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Shopping
Shopping in Rome can be a delightful experience if you just wonder around the small streets of the city. Italian goods were never very cheap (especially Italian shoes or any leather products) and during the last few years they have become even more expensive as for the change of currency into Euros.
Great window- shopping area with most of the big names is Via Condotti, where you can find stores of Max Mara, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Georgio Armani and many more. If you are interested in less famous designers, you can head to Via Maria de Fioro or Via Bocca di Leone.
Most antique shops can be found around Via Margutta, Via Giulia, Via del Babuino, Via de’Coronari and Via dei Banchi Vecchi.
In general most of the department stores and the big shops at the city centre, stay open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Many of the small and independent shops still keep the tradition, and close for lunch from 1 pm to 4.30 pm. Note that many shops close for at least two weeks at summer, usually during August.
You will find it quite difficult to keep track of opening times due to the fact they differ from shop to shop; many food shops close on Thursday afternoon and many shops open on Mondays only at the afternoon.
The VAT can be reclaimed by visitors from outside the EU as long as the purchase exceeds € 154,94 (VAT included) and was purchased at one store on the same day. In order to do that, you have to ask in the store for an invoice containing the description of goods, the personal data of the non European resident as well as the particulars of his passport or of any such equivalent document. At the airport your purchased items need to be taken to the customs clearance. In order to get the VAT refund, the Invoice should be sent back to the seller within four months. Refund will be sent in the method of your choice. Should the seller not receive the invoice in time, he shall be hold responsible by the state for the payment of VAT initially deducted from the purchase, therefore, please do not forget this last act. The invoice doesn’t need postage; all you need to do is drop it in a mailbox at the airport.
Customs Information Line: +39 06 50246061
Beware of pickpockets!
The opening and closing hours are never very reliable, as they often depend on the weather and the mood of the vendors.
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