium. KaDeWe’s sixth-floor gourmet section is a wonder to behold, but the prices may limit how often you indulge in this guilty pleasure. Most German department stores have a grocery store (usually in the basement, unlike KaDeWe) and a “gourmet food” section.

Every American expat bemoans the lack of Mexican food in their German city (although that is changing), but I have found my way around that by cooking my own versions with items carefully pulled from a variety of ethnic and specialty shops. I shared my top finds on Where to Buy Mexican Food in Berlin.

You should also look online where a bite of home can be shipped directly to your door. Try out the British Corner Shop, Food from Home, AmericanFood4U or find more options on ToyTown and Expat Mom.

Personally, I do my shopping at all of these stores. There is a Bolu (Turkish Market), Lidl and Rewe in a line by my house and on some shopping days I’ll go to all three. And I never miss a chance to buy some local goods at the Turkish Market on Tuesdays and Fridays on Maybachufer.

Pfand
Despite Berlin’s messy streets, you might notice an absence of bottles. Leave an empty glass beer bottle by the public trash and come back 10 minutes later to find it gone. This is because of the very effective Pfand (deposit) program. Most glass and plastic bottles come with a small (between .08-.25 euro cent) deposit which can be retrieved when you return the bottle.

At home, this means you might collect a bit of a Flaschenwald (bottle forest). When the pile has become unbearable, bag up the bottles and take them back to the store. There you will find a machine that accepts the bottles and offers a receipt of the money you are owed. Take that to the register and voila! You’ve got the Pfand back.

As I briefly mentioned before, this also helps keep the streets clean. In cities like Berlin, bottles are swiftly picked up for a little extra cash – or a lot as you see teetering towers of bottles erupting from grocery carts outside of football games and festivals.

Shopping Carts
It can be hard to admit when the Germans are right, but they are simply right when it comes to how to do shopping carts. Gone are the days of carts scattered about the parking lot! Carts have all found their place in Germany because of a simple coin deposit system. To take out a cart, simply deposit a 50 cent or 1 euro coin into the handle and it is released from its shackles for you to take around the store. When you’ve finished, park it in the line of other carts and re-insert the metal plug to retrieve your coin.

One of the best gifts I’ve gotten here has been a key chain with the perfect sized token for the shopping cart. No more searching for a coin!

Checking Out
Another mighty obstacle you will inevitably face in the grocery store is checking out. Unlike the USA where you hardly lift a finger as the cashier and bagger do all the heavy lifting (literally), you will be the one sweating it through check out.

TIP: Bring your own cloth/canvas bags! You’ll have to buy bags if you don’t.

After you load the conveyor belt with the German next in line standing far too close to you, you need to be on guard for the moment it is your turn. As soon as the transaction before you if finished you should be ready to jump into action, loading the items from the tiny end of the belt to the bags you brought. (Didn’t bring bags? Don’t forget to buy a few which range from a few pennies to a euro – depending on the bag’s durability – at the beginning of the check-out line.) If you move too slowly, be prepared to have the next person’s items rained down upon you, or at the very least be the receiver of some nasty looks.

Fellow Customers & Customer Service 
As discussed on the Germany Way Expat Blog (again and again), customer service in Germany can be a bit gruffer than in the USA. Be prepared.

Workers will expect you to move as they stock the shelves, greetings and niceties are rare and I was particularly shell-shocked the day a woman grabbed the last hunk of Gouda straight from my out-stretched hands. Yes, a fellow customer. The perceived rudeness is not restricted to the employees.

After the infamous cheese-grabbing incident, mere weeks after I had moved to Berlin, I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for this country. If a simple grocery shop left me near tears, how could I handle living here?

Obviously, I got over it. I learned to ignore people standing “too close”, moved out of the way of the giant trolleys and developed faster reactions to grab the cheese first. While the standards may be different from what you’re used to, it is vital not to take it personally and adjust. And there are significant positives to grocery shopping in Germany like the low-cost of food items and true seasonality.

