Bergen

Bergen has a number of shopping centers, and international chains are well represented. As prices are rather high in Norway, regular shopping is probably not the most interesting thing to do in Bergen, even if you get a VAT refund see the Tax Free shopping section below. But if you know where to go, you can find rare and unique items, both traditional crafts and stuff made by local designers - and some other fun stuff. Keep in mind that with a very few exceptions, Bergen shuts down completely on Sundays and holidays.

tax free shopping

VAT value added tax/sales tax, Norwegian: mva. (merverdiavgift or moms. merverdiomsetningsavgift) is 25 % for most items in Norway. It is included in the retail price, which makes the VAT content roughly 20 % of the price you pay. As Norway is not a member of the European union, all foreign citizens apart from those of Sweden, Denmark and Finland are eligible for a refund of the VAT if the goods purchased are brought out of the country at the latest one month after the purchase. The prerequisites for such a refund is that the goods are not used or consumed, even in part, within Norway, and that you spend at least kr. 315 in a store.

Look for stores with a Global Refund/tax free flag or sticker. You need only to ask the shop assistant for a global refund check, and provide documentation of your citizenship. When leaving Norway, go to a Global Refund office with the goods, the check and your passport, and you will receive up to 19 % of the sales price in cash. In Bergen, the only Global Refund office is at the airport, but there are also information desks on a couple of the ferries leaving from the city. Check the Global Refund website (http://www.globalrefund.no/) for more information.

Unlike in many other countries, the customs authorities are not involved in the VAT refund process in Norway.