Shopping in Uruguay - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in Latin America. However, despite this, Uruguay has a very interesting and multifaceted culture. In different times, foreign colonists, different immigrants, and neighboring countries had their impact on Uruguay. Of course, this changed the customs and traditions of this country. Shopping is one of the exciting ways to know local culture and traditions better. Moreover, shopping in Uruguay has some peculiarities and is nothing like shopping in other countries.

When heading to shopping in Uruguay, tourists are better to keep in mind several nuances. In this country, it is possible to bargain and exchange goods. This is particularly true about small shops and local markets. However, the seller can get offended if he considers an exchange offer bad and offensive. Taking into consideration the national character, tourists do not need to be surprised if sellers become happy and embrace the buyer once they make a deal. It is not rare to get an invitation to drink a cup of tea, during which the seller can tell about his family and business. Tourists will have to listen to all stories. This is the local tradition.

Just like many other countries in Latin America, Uruguay in general and its capital have numerous shopping centers. As a rule, they open at 9 am and close at 10 pm. Many shopping centers are open on weekends. The majority of large shopping centers are open in the capital city of Montevideo and popular resort destinations such as Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. These cities offer the best shopping in Uruguay. In shopping centers, visitors will find not only boutiques that offer both local and international brands but also cinemas, restaurants, and supermarkets. They accept both cash and credit cards. Tourists with cash can pay either in American dollars or in peso. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

However, tourists seeking authentic experiences in Uruguay should head to feria instead of modern shopping centers. This term means a portable market that is temporarily open in different neighborhoods of virtually any Uruguayan city. The market looks the following way: a road becomes closed, forming an area where sellers make rows of stalls. In the capital of Uruguay, each neighborhood has its own feria. Prices on this improvise market can be indicated per kilogram, per half a kilogram or per item. Don’t forget to ask this from a seller. If you buy many items from the same seller, he will likely offer free baggage-man services to take the purchased items to the car. As a rule, local vegetables, fruit, and locally made cheese are the most popular products on feria.

Tourists can bring many interesting items from their vacation in Uruguay. Leather items remain one of the most popular souvenirs. Uruguayan leather goods are inexpensive, but their quality is high. As a rule, tourists also enjoy buying clothing with the national symbols and t-shirts with images of the Uruguayan football team. Handmade ceramic figurines are a relatively inexpensive and original gift. Local fashion and fine jewelry also deserve the attention of travelers. However, calabaza remains one of the most original souvenirs that travelers can bring from Uruguay. This vessel is made of gourd. The main purpose of calabaza is to brew and drink mate tea. Ponchos and handmade wool scarfs are also very popular souvenirs.

It would also be a mistake not to mention such popular souvenirs as local food and drinks. Many tourists buy olive paste as a souvenir. This is a very delicious appetizer. Locals also like walnut paste with olive oil and other ingredients that Uruguayans keep in secret. Clerico can become an exotic gift from Uruguay. This is an alcoholic cocktail that contains fruits, such as pineapple, papaya, and nisperos, and white wine. Spumante champagne with different fruit tastes is no less popular in the region. And, of course, it is simply not possible to leave the country without buying its delicious local cheese! Local cheese is sold everywhere and has different prices, but feria is the best place to shop for it. This way, travelers can be sure they buy fresh, delicious, and inexpensive cheese.

Tourists wishing to save should learn how the local tax-free system works. With its help, tourists can return up to 20% of the price of the purchased goods. To be eligible for a tax return, tourists need to keep in mind several aspects. Only people who permanently live outside Uruguay are eligible for this service. A sum of US$20 or 600 pesos is the smallest sum of the tax return. In order to get the money back, tourists need to fill a special form and receive a permit from the customs. It is also necessary to keep all receipts that are attached to the form.