First off, the whole “tax-free” thing can be a bit of a rabbit hole, kinda like trying to find parking downtown on a Saturday. You see those sites promising amazing deals and price comparisons, like PriceSatellite mentioned in that first blurb? Cool, check ’em out. But don’t assume they’re the be-all and end-all. Prices can fluctuate WILDLY.
Then there’s the VAT refund thing, especially in places like Spain and Italy, as those other snippets pointed out. Basically, you’re supposed to get some of the tax you paid back if you’re not a resident. But honestly? It can be a hassle. You gotta keep all your receipts, fill out forms (and forms and forms!), and then stand in line at the airport… It’s like, is that extra bracelet *really* worth the aggravation? Sometimes yes. Most of the time, I just cave and get a gelato instead. Priorities, you know?
Mytheresa keeps popping up too, promising fast delivery and designer goodies. They’re legit, I’ve ordered from them before (dangerously easy to spend money there, FYI). But again, factor in potential import duties if you’re buying from outside your country. That can totally negate any initial “savings.” Ugh.
And then there’s Korea! I saw someone asking about luxury goods there on Reddit. Honestly, I haven’t personally shopped for Prada jewelry in Korea, but I imagine the VAT refund process is similar to Europe. Plus, you gotta be careful about fakes, right? Always buy from reputable sources, whether it’s Mytheresa, Saks, or even a duty-free shop at the airport – as long as it *seems* trustworthy. That last snippet about “advantageous prices” and “premium service” sounds suspiciously like airport marketing to me. Just sayin’.
Lyst is good too, for browsing and seeing what’s on sale. But always, *always* compare prices before you commit. Don’t just jump at the first “deal” you see. I did that once with a pair of Prada sunglasses and ended up paying way more than I needed to. Lesson learned, the hard way.
