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When In Scandinavia…
- Invest in good maps and travel guides, such as
the Lonely Planet series or our favorite, Rick Steves. We’ve
used his European guidebooks extensively, and have never been disappointed
with his advice. We also visited his Graffiti Wall for recent tips
from fellow travelers.
- Check security guidelines for each country you will
visit.
Packing advice:
- Pack light
- Dress in layers
- Do laundry
- Buy it if you need it
Items to bring:
- Umbrella or waterproof jacket with a hood
- Puff or washcloth
- Adaptor/converter kit
- Address labels for friends and family in the U.S.
- Ziploc bags
- Compass
- Pedometer (We walked 74 miles while we were in Scandinavia!)
Cutting costs:
Scandinavia is expensive (you can even buy half a cucumber at
the grocery), but there are ways to make it more affordable.
- Almost all hotel rates include a typical Scandinavian
breakfast of eggs, cold cuts, fish, cheese, breads, cereals, yogurt,
juices, salads, and pancakes. After such a hearty start, it is possible
to eat light the rest of the day. Buy food from the grocery store
or produce stand instead of eating in a restaurant.
- Purchasing one pass for museum entry and public transportation
is more economical than paying separate fees.
Shopping:
Ship items home that you purchase instead of packing and dragging them
around with you. If you do decide to carry goods home, take advantage
of tax-free shopping. Here's how.
- Look for the tax-free logo. In Denmark, Sweden
and Norway the VAT (value added tax) is included in the retail price
tag and makes up to 25% of the price of the item. Some shops offer
15 to 20 percent cash refunds of VAT when your purchases equal or
exceed a particular amount.
- Ask for a Tax Refund Form. Show your passport to prove
that you do not reside in the country. The clerk will wrap and seal
the goods. The form must be completed at the time of purchase and
contain your name, address, and passport number.
- Claim your refund at the airport in each country before
departing, and you will receive your cash refund or a credit within
two billing cycles on your credit card. You will be required to show
the Tax Refund representative the sealed goods, your passport, and
the Tax Refund Form. The Tax Refund representatives are located in
the check-in areas of the terminals so you can receive the necessary
form and pack your purchases in your checked luggage. The actual Refund
Desks are located in the international gate area. Be aware that once
you enter the international gate area, you cannot leave.
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