Picture choosen by: MissKan Kongsom Shopping in UK Although shopping in the UK can be expensive, it is generally regarded as a world-class destination for shoppers both in terms of variety and quality of products, depending on where and what you buy. Fierce competition has brought prices down considerably in the food, clothing and electronic sectors. Prices do vary and it is always worth visiting the various retail stores as bargains can often be found. Avoid buying from the tourist areas and stick to the High Street shops or the many 'out-of-town' retail parks where prices will be considerably cheaper.

VAT
Value Added Tax - a mandatory tax on many goods and services in the UK is 15%.
For most High Street shopping, VAT is included in the sale price. However, for certain larger purchases, especially in the area of computers and electronics, stores may show prices without VAT, however these are clearly marked with "exc VAT" next to the figure. In many of the larger towns and cities, many shops have the blue "Tax-Free Shopping" sticker in the window, meaning that when you leave the European Union (not just the UK), you can claim back the VAT before you leave the country. However, in order to do this, you must keep any receipts you receive from your purchase.

There are some flea market and charity shops that you could find items rather interesting with lower prices. You could possibly ask a local is there any flea market near this town, when will it be. Charity shops most selling second-hand goods ranging from clothes, book, CDs to furniture and pieces of show. If you are on your budget trip, you can buy some good books there without paying higher in usual book shops.