Shopping

Background information

Germany is known for its price-sensitive consumers, so retail prices are lower here than in neighboring European countries.

This applies to many brand-name merchandise. Because of these lower prices, many tourists, especially those from Russia, China, and Arab countries, visit Munich and Germany in general to shop for these products.

Specialities:

• Stores are typically open on Mondays through Saturdays from 8:00am to 6:00pm. All stores are closed on Sundays.
• In Germany, the amount paid for merchandise includes a 19% value-added tax (VAT), which can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside of the EU. To claim this refund, the customer must request an export paper ("Ausfuhrbescheinigung") or Tax-Free Shopping Check from the store and present this and the merchandise receipt to the customs service at the airport.

Shopping Destinations

• Maximilian Street - This street starts at Max-Joseph-Platz (a large square in Munich) and is the home for many luxury shops specializing in clothing, shoes, precious jewelry, and art. (upper price range)
• Kaufingerstraße - This street, which runs from Karlspalatz to Marienplatz, has many shops for electronics, apparel, watches and jewelry. (upper to middle price range)
• Olympia Shopping Centre (middle to lower price range)
• Riem Arcades shopping center (middle to lower price range)
• PEP shopping center in the district of New Perlach (middle to lower price range)