France wants to give me money?!

Ohhh, look what I came across today. I was all about saving my money as much as possible until I saw this. Now all I want to do is go shopping:

Non-EU residents are eligible to receive a refund of the Value Added Tax (VAT, or détaxe TVA in French) on goods purchased in France. This is 12-15% for regular goods, up to 33% for luxury goods (no refunds applicable for food, beverage, tobacco products, postage stamps, weapons, cultural treasures, and consumer vehicles).


How it Works

• Find a participating store (not every store wants to bother with the paperwork, nor are they required); all department stores and most luxury shops offer the refund. Look for the Tax-Free sticker on the door of smaller boutiques.

• Spend over €175 within one store on the same day.

• The shop assistant will fill out a special form (you’ll need your passport or a copy) that you need to keep with your receipt.

• Have the form stamped at the airport customs desk before leaving the EU. Give yourself an extra hour at the airport for this. Have the items purchased handy in case customs agents want to see them. Mail the form back to the store (many provide pre-addressed envelopes for this) within three months to receive the refund by credit card or check.

It's decided. I'm buying a REALLY nice pair of shoes and/or a REALLY nice handbag. I deserve it.
This is also really good news for anyone wanting to shop in Europe. I did a little research and this is true all over the EU.

Happy shopping!

Getting Euros

Yesterday morning Nicole and I went to open a French bank account, which wasn't an easy process. We finally found a bank where people  kind of spoke English, called BNP Paribas, and we found that they have an agreement with our school. This agreement basically gives us 50 euros for signing up with them and doesn't charge any fees at all throughout the semester. Pretty good deal. So, when we went in for our appointment we were, of course, greeted by a lovely lady who scorned us for not speaking French, asking us what we are doing in France without speaking the language. Of course, she said this all en francais, but I had no doubt what she was saying. Her body language and tone said it all.

That's been the most frustrating thing so far: being able to understand (somewhat) what people are saying, and not being able to say anything back. That angry lady had a valid point though, I need to make a better effort to learn the language here.

I know how weird and frustrating it is sometimes back in Canada when I meet people from Quebec who can't speak a word of English, or at least refuse to do so. So, I understand where this angry madame was coming from...

Anyways, the lady who helped us out with opening our accounts actually did speak fluent English which was a huge relief. Hopefully our debit cards will be sent in the mail in the next week or so. My friend Ben and Ryan said that their cards didn't work once they came, so I'm hoping our cards work!
So right now, considering I'm down to my last 100 cash euros and my Visa card, I should really try and limit my spending. However, this will be tough because I am going to Milan for the weekend. One of the shopping capitals of the world. No big deal.
So, my next blog post will be about being in Italy, which kind of goes against the point of this blog, but oh well! Hopefully you all won't mind.

A bientot! Have a great weekend!
xxxxx