Germany provides a wide range of shopping options, from traditional street markets to large department stores and modern shopping malls. Whether you’re looking for fresh groceries, affordable home furnishings, or luxury items, Germany has something for everyone.

Store Hours: Store hours in Germany vary by location and type of business, but most shops follow these general guidelines:
Supermarkets & Department Stores: Mon-Sat, 7 AM–8 PM (some till 10 PM).
Small Shops & Boutiques: Weekdays 10 AM–6 PM, shorter on Saturdays.
Sundays & Public Holidays: Mostly closed, except bakeries, gas stations, and transit shops.

Where to Shop
Supermarkets & Discounts: Aldi, Lidl, Edeka, and Rewe offer affordable groceries.
Department Stores: Karstadt, Galeria Kaufhof, and Peek & Cloppenburg sell clothing, electronics, and home goods.
Markets: Weekly street and farmers’ markets provide fresh, local produce.
Luxury Brands: Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt feature high-end stores like Hugo Boss and Montblanc.
Furniture: IKEA, Möbel Höffner, and German-made brands offer quality home goods.

Payment Methods
Cash (Bargeld): Still widely used, especially in smaller shops and markets.
Debit & Credit Cards: Accepted in most larger stores, but some places only take EC cards (Maestro) rather than international credit cards like Visa or Mastercard.
Mobile Payments: Google Pay and Apple Pay are increasingly available in urban areas.
Contactless Payments: Many stores now accept contactless card payments for quick and convenient transactions.

Tax-Free Shopping
Non-EU visitors can get a VAT refund (Mehrwertsteuer-Rückerstattung) on purchases over €50 if they take the goods outside the EU. The refund process requires a tax-free form from the retailer, stamped at customs upon departure. Germany’s diverse shopping options cater to all tastes and budgets, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.