Shopping, like everything else, is just a little different in Eastern Europe. With these few tips, you can learn to shop safely and without confusion.
1. Soviet-Style Shops
Many shops have gone to the Western style of checking out—that is, you take your purchase to a single cashier and directly exchange money for your purchase. However, a few stores are still run as in Soviet times. This means you may have to talk to the person behind the counter, ask for the item you intend to purchase, and then pay a cashier. The cashier will give you a receipt that you will take back to the original sales person. Once they see this receipt, they will hand you your purchase.2. Shopping Bags
Many stores still do not have shopping bags available for use; you are expected to bring your own. Fold up a plastic shopping bag and stick it in your pocket, or you may be able to purchase a bag outside or nearby the shop. Many Eastern European families save plastic bags. You will find that, for protecting belongings from inclement weather, these bags are ideal (better than a backpack or purse) which is why many Eastern Europeans can be seen using them for non-shopping errands as well.3. Checking Bags and Coats
Many shops (and museums and libraries too) will expect you to check anything larger than a small woman’s purse. Some will offer lockers for you to use while you shop, others will have a coat and bag check. Make sure that all of your important documents and expensive belongings (camera, mobile phone) are in something smaller that you can take with you—it never hurts to be cautious.4. Change
Money isn’t often handed directly from person to person after completing a transaction. There is often a dish at the counter for laying money or for giving change. This is a cultural aspect that is sometimes forced upon you—you may find that the cashier will direct you to use this dish with a gesture.
Some smaller stores do not have change available for larger bills. Either use smaller bills (exact change is often appreciated), or use a currency exchange to break large bills.
