SHOPPING IN ITALY

Italian fashion has been rated as the best in the world. The Italian fashion industry is one of Italy’s largest output with Italian clothing, leather shoes and handbags being exported all over the world, renowned for their quality and leading edge style.

Companies such as Prada, Gucci, Max Mara, Ferragamo, Versace, Dolce e Gabbana, Armani, are famous the world over and their creations being exhibited in all the fashion halls of every large city and all have their factory outlets. Ask us and we can tell you the best places to go for reduced prices on all the major labels.

Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world where every year during fashion week, the world of fashion descends to line the catwalks with supermodels wearing their fantastic expensive creations. Fashion week is a showcase for designer mastery for both outlandish and beautiful creative designs all finely crafted in exquisite fabrics.

If you wish to take a shopping tour in the following cities, we have the expert locals who know where to take a girl to shop…whether you are looking for artisan hand-made goods or exclusive fashion items, it is time saving, if you only have one day to shop, to know where to head.

VAT Exemption
Value added tax - VAT (IVA in Italy) - is 20% on most goods. It is possible for non EU citizens to obtain an IVA refund for large purchases, but be prepared for some paperwork. The simplest method is to shop at a place displaying the "Euro Free Tax" Sign.

Present your passport when you make your purchase, and fill in a form from the shop; the shop then deducts the IVA, gives you a copy of the form, and sends their copy to the Euro Free Tax Organization in Milan which will then deal with the paperwork. If you wish to buy something from a shop which is not part of the "Euro Free Tax" scheme, you must get the Italian customs to stamp the vendor's receipt at your departure, showing them the purchased article, and then post the stamped receipt back to the shop, who should then send you a refund.

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