The dwarf principality of Andorra, sandwiched in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, can really surprise. And not only in terms of per capita income, beautiful ski slopes or breathtaking views of proudly rising peaks. No less key motivation for the huge tourist flow is shopping. Andorra in this sense is a unique state, since the entire territory of this country is one solid duty free. It all began in the Middle Ages, when as a result of paarezha (separation of secular and princely power) between the bishop of Urzheylsky and Count de Foix, only one tax was introduced for residents - the poll tax. No VAT has yet been charged in Andorra.
Therefore, the first article in filling the country's budget is shopping. Andorra, of course, also makes money on ski tourism and tobacco farming, but that’s all the little things compared to what the French and Spaniards bring daily, wanting to buy cheap. Every morning in Pas de La Casa in the north and in Sant Julia de Loria in the south, streams of cars rush, creating congestion on the roads. And after lunch, all these caravans with stuffed luggage go back.
You can not go deep, and already at the border to make a good shopping. Andorra la Vella, the capital of the state, can still offer more choices. The epicenter of violent trading activity falls on the three central streets (avenides) of this ancient city: Merichel, Carlemani and Principe Benloc. The widest range of products is offered by the Pyrenees chain hypermarket in the country. There are other competitors no less worthy of him: Andorra 2000, El Punt de Trobada or Escale.
Clothing, shoes, watches, jewelry, household appliances, mobile phones and computers, sporting goods, alcohol, cigarettes, food - all this is offered by the Principality of Andorra. Shopping here is very attractive, since all this is on average 25-30% cheaper than in neighboring France, and even 60 during discounts. Moreover, all products are not “Chinese”, but with a full guarantee of quality. There is no shortage of principality and brand boutiques: Zara or Burberry, for example. Too glamorous, like Louis Vuitton, there are almost none, but things from this and similar firms can be found in small boutiques of clothes and cosmetics.
Those who come to conquer the mountain slopes can also make successful shopping along the way. Andorra is famous for its quality ski equipment. You can immediately try out the purchase. After all, it is known that in our country the full equipment of a skier is very, very expensive, which is why this type of exciting sport is considered to be elite. Go to the snowy slopes with empty suitcases: here the equipment from ROSSIGNOL is, without exaggeration, half the price. A wide selection of products for skiers is presented in Olympia supermarkets.
Andorrans, unlike their closest neighbors - the French and Spaniards - love to work. Only very small shops are closed for the siesta, where the seller is the owner of the shop. All other points of sale operate without lunch breaks and weekends, on average from 9 am to 9 pm. There are only four official non-working days in the country. Thus, the fun carnival called Andorra Shopping 2013 is interrupted only on January 1, March 14, September 8 and December 25.