Shopping 101

Whether it's shopping in upscale Madison Avenue or the bargain-friendly Lower East Side, the Big Apple offers everything for everybody. However, before going shopping in NYC, there are a few things you should have in mind that most outsiders don't know.

In my opinion, the most important information is regarding taxes. New York is a shopper's paradise; you can find anything and everything in the many stores throughout the city and now you can shop TAX FREE in NYC on clothing and shoes priced under $110.

For anything else, or prices over $110, the tax rate is 8,25%. That means that if you are buying a 100$ mobile phone, total final price would be 108,25$.

Get early to the stores! As early as possible. That will guarantee you good options, sizes and colors.

Most stores are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Department stores and outlets stay open until 9 p.m., as well as on Sundays.

Chinatown is always nice to visit, but not to shop, as you never know the true (or even legal) origin of the products.

If you are not comfortable with shopping by yourself at NYC, you can always join one of NY's shopping tours.

Another very good tip is to register at the store's website, this way you will get discount coupons by e-mail.

Although NY is the most expensive place to live in the world, shopping is the complete opposite. And there are ways to always pay less than the price tag says. ;-)