Shopping in Portugal

The purpose of traveling to Portugal Shopping is rare, usually shopping is only a pleasant addition to excursions. Despite low prices, only shoes, wines and souvenirs are brought from this country.

Shopping Features in Portugal

Portugal has large shopping centers such as Lisbon Centro Colombo, Centro Vasco Da Gama or Galeria Peninsular in the port, there are huge Spanish network department stores El Corte Ingles. But there are few such giants, because much more locals love small shops and private shops.

Prices for different goods in Portugal are lower than on average in Europe, but it is hardly worth counting on a full-fledged diverse shopping: the choice of things in this country is less than the range of presented brands. Often companies supply clothing into this country with small limited parties, so the necessary colors and dimensions quickly end.

The minimum purchase amount in one store with which you will agree to arrange tax-free, ranges from 52.87 to 61.35 euros and depends on VAT: it can be 23, 13 or 6 percent for different groups of goods, on the Azores – 16 percent, on Mader – 22 percent. After you put a stamp from customs officers and pass the border, you will be returned with this tax by holding a small amount for the service.

Portuguese themselves make purchases not only in stores, they adore flea markets. In small cities, such bazaars work in some one day of the month (it can be found on the site of the settlement), in large can be permanent. In such places, it will be possible to purchase antique books and vintage things, but do not be seduced by technician: as many centuries ago, there are often stolen things on flea markets, only in our time it is increasingly iPhones and cameras. In Portuguese stores, you need to be prepared for the fact that sellers will not understand you if you try to talk to them in English. Many merchants own only their tongue and, maximum, understand Spanish.

Plastic cards of major payment systems are taken in large shopping centers, in small stores there may be problems with the passage of payment if your card is issued by the our Bank. Some merchants prefer to work only with cash.

Prices in fixed stores, bargaining markets.

Shopping time

Ordinary shops are open on weekdays from about 10:00 to 12:30, then they have a big break, after which they work from 14: 30-16: 00 to 19: 00-20: 00. On Saturday, they serve buyers only in the first half of the day (usually from 09:30 to 13:00), and on Sunday they have a day off. Large shopping centers open all days of the week from 10:00 to 23:00. In the resort cities in the season stores can work until midnight. Also in December during the period when everyone is looking for christmas presents, stores usually work without a day break and close later.

Discounts and sales in Portugal

The largest sales in Portugal are held in the summer – in August-September and in winter – begin after Christmas and continue until the end of February. Prices during this period fall percent for 50. In addition, stocks are constantly carried out in Mollah, during which boutiques get rid of things of the previous season.

Customs All year round you can catch in the most popular Portuguese Outlet Freeport Outlet near Lisbon. In a huge territory of 75 thousand square meters. M. Dozens of shops are waiting for you like Bimba&Lola, Desigual, Escada, Gant, Hugo Boss and others. Also near the capital is similar, but a little smaller Campera Outlet. Strada Shopping & Fashion Outlet, located just from the northwest capital, is known for permanent stocks, so before a visit it is worth looking at its website. About 140 brands are presented in Vila Do Conde, which refers to The Style Outlets network and is located close to Porto Airport.

Although the choice of outlet centers is, the experienced shopaholics from them are not delighted: lovers make purchases complain about a poor assortment compared to other European prodigar villages.

The shops

Work on weekdays from 9.00 to 19.00, break – with 13.00 to 15.00. On Saturdays, shops are closed at 13.00 (in December – in 19.00). Some shopping centers in resort areas are open from 10.00 to 24.00.

Most shops on Madeira works on weekdays from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00, and on Saturdays – only before lunch.