Pest’s chic Váci útca and its surrounding avenues tempt tourists with familiar high-street and designer names but bargain buys are to be found at
Nagy Vásárcsarnok (Great Market Hall), IX Fovám tér (website:
www.piaconline.hu), an imposing three-story structure that first opened in 1897 and now draws 30,000 shoppers daily. On the ground floor are strings of paprika-like red coral necklaces, pots of pickles, goose liver and salami. There is also a supermarket to stock up on
Tokaj wines,
Pálinka (cherry and apricot
brandy) and bitter, black
Zwack unicum. Upstairs, there is a choice of Kalocsa and Matyó hand-embroidered tablecloths, Zsolnay and Herendi porcelain, glittering beaded necklaces and traditional folk costumes. The Great Market Hall is open Mon-Fri 0700-1700 and Sat 0600-1400 (closed Sun).
Standard shop opening hours are Monday to Friday 1000-1800 and Saturday 1000-1300. Department stores usually open from 1000, while grocers, bakeries and supermarkets are open 0700-2000. Many shops open until 2000 or 2100 on Thursdays. Shops are closed on Sundays, except shopping malls. Each district has at least one 24-hour store. Many small shops close for summer in late July and August and almost everything shuts on public holidays. Sales tax (ÁFA) of 25% (12% for food, some medical supplies, books and newspapers and hotel rooms) is included in the price and can be reclaimed by visitors purchasing goods worth Ft50,000 or more. A receipt and VAT-refund application form must be presented to customs on leaving the country.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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