Travelers planning to purchase antiquities, sculptures, and paintings as memorable souvenirs should take into consideration that they might need to prepare documents that allow export in advance. It is prohibited to export items that have a cultural value.
In large supermarkets and shopping complexes, it is possible to play with a credit card. Mastercard, American Express, and Visa cards are widely accepted everywhere. Tourists may only need cash when they visit markets and small budget restaurants.
Newspaper kiosks often sell interesting booklets and colorful guide-books. Some of them mention not only excursion routes and main landmarks but also popular shops and restaurants. These booklets cost no more than 10 euro, but they are a true treasure for travelers who organize their excursions and entertainment independently.
Guests of the city are recommended to purchase a special welcome card that is available in any tourist office and in some hotels. This card entitles its owner to a range of discounts on public transport, museums, theaters, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
Don’t forget to leave tips in local restaurants. 10% of the total is enough. In luxurious restaurants, the service fee may be already included in the total and is rarely higher than 12%.
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