For a humorous take (with many brilliant insights), refer to “Berlin Supermarkets: A User’s Guide” from A More Quiet Place.

Shopping Hours
As Hyde noted in our complete guide to Shopping Hours in Germany, “For almost 50 years, shopping hours in Germany were the most restrictive in Europe.” Restrictions have eased since 2006, but new expats may still chafe at stores closing on Sunday and shuttered at 20:00. In general, expect grocery stores in Germany to be open from 7:00 to 20:00. Smaller towns may have much shorter hours. Some larger stores like Rewe may stay open until midnight.

Watch for a Verkaufsoffener Sonntag (shopping Sunday) when larger stores and malls have special opening hours. And if you find yourself in a pinch on a regular Sunday, cities usually have a few open grocery stores. For example, the shopping center at Berlin’s Einkaufsbahnhof, and a handful of other stores (usually located at train stations) are open for limited hours on Sundays. Berlin also has numerous “Spätis” – a type of convenience store that stays open when regular shops are closed.

Can You Get Western Food In Thailand?

When I first visited Thailand years ago, I was hoping to do some of my own cooking at the villa I rented. At the age of 16, I started cooking on the line at a large restaurant, so it is just something I do. So my search for some groceries began in Pattaya.

Yes you can get western food in Thailand. But it also depends on what you mean by “western”. Here’s what I mean.

What is “western” Food?

Well……?American, English, Australian, etc.,etc.,etc.,. Not all western food is the same from one country to the next. And, do you mean, “groceries, fast food, sit down restaurants? All this can be different in each country also. I think we should try and break this down a bit.

Fast food in Thailand.

The last thing I expected to see when I arrived in Thailand, was the amount of American fast food companies there. I don’t eat fast food and haven’t for around 17 years so this was kind of a bummer for me to see. I thought I was “getting away” so to speak.

Well I was wrong about that. I found McDonald’s, KFC’s, Pizza Hut’s, Burger King’s, Dunkin Donuts. I even found a Carl’s Jr. in a mall in Bangkok. There are more that I can’t remember. Oh, I saw a Dairy Queen. Now, some of these places have Thai food on their menus also. But still, I thought “really”?

In my experience, (in the large malls) most of the people I saw in these restaurants seemed to be mostly kids and older teens. The malls are largely filled with western store brands so these fast food chains fit right in. But go out into the cities and towns and they are out of place for the most part.

Culturally, I think they mess with the simple elegance of Thailand. Not to mention the food being completely out of place and unhealthy compared to most Thai food. Anyway, so yes Thailand does have American style western fast food. 

Western sit down restaurants. 

The only American Chain sit down restaurants I saw was Sizzler. There could be more but I never saw any. On the other hand there are many local Thai restaurants that serve western food. Usually to accommodate tourists. The same problem applies here as well. What part of the western world does the food represent.

From looking around at all the menus in front of restaurants, (most menus have many pictures) the American breakfast was the most prevalent. The problem for me was they were not really American. Yes they have eggs any-way, sausage, toast with jam, but the product was not from America. It all looked European.

I went to one Irish style restaurant and the menu said “American breakfast” but it was clearly not American sausage and bread. I’m not really sure why they don’t just call it English breakfast. And besides, all the patrons there had a European accent.

As far as I can tell, most of the western food products come from Europe or Australia. Burgers for an example. Usually the menu will say Australian beef. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining here. I’m just pointing out that I didn’t see any menu item say “American this or American that”.

So don’t get your hopes up that you will get Aidels brand Chicken apple sausage on the breakfast plate. Or a Hebrew National all beef frank when you find hot dogs on a menu. It just isn’t going to happen. At least not yet anyway.

Western food is considered a luxury to the Thai government so there is a higher tax on the food that is brought in from some countries. This, along with shipping, makes “western” food more expensive than Thai food. You will spend more money on these dishes, and they might not live up to your expectations depending on where you are from.

