Page 328 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

326  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SHOPPING IN AUSTRIA

Beyond the elegant designer stores of the and embroidered items, all must-buys for
capital (see pp116–17) are local markets, those seeking souvenirs from their trip.
ceramic factories and craft fairs selling all Foodies need go no further than the local
manner of Austrian wares. In most villages supermarkets to pick up high-quality treats
and towns, markets set up in the main square, and decent alcoholic beverages, though
offering local produce, antiques, knick-knacks wine connoisseurs will enjoy a trip to one of
and clothes. Craft workshops and factories Austria’s vineyards. Whether you’re after the
are scattered throughout the country, kitsch, the traditional or something to eat or
creating decorated porcelain, crystal glass drink, Austria has something for everyone.

Opening Hours
surrounded by historic build­
Hours are determined by law, ings, allowing you to combine
not convenience. In general, shopping and sightseeing.
shops must restrict opening to The Naschmarkt near
66 hours per week, and most Karls platz in Vienna is the
places don’t open on Sundays biggest street market in Austria,
at all. As a guide, shops usually and besides food and clothes,
open at 8:30 or 9am and close there is also a flea market
at 6pm or later. Supermarkets on Saturdays. The dates and
open from 8am to 7pm, and venues for other flea markets
until 5pm on Saturdays; The or antiques fairs are published
Mercur and Billa supermarkets in the daily papers.
open until 7:30pm on Fridays.
Smaller shops close at lunch­
time for an hour or so. In provin­ VAT Refunds
cial towns opening hours may With the exception of citizens
vary from those in Vienna and of other EU countries, visitors
be more suited to local needs. to Austria are entitled to reclaim
Mehrwert steuer (abbreviated as
MwSt), the equivalent of VAT, on
Markets and Fairs
A colourful souvenir glass bauble their purchases. To claim, each
Markets and fairs are a firm from Vienna purchase must cost more
part of tradition in Austria. The than €75 and you must tell
country hosts many international in the main square of small the vendor that the goods
fairs, where anything from villages. On Friday and Saturday will be exported. Ask for the
household items and construc­ mornings, some streets close appropriate refund form and
tion machinery to modern to traffic and fill with market ensure it is signed by the
jewellery or Austrian folk art, stalls offering produce straight vendor. At customs, present
wines and spirits are exhibited. from the farm, including fruit, this form, along with your
For holiday­makers there are vegetables, flowers, meat receipt and the goods in their
countless charming street products and freshly baked original packaging. It is possible
markets, which are often held goods. The market is often to get an immediate refund at
the airport but, if not, you can
mail the forms from your home
destination. Administrative fees
are levied, which makes the
average reimbursement no
more than 13 percent.

Smart Shopping
Twice a year, the shopping
scene is enlivened by seasonal
price reductions; the Winter­
schlussverkauf (winter sales)
start in the last week of January,
and the Sommerschlussverkauf
(summer sales) at the end
Wine shop at a private vineyard in Mörbisch of July. This is a good time to

326-327_EW_Austria.indd 326 12/09/17 2:46 pm
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Date 7th January 2013
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