Diane2000
01/11/01 12:47 AM

Budget Shopping Tips?

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Hi Michele, As you know I'm planning on doing some heavy duty shopping in Ireland. Do most stores sell Irish classics like Waterford crystal, Belleek china, woollens, etc? Are the prices pretty much the same or do they vary from place to place? How can I save money while shopping in Ireland? Should I have the items shipped or not? Thanks a bunch. Diane


IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
01/12/01 2:06 AM

RE: Budget Shopping Tips?

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Hi Diane,

Good question. Many stores do sell the items you are inquiring about and the prices for Belleek and Waterford are pretty standardized. However, on occasion you will see pieces that are discounted. But don't get them just because they are on sale. I only buy what I love. If you see something you can't live without the best rule of thumb is to buy it when you see it since you might not run across the same item again. As for woolens, you will probably see a wider price range from store to store and many more items may be on sale.

You can save about 17 percent by collecting tax forms as you shop and getting a refund of the Value Added Tax (VAT). If you ship items you will have to pay for postage and insurance, so it might wipe out the VAT savings. But if you are buying lots of items it makes sense to have them shipped rather than carry them home with you.

Happy shopping!

Michele


LoveToTravel

01/16/01 5:17 PM

RE: VAT tax refunds

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Hi Michele!
Haven't posted for awhile -- hope you had wonderful holidays! We are getting excited about our trip to Ireland in May. We spent the holidays in Phoenix, Arizona with family and I showed your book to my sisters, who are going with my daughter and me. They loved your book, too! A question about VAT -- I have obtained the VAT refunds on gifts on prior trips to Europe -- but is it possible to get a refund on the VAT paid on car rentals, etc? I think the answer is no, but wanted to ask the IrelandExpert!
Just FYI, I booked our tickets today on Aer Lingus, Chicago to Shannon.
Thanks for your help!
Pat


IrelandExpert
(Community Owner)
01/16/01 8:01 PM

RE: VAT tax refunds

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Hi Pat,

Nice to hear from you again. I'm delighted your trip is progressing nicely and I can understand your excitement. Even though I've been to Ireland 33 times, I still get excited about each new trip! It's good to know that my book is of help to all of you.

You guessed right. VAT is refundable on things you buy in Ireland and take home with you, not on things you "consume" in Ireland like food, lodgings, car rentals, etc. VAT is built into the price of food, B&Bs and drink but car rentals add it on as an extra 12 1/2%.

I know you will have a fabulous trip, especially in May, which is my favorite month in Ireland. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. And pass the word about my forum and site if you know of anyone else who is visiting Ireland.

I'll look forward to hearing all about your trip upon your return. I'm sure you will have many great adventures and stories to tell!

Happy travels,

Michele