Hello everyone.

Since you are traveling to Germany, don't forget to get souvenirs for your family and friends!

There are many attractive souvenirs in Germany, but where is the best place to buy them?

In this issue, we will discuss some of the ways and means of buying souvenirs in Germany.

use the Internet

The first method is to purchase in advance via the Internet.

A representative site is the Swiss online store “Galaxus", or German Amazon "Amazon.de" , auction site "Ebay" etc,. In these websites, you can buy souvenirs from not only Germany, but from all over the world.

Benefits

• You can choose products at your leisure from the comfort of your own home.
• Wide selection to choose from
• Easy price comparison
• Easy to order heavy items (since they carry them)

demerit

• Shipping costs.
• Takes a long time to arrive.
• Cannot see the product in person

Supplement

If you wish to request delivery to an Airbnb or other private accommodation, you must consult with the host in advance. For hotels, they will take care of your luggage without any problem.

go to the flea market

Flea markets are held throughout Germany. At flea markets, you can find antique goods and bargains.

Benefits

• You can find the one and only souvenir.
• You can enjoy the local atmosphere.
• Able to negotiate discounts.

demerit

• Limited dates for the event.
• Depends on the weather
• Some are fakes.

Supplement

Flea markets are held mostly on weekends. They are usually held on Saturdays. You can find out where they are held at tourist information centers.

In such cases, it may be easier to find what you are looking for by searching for “Flohmarkt” (city of only) or “Trödelmarkt” (city of rubbish).

You can find them in most cities!

Go to the Christmas Market

Germany is also famous for its Christmas markets. Christmas markets are lined with stalls selling Christmas goods and souvenirs.

I am sure you will be delighted with the authentic German Christmas souvenirs!

Benefits

• Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
• Traditional German souvenirs available for purchase.
• Gourmet food can also be enjoyed

demerit

• The event has a limited timeframe.
• many people gather there

Supplement

The Christmas market is held from late November to December.

Go to the grocery store

It's surprising how many specialty shops there are in EU countries. It's something I noticed as different from Central and South America!

Some countries may have fewer shops, so like in Japan, or even more so, it might be a good idea to explore by foot to find them, especially in city centers.

Germany also has a variety of specialty shops. They offer a wide range of products including traditional crafts and souvenirs.

They're often located in or around major train stations, so they're not too hard to find.

Otherwise, you can stumble upon them while wandering around city centers!

Benefits

• You can choose from a variety of products.
• You can shop while consulting with the staff.

demerit

• Depending on the location of the shop, it may be difficult to get to

going to the supermarket.

German supermarkets offer different ingredients and goods compared to Japan. They're recommended for those seeking unique souvenirs.

Visiting stores like ALDI, Tegut, and LIDL would be a good idea.

Benefits

• Convenient shopping experience.
• You can catch a glimpse of local life.
• Easy access to snacks for gifting.

demerit

• Limited availability of typical souvenir items.

Supplement

In German supermarkets, you'll also find a wide range of organic foods and eco-friendly products.

Shop around the time of the event.

In Germany, various events are held throughout the year. During these events, it's common to find souvenirs that are exclusive to the event.

Events can include things like yacht races or Easter festivals... You'll stumble upon various ones as you gather information.

During Easter in early to late March, you'll find plenty of egg-shaped decorations and sweets, so be sure to check them out.

Benefits

• You can purchase souvenirs exclusive to the event.
• Experience the atmosphere of the event.

demerit

• Events have limited durations.

Supplement

You can check event information at tourist information centers.

What to watch out for

When buying souvenirs in Germany, pay attention to the following:

• VAT (Value Added Tax):In Germany, products are subject to VAT. Generally, it's 19%, but for items like food and books, it's 7%. To receive tax exemption, you'll need to present your passport.
• Business Hours:Many shops in Germany are closed on Sundays. Additionally, on weekdays, they often close around 7 p.m.
• Payment Methods:Credit cards are widely accepted in Germany. However, in small shops, they may only accept cash.

Conclusion

How was the article?

There are plenty of charming souvenirs to discover in Germany. Use the above tips as a reference and find the perfect souvenir for yourself!

I'm planning to write another article specifically recommending my personal favorite souvenirs from Germany.

For more articles about Germany, you can check them out byClicking here.