Shopping opportunities in Germany
Germany has great shopping options and international travelers should make use of the VAT-refund system. Besides, did you know that, sales tax in Germany is 19%, so getting that whole amount back is a big deal? The system is simple: simply fill out a form at any shop which displays the VAT-refund sign, get the form stamped at customs at the airport, and get your refund in cash after passing through immigration.
North American foreigners in particular should take note that shops are not open 24 hours and most shops in Germany are actually closed on Sundays. In the cities, stores are generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with some not opening until 8:00 p.m. on rare ocassions. Shop hours on Saturday vary, but are generally from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. though some may close midday.
Most Germans want to take better bargains. With so many options available, shopping can be time-consuming, confusing, and exhausting which is why RocApply will help you with a few information on what to expect in Germany. The booming economy has led to an explosion of shops in towns and cities. There is plenty of places where you might buy inexpensive clothes and books without giving much effort. You will find shops selling everything from super fashion to high-tech electronics. Here is the average pricing in Euros you should expect in local stores and supermarkets in Germany;
COMMODITY/SERVICE |
AVG £ |
Restaurants |
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
10.00 |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
45.00 |
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.50 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
3.50 |
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
3.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.68 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) |
2.26 |
Water (0.33 liter bottle) |
1.85 |
Markets |
|
Milk (regular), (1 liter) |
0.70 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
1.31 |
Rice (white), (1kg) |
2.08 |
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.82 |
Local Cheese (1kg) |
8.93 |
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) |
7.34 |
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.10 |
Apples (1kg) |
2.19 |
Banana (1kg) |
1.55 |
Oranges (1kg) |
2.14 |
Tomato (1kg) |
2.52 |
Potato (1kg) |
0.97 |
Onion (1kg) |
1.10 |
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.92 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.34 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
4.99 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.76 |
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
1.20 |
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.40 |
Transportation |
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.70 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
70.00 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.50 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
2.00 |
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
30.00 |
Utilities (Monthly) |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment |
215.82 |
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.10 |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
30.09 |