- Don't miss out on the benefits!
- Symbols and prices
- The taste and color …
- Moral standards
Returning from a vacation in an exotic country, we usually bring with us a sea of positive impressions, colorful photographs and memorable souvenirs, reminiscent of carefree days spent on the beaches or on educational excursions. What to buy in Vietnam so that the memory of the trip will be preserved for many years, and the impressions of a wonderful vacation made you smile and rejoice for many days? The choice of souvenirs and jewelry, leather goods and silk clothing, exotic fruits and drinks in the resorts of Vietnam will pleasantly surprise you, and your first purchase will be a large travel bag or suitcase in which you can take all the selected treasures home.
Don't miss out on the benefits
Many tourists choose tours to the countries of Southeast Asia to bring jewelry with precious stones and pearls from the trip. Vietnam is no exception, because sapphires are mined and cut here, and sea and freshwater pearls are cultivated. The cost of stones and products with them is an order of magnitude lower than in Russia, and therefore jewelry stores are especially popular with guests of the country.
What is the best buy in Vietnam to satisfy your passion for gemstones? How to choose the right store or jewelry so as not to become a victim of scammers and not be disappointed when you fly home and ask a competent appraiser for an opinion on a jewelry item? A few simple rules will help you avoid cheating:
- When choosing jewelry stores, go to those located in large shopping malls or offering certifications for their products. Never buy gems and pearls from street vendors or questionable markets. Sapphire there can be synthesized artificially, and pearls and even a plastic imitation with mother-of-pearl paint applied on it.
- The authenticity of a stone can only be determined by a certified gemologist. Some of Vietnam's trade networks have Russian-speaking experts with whom you can consult.
- Do not buy stones in the first days of your stay in the country. Take a look around, compare prices and store looks, and return to one that inspires confidence.
- Remember that according to Russian law, an individual does not have the right to store and import unsettled precious stones into the country. Cultured pearls do not belong to them, but purchased sapphires, in order to avoid problems at the Russian customs, are better to be shipped at least in simple metal products.
If you nevertheless decide to become the proud owner of a pearl product in a shop where there are no gemologists, no certificates are issued, but you really like the prices, try to carry out an independent examination. Run the pearl over the front of your teeth. The plastic balls will slide smoothly and the pearl will become unpleasant "/>
Real pearls, grown on river or sea farms, rarely have a uniform surface. If you look closely, it has small dots and depressions, nodules and roughness. The shape of the balls is also not perfectly round, and their shade in a bracelet or necklace may be subtle. Counterfeits, on the other hand, look perfect - even, smooth and identical in shape and color.
Due to the fact that many pearl farms are located off the coast of the South China Sea, prices for pearl in the country are very low. For example, a string of freshwater pearls up to 7 mm in diameter will cost from $ 15 to $ 20, and a bracelet - from $ 8 to $ 15.
The best place to buy jewelry is at beach resorts. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, prices for similar jewelry will be several times higher.
Symbols and prices
When asked what you associate Vietnam with, many will answer that with straw hats in the shape of a cone and with a special type of beach slippers. Both must be bought in Vietnam in order to please friends, colleagues and relatives with exotic souvenirs.
Hats made of palm leaves are worn here by absolutely everyone - regardless of age and habits. Lightweight and comfortable hats protect from the sun, are practically weightless and fit comfortably in a bag in a pyramid when transporting home.
Hats, unlike jewelry, can be bought anywhere. Their quality does not depend on the rank and status of the store. The cost of this souvenir starts at half a dollar and goes up to $ 5 if you buy it in an expensive boutique.
Interested in what clothes can be bought in Vietnam? Firstly, the amazing things made of natural silk, which have long become the subject of national pride of local residents. The cost of a luxurious silk robe will not exceed $ 10 - $ 12, the same amount will be asked from you for men's pajamas. But paintings embroidered on silk are much more expensive, and you will have to pay at least $ 100 for a work measuring 50x60 cm. However, you can be content with silk handkerchiefs embroidered with exotic patterns. The price of the issue is from $ 2 per piece.
In addition to branded silk, the Vietnamese offer clothing from world famous sports brands. The country is home to the production of such giants as Adidas and Nike, and the quality of Vietnamese goods produced under these brands gives a head start to the Chinese, and their purchase will cost significantly less than in the Middle Kingdom.
Other Vietnamese souvenirs popular with foreigners include boxes and other products made of bamboo, mother of pearl, ivory and ebony. Fruits are not worth taking from here - they are far away and weigh a lot, but spices, including Fukuoka black pepper, will delight any housewife in distant Russia.
The taste and color …
The East, as you know, is a delicate matter and a lot of souvenirs and gifts for friends brought from here looks, to put it mildly, very unusual. For example, you can please your colleagues at work with various alcoholic beverages, in the bottles with which it is customary to place various insects, reptiles and even birds.
The most expensive tincture that tourists buy in Vietnam is called "/>
Another type of Vietnamese goods that are in special demand among tourists are sold in pharmacies. Balms based on tiger fat, snake venom or extracts from tropical jungle plants treat, according to local beliefs, tens and hundreds of diseases. Such ointments are especially helpful for those who suffer from diseases of the joints, ligaments and muscles. A jar of Vietnamese balm costs from $ 0.5, depending on the volume. It is advisable to buy such souvenirs for relatives and friends in pharmacies.
Moral standards
When going shopping in Vietnamese shops or markets, remember to follow certain rules of conduct that will help you save money and good mood:
- Leave with you the receipts or invoices that will be given to you when buying jewelry. Customs may require them when leaving the country.
- If you've bought antiques, try to stock up on an export permit. The shop assistants will advise you on what is required for safe passage through customs.
- If you are going to bargain to bring down the price of an item, do so with restraint and courtesy. It is unacceptable to insult the dignity of the seller or other store employees.
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Do not get carried away by exotic things and do not violate the rules of import and export of certain categories of goods. Online queries like "/>
Change your currency to local dong before shopping. The best rate will be offered to you to exchange dollars, so it is with them that it is more profitable to fly to Vietnam. Avoid street money changers, but do not neglect exchange offices at airports. Unlike other countries, the exchange rate here is quite decent. If you do not have enough money to pay in local currency, offer the seller dollars. They are taken quite willingly.
The VAT refund system in large stores in Vietnam is working very well. In order to get a refund of 10%:
- Complete the documents when purchasing goods in accordance with the requirements of the Tax Free system.
- The purchase itself must be made in the amount of at least two million VND, which corresponds to approximately 90 euros.
- Checks or invoices along with the goods you have to present at the departure at the airports of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
- Of the amount due for refund, you will be deducted about 15% for services, and the funds themselves will appear on the bank card no later than 30 days from the moment you made the purchase.
And do not forget that medicines based on such exotic ingredients as snake venom, powdered scorpions or extracts from tropical plants can cause severe allergies in Europeans. Do not self-medicate without consulting your doctor and do not use drugs from Southeast Asia without a doctor's prescription, even if you bought them at pharmacies.
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