Luxury Hedge shares with you the tried and tested tips to help you save when shopping overseas.

Heading overseas soon? You can use Luxury Hedge to find the cheapest country to buy a luxury brand. But in addition to this, we’ve gathered some overseas shopping strategies.

     1. Plan what you want to buy:

If there is a particular product you have in mind, take a screenshot and product code with you. At the very least, check Luxury Hedge to check the cheapest country to buy the brand and see any opportunities to save.

     2. Be prepared to wait:

Major shopping capitals of the world can get busy- for example, Paris in July is often heaving! Think long lines for Louis Vuitton and Hermes in hot temperatures. Major department stores like Galleries Lafayette are extremely busy, especially on Sundays when other shops are closed. If you’re there to shop chances are there are hordes of tourists ready to take advantage of cheaper prices/ a good exchange rate/ or a generous tax refund scheme.

     3. Expect items to be unavailable at times:

Some items are hard to find, or popular and sold out. Where a brand offers stock availability per store be sure to check that before heading to a particular store.

     4. Check shopping hours:

If you’re coming from a city with shops open 7 days a week, you may be surprised to discover that some major city of the world have reduced shopping hours.  Save for department stores, most shops are closed on Sunday in France, for example. Avoid shopping disappointment and check opening hours for the city you’re in.

     5. Don’t make assumptions:

French brands like Cartier and Chanel are not necessarily cheapest in France, despite a  great tax refund scheme. It depends on a combination of factors- how the brand has priced the products in a particular market, the tax refunds available (and whether you’re eligible) and of course the strength of your currency. On a recent trip, Luxury Hedge was surprised to see the savings available in Tokyo for some brands, compared to Paris, London, Athens and Sydney, due to a favourable exchange rate.

     6. Take your passport with you when you shop:

If shopping tax free you may be required to fill out the paperwork at the time of purchase- including passport details.

     7. Don’t forget to claim your tax refund at the proper point:

For example, when shopping in the European Union your tax refund form needs to be stamped at your last entry out of the European Union. VAT refund forms need to be stamped at the airport, and you may need to show the items you are claiming a refund for. Make sure you pack these items in your carry on. The tax refund office may be before customs, so check the location before you pass through.

     8. Check Luxury Hedge before you shop:

Find the cheapest country to buy a luxury brand.