There is no shortage of privately owned restaurants serving western food. You can find Italian, German, Irish Pubs and more in most large cities. Another popular restaurant, although not western, is Indian cuisine. The best samosas I ever had was in an Indian restaurant in Pattaya.

In most touristy areas and big cities you will be able to find an eatery with a western menu. Even some catering entirely to western style food. The majority of hotels will have some western meals like sandwiches, burgers and “american” breakfasts.

Another thing about the smaller mom and pop Thai restaurants, serving American breakfast. Don’t always count on them being open as early as you want them to be. Thai people, for the most part, are not on the western time schedule. But hey, you’re on vacation right? Get up a little later.

Finding western groceries.

This is mostly the same problem as restaurants. There are several grocery store chains in Thailand that sell “western” food. But most of it is European and Australian. But, there are American products in some of these stores. I have seen quite a lot of American products in a couple in particular. Friendship Market and Foodland. 

• Foodland in Pattaya. Foodland is a big chain and can be found in Bangkok 16 locations, Pattaya 2 locations and 1 store in Korat.
• Friendship Market has 1 location on South Pattaya Road, Pattaya. This is one of my favorites.
• Tops market has a good selection of western food and is located in almost every city in Thailand. I am not sure if they sell western food in the smaller non touristy areas, but it’s worth a look.
• Villa Market has around 20 locations in Bangkok and has a wide range of western products.
• Gourmet Market has 4 locations in Bangkok. It is what the name says. Gourmet. More expensive than most but more selection and better quality. They also have an organic section which is right up my alley.
• Chiang Mai has a grocery called Kasem Store that is stocked with imported products. Vegetarian and vegan food. Baked goods that are made in-house.
• There are also the Walmart types that have the least selection of western food on the shelves. Big C and Tesco Lotus. These are located all over Thailand.

All these stores will have something for you. I myself eat mostly Thai food when I am in Thailand. The problem for me is most of what these stores have is not what or how I eat. In the US, I eat all natural and Organic food without exception. 

I have found some organic and natural food, but very little. Maybe as time goes by, more and more demand will bring that food to the grocery stores of Thailand. How about a Thailand version of Trader Joe’s? Hmmmm!!?? 

Coffee?

Coffee has been seeing an uptick in Thailand for some time now. Thailand is also a major coffee-producing country. In the 80’s, Thailand’s Government, along with the Royal Family, decided to rid the Golden Triangle region of it’s notorious drug trade. They provided the opium farmers a replacement crop. Coffee was a perfect solution to that problem.

Although Thailand has Starbucks, Thailand has thousand of privately owned cafes and coffee houses along with its larger chains. Black Canyon and Coffee World.

• Starbucks Is the biggest and trendiest. The last I checked, they don’t have free WiFi. It is around 100 baht an hour. The prices are about double what you would pay at a mom and pop.
• Black Canyon Coffee offers more food choices so it’s more like a restaurant. They don’t have free WiFi either, but it is about half the price of Starbucks. There coffee prices are lower than most chains.
• Coffee World has free WiFi. The prices are about the same as Starbucks, depending on what you get.

I say if you like trendy, go with the chains. If you like free WiFi with cheaper and more personal service, stick with the mom and pop’s. The coffee will probably be good no matter where you go. After all they produce their own coffee beans in Thailand.

My conclusion?

Well, lets see. Eat Thai food! Yes! I said it. If you like to cook and your accommodations has a kitchen, take a Thai cooking lesson and then try it on your own.

If you want to cook western food from scratch while you are in Thailand, you will need to do some adjusting to get it right. Thailand just doesn’t have all the ingredients you will need for everything you might want to create as far as western food go’s. You will have to adjust and tweak here and there to get it right.

Every time I am in Thailand I try to eat less and less American food. I also eat more and more Thai and Indian food in the US. It just has more flavor than most American food. I feel less bloated and lazy after eating Thai food.

But like all Americans, I get those cravings for certain foods from home. In time, more and more Americans will travel or retire in Thailand and demand will rise to the occasion.