A Shopping Spree Abroad: Here are 4 Tips On How To Prepare
Shopping abroad is an amazing getaway to forget all about the stressful year you had and many other problems. It is a great way to give your home some style and fill it with reminders of all the places you have been to, and it is an outstanding opportunity to find accessories and valuables that are probably one-of-a-kind, as every country has to offer something others just don’t. And that is the beauty of shopping abroad, but you’ll want to be cautious and take all the necessary measures ahead to make it even more worthwhile. Therefore, in the text below, we’ll discuss some useful tips on preparing for the perfect shopping spree abroad.
Make sure to know the exchange rates 
You’ll have to be informed about the discrepancy between the currencies before leaving, and you’ll have to take into account the difference in value. This is a widely spread problem and not too often do people overpay for things, as they can’t do the math on the spot. This way, especially if the locals know you are a foreign visitor, you’ll end up paying double the price of what it would cost you back home. To avoid such mistakes, just install some of the many currency apps available on the AppStore and make sure to always have them open when shopping. Avoid fishy places and people who might give you a scammer vibe, and make sure to only shop in retail stores when going for expensive goods.
Think of bringing the goods back home
This should cross your mind, especially if you happen to be the kind of person who prefers gathering valuable works of art, décor, or even bulky yet outstanding pieces of furniture. It also applies if you just happen to pick up anything which seems nice, from clothes, dresses, and accessories to cosmetics or something even sweet you cannot buy at home. In both cases, you’ll either have to carry around another suitcase or think of a different means of transportation. Shipping options are one solution, and the possibilities are many. Let’s assume you’ll have to make shipping to Australia from the UK, and you’ll have to arrange transport with a company specializing in such services. Most companies offer affordable fees, and whether you are transporting some basic goods or a whole piece of furniture, you can pick your options (it can either go via plane or ship). You can choose between baggage shipping, whole boxers, or even a car if needed. Such companies are often reliable, have great discounts, and offer you the accessibility of moving your goods with ease. Other than that, you might just pay an extra fee with your plane ticket for another suitcase.
We strongly encourage looking into these options before taking off to any new destination, as planning ahead can save you a lot of stress and later trouble.
Look into your payment options
Another tip we can give you is to look into your payment options when abroad. For example, it would be smart to carry around both cash and credit cards, as you’ll never know which of the two might be more convenient. Sometimes there are spots that are strictly cash-only, or if the country has a bad reputation, you’ll want to avoid possible scams by paying via credit card. Having multiple payment options pays off, especially when abroad. We also encourage talking with your bank before you leave about non-transaction fees and how you might conduct such transactions. It also wouldn’t be bad to open a completely different bank account for the purpose of the trip, thereby imposing limits on your budget and spending.
Also, alerting your bank ahead might stop any possible use of the card, as some banks have a policy of blocking the card if they see any unusual activity being conducted (you using the card in another country goes under the category of “unusual”). This policy exists to protect you from identity theft and possible misuse of the card, but it can cause a problem if you happen to be abroad and are not able to pay for something.
Do your research
Last but not least, we advise doing some extensive research on all the best places to shop when in that particular country. Some quick Google searches might help you find the ideal places ahead, thereby saving time you could spend touring the city. Also, the great reviews, as well as bad ones, give you an idea of what places you should avoid if there have been reports of scams. Also, make sure to always visit local markets and be prepared for a real treasure hunt, as these places are often hidden gems with some amazing pieces hidden.
With all this said, the last thing to do is book your flights and make sure to pack enough clothes for the journey to come. We hope you’ll have an amazing time and bring back some memorable souvenirs.
