Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. FLEA MARKETS AND THRIFT SHOPS
This sort of shopping can net you some real treasures and keep your bank account
intact, too. One of the most central flea markets is in Bernal Heights. Thrift shops are
all over town - two of the best are located in the Mission, the Goodwill Store and the
Salvation Army Thrift Store. Both offer everything from vintage clothing to miscel-
laneous junk.
Alemany Flea Market • 100 Alemany Blvd at US 101, Bernal Heights
Google Map
Goodwill Store • 1580 Mission St
Google Map
Salvation Army Thrift Store • 1500 Valencia St
Google Map
5. GARAGE AND SIDEWALK SALES
A thoroughly enjoyable custom that can unearth some surprising plunder in a city
with so much style. To find a good garage sale, keep an eye out for announcements
tacked to telephone poles, or take a weekend stroll in one of the likelier neighbor-
hoods - such as the Haight, the Castro, and the Mission.
6. BARGAINING
In established outlets bargaining is generally out of the question. However, in flea
markets, garage sales, and some of the funkier ethnic stores, it is acceptable. Make a
counter offer and haggle it down to a mutually satisfactory sum.
7. SALES TAX
In the US sales tax is added to your total bill, rather than included in the listed price,
apart from groceries. In San Francisco, the sales tax is currently 8.5 percent, and
hotel tax is 14 percent. However, tax varies from state to state.
