Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
border crossings (either before or after security, probably strategically located
near a duty-free shop). These services, which extract a 4 percent fee, can usu-
ally refund your money immediately in cash, or credit your card (within two
billing cycles). If the retailer handles VAT refunds directly, it's up to you to
contact themerchant foryourrefund.Youcanmail thedocuments fromhome,
or more quickly, from your point of departure (using an envelope you've pre-
pared in advance or one that's been provided by the merchant). You'll then
have to wait—it could take months.
You are allowed to take home $800 worth of items per person duty-free, once
every 30 days. You can also bring in duty-free a liter of alcohol. As for food,
you can take home many processed and packaged foods: vacuum-packed
cheeses, dried herbs, jams, baked goods, candy, chocolate, oil, vinegar, mus-
tard, and honey. Fresh fruits and vegetables and most meats are not allowed.
Any liquid-containing foods must be packed in checked luggage, a potential
recipe for disaster. To check customs rules and duty rates, visit
www.cbp.gov
.
Sightseeing can be hard work. Use these tips to make your visits to Scand-
inavia's finest sights meaningful, fun, efficient, and painless.
Set up an itinerary that allows you to fit in all your must-see sights. For a one-
stop look at opening hours in the bigger cities, see this topic's “At a Glance”
sidebarsforCopenhagen,Oslo,Stockholm,Helsinki,andTallinn.Mostsights
keep stable hours, but you can easily confirm the latest by checking with the
TI or visiting museum websites.
Don't put off visiting a must-see sight—you never know when a place will
close unexpectedly for a holiday, strike, or restoration. On holidays (see list
open late. Off-season, many museums have shorter hours.
