Page 334 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

332 TRA VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SHOPPING IN ESTONIA

Traditional handicrafts and souvenirs can be specialities, including handicrafts, locally
found all over Estonia. The country’s retail woven textiles such as blankets and rugs, and
sector is, in general, quite uniform outside high-quality organic honey from local farms.
the major towns of Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu. Most towns hold small markets where visitors
Shopping malls have had a considerable can find food and household items. Antique
impact on smaller towns and the same stores stores also sell some interesting objects.
and brand names fill out the bulk of these Prices are usually lower outside Tallinn.
identikit malls. Despite this, towns and Estonian chocolate, alcohol and cigars are
villages are good places to find local readily available in most supermarkets.

can claim a VAT refund
on some goods over
€127. Ask the shop
for a VAT refund
cheque, which then
needs to be stamped
by customs. You can
get a refund at Tallinn
Airport, or check
www.globalrefund.com
for locations.
Sales
Throughout Estonia,
sales are usually held
in the middle and at
Stockmann, one of the best department stores in Estonia the end of a season,
although the most
Opening Hours Rights and Refunds
significant reductions are
Most shops are generally open In Estonia, all goods come reserved for the New Year
from 10am to 6 or 7pm on with a two-year warranty sales. Watch out for a sign in
weekdays, and from 10am under EU law. However, after shop win dows, which may
to 5pm on Saturdays and a period of six months from read as allahindlus (discount),
Sundays. Shopping centres the date of purchase, the soodusmüük (sale), lõpumüük
usually open from 10am to 8 or customer might be asked to (final sale), or tühjendusmüük
9pm daily. In small towns and prove that the defect existed (everything must go).
villages, opening hours are at the time of buying and was
more erra tic at weekends, with not introduced later. Warranties
many shops only opening for are only effective on produc- Markets
half a day or staying closed. tion of a valid receipt. Just about every Estonian
Grocery stores normally keep Refunds remain discretionary town has a market, known as
longer hours, and in Tallinn on the part of the seller, a turg, although they often
there are several 24-hour although most major stores only sell fruit, vegetables,
convenience stores. will provide a refund as long household goods and other
as there is no damage to the everyday items. There is little
goods and the receipt is in the way of souvenirs or
How to Pay
produced. Legal guidance can curios to be found in these
All large stores and the majority be sought from the Consumer markets. Kuressaare market in
of small shops throughout Centre of Estonia (see p335), Saaremaa is a rare exception.
Estonia accept most major which protects consumer It also sells trinkets, such as
credit and debit cards. Retail rights in the case of cross- dolomite-carved objects, in
outlets promi nently display border purchases. addition to local produce. For
logos for accepted credit and Estonian mementos the best
debit cards. Visitors may be bet is to attend one of the
asked for proof of identity when VAT Exemption annual folk or town festivals
paying with a credit card. Nearly all goods and services held across the country. During
However, most market stalls are subject to 20 per cent VAT, these, temporary markets are
and out-of-the-way places which is always included in the set up, with stalls selling an
accept only cash. display prices. Non-EU citizens array of local delicacies, quirky