Shopping tips for US tourists

1. Pay attention to holidays

The stores in the US are not only open on Sundays and on most public holidays - often there are special sales on public holidays. Take a look at the newspaper's advertising flyer - some chain stores give percentages on their complete range. Oh yes, you should not ignore the discount coupons of the advertising supplements.

2. Lower prices

Many businesses have the policy of keeping up with the competition. With an appropriate display in the hand, you can therefore often require the special offer of a competitor ("price matching"). Otherwise, it is rather uncommon in the US to push the price by haggling.

3. Visit outlet stores

Small prices even cheaper: Many manufacturers sell directly through outlet stores, which are often organized in the US in small shopping centers. Whether there is such a discount paradise near your holiday destination, you can find out on the Internet (for example, at www.outletbound.com)

4. Find the right shoe size

At last you have arrived in the shoe store - and do not find your size. No need to torment yourself with inappropriate shoes: this table shows you the American size you need to look for.

5. Find the right size

As with shoes, other sizes apply to dresses. Caution: Standard sizes (S, M, L, XL) should not be bought blind, because many things are cut differently than in Europe.

6. Remember the VAT

Your purchase will not be quite as cheap as on the price tag: In the US it is customary to state prices without VAT. Depending on the state, it varies in size and can amount to up to 15 percent. So do not be alarmed if you have to pay more at the cash desk than expected - thanks to the cheap dollar exchange rate, it is still a good deal for you.

7. Free your DVD player

For fans of original film versions, the US is a real shopping paradise: cheaper you can probably nowhere to come to DVDs. In particular, expensive TV series are here to have little money. Before you access, however, you should check whether you can switch off the country code of your DVD player. Many players are now sold with the predicate "Code Free" or can be unlocked with the remote control (instructions can be found on Google). Without disabled country code, your player will not be able to play US DVDs.

8. Beware of high-tech

Expensive electronics products are affordable for small travel funds due to the low dollar exchange rate. Apple products, for example, are significantly cheaper than in Germany. But do not forget that a fancy design notebook has no umlauts on the keyboard. Would be too bloed, if you have to do without it in the future! In addition, the American power grid has a lower voltage than the German - in order to connect a US device at home, you may therefore need a transformer, but at least a socket adapter.

9. Second hand is worth it ...

... not just for cost reasons, but because when you buy clothing in "vintage clothing" stores you often discover cool individual pieces that are not available anywhere else. If there is a college in the city, you can be sure there is a busy second-hand scene there.

10. Remember the customs

Very important: Even in the greatest spending frenzy you should keep in mind that for you you can only import goods worth up to 175 euros duty-free to Germany (exception: gold products, which must always be cleared). On gifts with a total value between 175 and 350 euros you pay a flat rate of 13.5 percent, which is the bottom line is still usually a good deal for you. To be on the safe side, you should definitely pick up the receipts - otherwise they may be the cheap designer dress from the second-hand shop may be expensive.

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