Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING TIPS
1. SHOPPING AREAS
The capital's chic designer boutiques line the streets of Kolonaki, with shoe emporia
and high street chains on Ermou and Patission. The bargain market areas are Mona-
stiraki, Psiri and Thissio. However, some suburbs have made challenging bids to the
centre's fashion monopoly, and leafy Kifissia in the north hosts a wealth of upmarket
designer boutiques and elegant shopping malls filled with expensive imports. In the
south, Glyfada boasts a Miami-style coastal boulevard containing branches of most of
the centre's clothing, shoe, accessory, home decoration and beauty stores.
2. OPENING HOURS
As a general rule, shops open 9am-3pm Mon, Wed and Sat; 9am- 2:30pm & 5-9pm
Tue, Thu and Fri. Department stores, shops in tourist areas, florists, bakeries and
many larger shops stay open later and often do not close for lunch. Chemists are
closed Sat, and street kiosks often stay open until midnight.
3. CREDIT CARDS
Most Athens shops accept any major credit card (Visa, American Express, Master-
Card, Diners Club), although smaller, family-run shops and tavernas may not. In the
countryside and on the islands not only do many establishments refuse credit cards,
but also cash points are often few and far between. So, if you are planning a day trip
from Athens, make sure you take plenty of cash with you.
4. SALES TAX
VAT of roughly 23% is included in the price of most items bought in Greece; edible
produce is taxed at 8.5%.
5. REFUNDS
Goods can be exchanged with a receipt. Although Greek law states that a refund must
be given if a customer is dissatisfied with an item purchased, in practice shops will al-
ways offer an exchange instead.
 
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