Page 304 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

302  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SHOPPING IN SWEDEN

Sweden is worth visiting for the shopping goods are cheaper in Sweden than in
alone. In all Swedish towns, and even in the many other countries. Those looking for a
big cities, the shops are within easy walking typical Swedish souvenir could buy a Dala
distance of each other. The city centres offer horse or a proper Swedish snaps glass from
a good range of small, trendy boutiques for one of the factories in the Kingdom
fashion and interiors, shops for antiques and of Crystal. Although Lapland is a long way
curios, luxury international designer outlets north, Sami handicrafts can be bought in
and well-stocked department stores. most craft shops, including knives with
Cameras, mobile phones, furs, children’s carved bone handles and silverwork.
clothing, toys and Swedish glass and designer Leather and fur goods are also good value.
Opening Times
Purchases can be made on a
Most shops usually open at sale-or-return basis if this
10am and close at 6pm, is noted on the receipt.
although many in Stockholm
city centre remain open until Value Added Tax
7pm. Most shops are open
until 2pm on Saturdays, while Value added tax (“MOMS” in
the major department stores Swedish) is charged on all items
stay open until 5pm. Large except daily newspapers. The
stores, shopping malls and VAT rate is 25 per cent; but only
some city-centre shops are 12 per cent on food and 6 per
open on Sundays. Market halls cent on books. VAT is always
are closed on Sundays and included in the total price.
public holidays. Many larger
supermarkets are open daily Tax-Free Shopping
until 8pm.
Residents of countries outside
the European Union are entitled Sale-time at an elegant shoe shop
Payment
to a refund of the VAT paid on in Stockholm
All the major credit cards are their purchases. Look for the
accepted at most Swedish “Tax-free shopping” sign in shop Sales
shops. You may be asked for windows. Keep your receipts Twice a year Sweden’s shops and
proof of identity. Some larger and on departure from the EU department stores have sales
shops also accept euros (see go to the Global Refund office at with reduced prices on clothing,
p322). Goods can be exchanged the airport or ferry terminal to shoes and other fashion goods.
if you produce the receipt. obtain a 15–18 per cent refund. Sales are indicated by the rea
sign. The year’s first sales period
starts after Christmas and
continues throughout January.
The second sales period lasts
from late June to the end of July.
Shopping Centres and
Department Stores
The best-known Swedish
superstore internationally is
IKEA, which has 18 outlets
across the country from
Haparanda in the north to
Malmö in the south, and
has become a popular tourist
attraction in its own right.
It sells not only furniture,
but everything else for the
home. The textiles section
is particularly good, as well
as the kitchenware and
NK, Stockholm’s most exclusive department store china departments.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.6)
Date 7th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm