Shopping in the United States can be a very interesting experience, especially if you are an international traveler looking for products that are not available in your home country. With a variety of stores, brands and discounts, the options are virtually endless.
However, so that you can shop smartly and hassle-free, here are some tips that can help you out:
Research before traveling
Before leaving for the United States, do some research on the stores and products you want to buy. Check prices and see if there are any discounts or special promotions that you can take advantage of. Also, check out their return policies, especially for high-value electronics and products, so you know what to do if something isn't as expected.
Make a shopping list
Making a shopping list is an easy way to make sure you don't miss anything while you're traveling and that you buy only what you really need. If you have a list, you can also focus on finding exactly what you want instead of being distracted by other items that might catch your eye.
Check customs policy
Before making any purchases, please check the customs rules and regulations in your home country to avoid potential problems. For example, some goods may be subject to import duties or prohibited from being imported, so be aware of these restrictions before making your purchases.
Shop at department stores
Department stores in the United States are a great option for shopping, as they offer a wide variety of products, often at more affordable prices than specialty stores. Some of the most popular stores include Macy's, Nordstrom, Walmart and Target.
Take advantage of promotions and discounts
The United States is known for its promotions and discounts, especially during the holidays, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Be sure to check out deals online and in-store, as you can save a lot on your purchases.
Use rewards credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers rewards, use it for your US purchases. Many cards offer points or cashback for in-store and online purchases, which can help you save even more.
Pay attention to fees
Keep in mind that in addition to the product price, you may also have to pay additional fees such as state taxes or shipping fees, especially if you shop online. Be sure to check the total price before making any purchases.
Buy an extra bag
If you plan on doing a lot of shopping, it might be a good idea to buy an extra suitcase to transport your items back home. Be sure to check with your airline for baggage policies before you travel.
We did this on our last trip, we went backpacking and bought everything we wanted there. Check the fee for checking your bag.
Famous stores with outlet prices in the US
The United States is known for having a wide variety of outlet stores that offer brand name products at lower prices. Some of the most famous outlet stores in the US include:
Nike outlet
It offers Nike-branded products, including footwear, apparel and sports accessories.
adidas Outlet
It offers Adidas branded products, including footwear, clothing and sports accessories.
Ralph Lauren Outlet
Offers Ralph Lauren branded clothing and accessories, including items from the Polo line.
Tommy Hilfiger Outlet
Offers Tommy Hilfiger branded clothing and accessories, including items from the Hilfiger Denim line.
Levi's Outlet
Offers Levi's branded clothing and accessories including jeans, jackets and t-shirts.
Calvin Klein Outlet
Offers Calvin Klein branded clothing and accessories, including underwear and sleepwear.
Coach Outlet
Offers Coach brand bags, wallets and accessories.
Michael Kors Outlet
Offers bags, wallets, clothing and accessories from the Michael Kors brand.
Kate Spade Outlet
Offers Kate Spade bags, wallets and accessories.
Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
It offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories and beauty products from various luxury brands at the lowest prices.
It's worth remembering that not all products in these outlet stores are necessarily discontinued or from a previous season – stores often receive new stock to sell at lower prices. However, it's always a good idea to check the quality of products and compare prices with other stores before shopping.
Most popular outlet stores in the US
Tanger Outlets
It is one of the largest outlet chains in the US, with over 40 locations across the country. Offers a wide selection of brand name stores including Adidas, Calvin Klein, Coach, Michael Kors, Nike and many others.
premium outlets
With more than 85 locations across the country, Premium Outlets outlet stores offer a variety of designer stores including Armani, Burberry, Kate Spade, Prada and many more.
Simon Premium Outlets
Also with more than 80 locations across the country, the Simon Premium Outlets chain offers a wide selection of brand name stores including Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, J.Crew and many more.
Macy's Backstage
It offers name-brand products at prices lower than those found in regular Macy's stores. Offers clothing, shoes, bags and accessories from popular brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.
Nordstrom Rack
It offers clothing, shoes, bags and accessories from popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff and many others. With over 100 locations nationwide, Nordstrom Rack is one of the most popular outlet stores in the US.
Ross Dress for Less
It is a department store that offers a wide selection of products, from clothing and shoes to home decor and beauty products. It offers brand name products at lower prices than regular stores such as Calvin Klein, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger.
Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
It offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories and beauty products from various luxury brands at the lowest prices. It is one of the most popular outlet stores to find discounted luxury goods.
gap factory
It offers Gap branded clothing, shoes and accessories at lower prices than regular stores.
Old Navy Outlet
Offers Old Navy branded clothing and accessories at reduced prices.
Under Armor Factory House
Offers Under Armor brand sports apparel, shoes and accessories at lower prices than regular stores.
Columbia Sportswear Outlet
Offers Columbia-brand sportswear, shoes and accessories at discounted prices.
Puma Outlet
It offers Puma branded products, including footwear, clothing and sports accessories.
Reebok Outlet
Offers Reebok-branded merchandise, including athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories.
Fossil Outlet
Offers Fossil branded watches, bags, wallets and accessories.
Bath & Body Works Outlet
Offers Bath & Body Works brand beauty products, fragrances and home items at lower prices than regular stores.
Neiman Marcus Last Call
It offers branded products at lower prices, including clothing, shoes, bags and accessories.
The Cosmetics Company Store
It offers beauty products from several brands, including Estée Lauder, MAC and Bobbi Brown, at reduced prices.
Keep in mind that not all outlet stores are the same, and not all outlet stores offer the same deals and discounts. It's important to do your research and compare prices to find the best deals and get the most out of your US shopping.
US states with the best outlet stores
- Florida: Florida is a popular destination for outlet shopping, with options such as Orlando's outlet stores, which include Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. In addition, Florida has other outlet options in cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
- California: California is another state known for its outlet stores, with locations such as Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Camarillo Premium Outlets. In addition, the city of Los Angeles offers several outlet shopping options such as Citadel Outlets and Camarillo Premium Outlets.
- New York: New York is a city that offers a wide variety of outlet shopping options, including the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, which is one of the largest outlets in the country. Also, New York City has outlet stores in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Queens.
- Texas: The state of Texas has outlet shopping options in cities like Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. Options include the Houston Premium Outlets and the San Marcos Premium Outlets, which are some of the most popular options.
- Nevada: The state of Nevada is known for its shopping city, Las Vegas, which has several outlet stores, including Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets.
These are just a few of the US states that are known for their outlet shopping options. It's worth remembering that other outlet options are available across the country, so it's always good to do your research before planning your shopping trip.
What is the purchase rate in the US?
In the United States, the purchase tax, also known as sales tax, varies according to the state and municipality in which the purchase is made.
The purchase fee is added to the product price and can vary from 0% to more than 10%. On average, the buying rate in the United States is around 6% to 7%, but this can vary greatly depending on location.
For example, the state of Oregon has no purchase fee, while the state of Louisiana has an average purchase rate of over 9%. Some states have lower purchase rates for certain types of products, such as food and clothing. Also, some cities add an additional fee to the state purchase rate.
It is important to remember that the purchase tax is added to the price of all products, including items purchased in stores, restaurants, hotels and services. Therefore, it is important to take the purchase rate into account when making purchases in the United States, to avoid unpleasant surprises when paying.
What is the best way to pay for purchases in the USA?
It depends on your personal needs and your preferred payment method. Here are some popular options:
Credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in the United States and are a convenient and secure payment option. Most establishments accept credit cards, including stores, restaurants and hotels. Some credit cards may offer additional benefits such as travel miles or cash rewards, which can come in handy if you're planning a shopping trip.
Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards are another popular option, especially if you don't have a credit card or don't want to use credit during your trip. These cards allow you to load a specified amount of money before you travel and then use the card as a debit card at merchants. However, it is important to be aware of the fees associated with using these cards.
We really like thenomadic", it's worth a lot to not be carrying cash in physical.
Cash: Cash is still widely accepted in the United States, although it may not be as convenient as using a credit or debit card. Remember, it's important to keep your money in a safe place while traveling.
Debit Cards: Debit cards are another option, but not all establishments accept them. Additionally, there may be fees associated with using ATMs in the United States if you are using an international debit card.
Regardless of the payment method you choose, it's always important to be aware of the associated fees and ensure you have sufficient funds available to cover your purchases. Also, it's always a good idea to inform your bank about your trip before you travel to avoid having your transactions blocked on suspicion of fraud.
What is the best US shopping site?
There are several shopping sites across the United States that offer a wide variety of products at competitive prices, and choosing the best site depends on your personal needs and the type of product you are looking for. Here are some popular options:
amazon
Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce sites in the world and offers a huge range of products from electronics to clothing and food. Plus, Amazon offers free shipping on many items and subscription options to save you even more money.
eBay
eBay is another popular US shopping site, especially for used or rare items. In addition, eBay offers a wide range of new products at competitive prices.
walmart
Walmart is one of the largest retail chains in the United States and offers a wide variety of products at competitive prices. Also, Walmart has brick and mortar stores across the country, which can be convenient if you need to return an item.
Also read our article where we talk even more about shopping at: Walmart USA
best buy
Best Buy is a specialist electronics store, offering a wide variety of products from renowned brands at competitive prices. In addition, Best Buy offers additional services such as electronics installation and repair.
target
Target is a department store that offers a wide variety of products, from clothing to electronics and home goods. Target is known for partnering with renowned brands and offering competitive prices.
Remember, it's always important to compare prices and check shipping and return policies before making an online purchase. Also, be aware that some sites may not offer international shipping, so it's always important to check if the site ships to your country before making a purchase.
What is the quota for purchases in the US?
The quota for purchases in the United States is up to US$800 per person, without the need to pay import taxes. This quota is valid both for purchases made in physical stores and for purchases made online and sent to your address in Brazil.
If you exceed the limit of US$1,000, you will need to pay taxes on the excess amount. The import tax rate varies depending on the type of product and can be quite high for some items, such as electronics and designer clothing.
Additionally, there are some restrictions on what items you can bring back into Brazil. For example, it is forbidden to bring firearms, illegal drugs, counterfeit products and some types of food and plants. It is important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid problems at customs.
Please remember that this information is based on current legislation and may be subject to change. It is always important to check the latest information on import duties and taxes before traveling to the United States.
US electronics outlet stores
There are several electronics outlet stores in the United States that offer products from renowned brands at lower prices.
Here are some popular options:
Best Buy Outlet
Best Buy is one of the largest electronics stores in the United States and has several outlet stores across the country. These stores offer a wide variety of products, from consumer electronics to computer and gaming products.
Fry's Electronics
Fry's Electronics is a chain of specialty electronics stores, with stores in several US states. The stores offer a wide range of products, from computers to TVs and audio systems.
Micro Center
Micro Center is an electronics store that offers a wide variety of products, including computer components, networking equipment, printers and other electronic accessories.
B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is a store that specializes in photography and video equipment, but also offers a wide range of other electronics such as smartphones, laptops and tablets.
Tiger Direct
TigerDirect is an online electronics store offering a wide range of products from computers and peripherals to TVs and audio systems. The store also offers a specials section with even lower prices.
It is important to remember that, although outlet stores offer lower prices, the products available are not always the latest models or carry the same guarantee as products sold in regular stores. Be sure to check product specifications and conditions before making a purchase.
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