Where it's more profitable to fly for shopping

Summer is coming to an end. This means it's time to review your wardrobe and go shopping for new items. Of course, no one will forbid you from visiting a nearby shopping mall to make purchases. 

Just as you might embark on a journey in search of a new wardrobe. We've compiled a list of countries where you can go shopping and experience a little adventure at the same time. 

Turkey

The first option that comes to mind, and immediately the right one, is to get to Istanbul without transfers and go shopping. It's most profitable to buy items in liras, for which it's best to exchange your current currency at local banks. 

One of Turkey's specialties is light industry and leather goods. Therefore, bet on buying leather bags, jackets, coats, as well as bed linen, bathrobes, knitwear, and loungewear. Be sure to visit local markets. You'll definitely find leather goods there at a good price — bargaining is always welcome. 

• Alanya. If you find yourself in this resort town and are tired of basking on the Mediterranean coast, go shopping at Alanyum. Here you can buy items from Zara, Mavi, LC Waikiki at a good price. Or check out Novamall for H&M, Levi's, or Calvin Klein;
• Antalya. Instead of a thousand shopping centers, it's better to just go to Terracity. You can get there by bus from any hotel area in Antalya to choose something from beloved brands like Bershka, Puma, Nike, Diesel, Camper, Oysho, Massimo Dutti, New Balance; 
• Istanbul. You are in the main tourist hub, in Istanbul, from where you can go anywhere in the world. But there's no real point in going elsewhere for shopping from here — shopping in Istanbul is an entertainment in itself. Head to Mall of Istanbul, one of the largest shopping centers. The most popular stores for shopping here are Adidas, Asics, Columbia, Dyson, Lee, Pull&Bear, Under Armour. In fact, there's plenty to explore here — four floors, over 350 stores, and even an entertainment center for family shoppers.

UAE

To fly to Dubai, but not plan for shopping, is a big mistake. Most often, people come to this emirate to buy premium brand goods. For expensive industrial goods, you can arrange tax free with a special receipt, which Russians readily use. However, beloved budget brands that have left the Russian market can also be found here.

If you want to shop to your heart's content, it's best to come with dollars — their exchange rate is the most favorable against local dirhams. Be sure to check out these places: 

• Dubai Mall. One of the most accessible and popular shopping centers to visit. The range of brands is wide — for example, you can buy Valentino, Balenciaga, Max Mara, Hermes, Zara and Zara Home, Pull & Bear, Cartier, and the much-loved Uniqlo;
• Dubai Marina Mall. This mall is located near the "Ain Dubai" Ferris wheel. Dropping by here after a walk through the hot city is perfect. Popular brands here include Birkenstock, COS, Ecco, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and even the Russian brand 12Storeez;
• Mall of the Emirates. Also an excellent option for those in the city center. The mall features brands like Boss, Brioni, Converse, Guess, Pinko, and loungewear and lingerie brands Oysho and Victoria's Secret.

South Korea

Buy Korean brands in Russia? Why, when you can fly to Seoul, buy clothes 20-30% cheaper, and see an authentic place at the same time. The main thing is to exchange currency for South Korean won and not plan to export art objects from the country without declaration. 

Don't forget to add Korean cosmetics, jade bracelets, and traditional hanbok attire to your shopping list. Here's where you should definitely go shopping:

• Myeongdong Street. A huge district constantly packed with tourists and locals. Be sure to check out 8seconds, the largest Korean Uniqlo, Top Ten, and local cosmetic stores like Missha, Skinfood, Holika Holika;
• Lotte World Mall. In this large shopping center, you can buy premium segment goods, such as Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, as well as local clothing and cosmetic brands with very high quality;
• COEX — not only a shopping center but also an exhibition center with an area of 165,000 sq.m. It also houses a huge aquarium, popular restaurants, a conference hall, and, of course, many retail spaces. At COEX, you can buy items from many beloved brands like Zara, Furla, Gucci, Style Nanda, and H&M. 

China

A country where all tourists from Russia will definitely be welcomed. Especially those who want to contribute to the Chinese economy and spend some yuan on shopping. It's best to exchange rubles for local currency at Russian exchange offices right away, so you can buy things without worrying about card acceptance in various stores. 

Yuan in your pocket? Great! Here are the best places for shopping in China: 

• New South China Mall in Dongguan city in the south is considered one of the largest in the country and the fifth largest in the world. The mall is divided into thematic zones by country, each selling local brands — Paris, Rome, Egypt, and others. Of course, you'll find Adidas with Bershka, and Bvlgari with Hermes here. You'll need to set aside at least a day for shopping to explore the mall and try on everything you want;
• Oriental Plaza Mall. This complex is located in the capital of China, so for shopping, you will need to get to Beijing. It includes six shopping centers where you can buy premium segment items, brands familiar to us (and, unfortunately, gone from the Russian market), and local Chinese brands. Among other things, be sure to try the local street food here;
• China Plaza. Welcome to Guangzhou! "China Plaza" is a shopping center where you are unlikely to buy premium segment items, but you can bargain in any small shop you like. The location is loved primarily for the abundance of digital technology, jewelry, and clothing. No wonder, as the retail spaces here occupy a full nine floors.

By the way, new tax-free rules in China have come into effect. Familiarize yourself with them before your trip to make your purchases more profitable. 

Thailand

Tickets to Bangkok are already bought, plans to exchange rubles for baht at SuperRich or Value+ exchange offices in Bangkok are set, but you haven't figured out where to buy what? Time to clarify! 

Tourists bring literally everything from Thailand — from dried mangoes and medicinal ointments to branded items. Shopping can be anything — from a noisy open-air market with the familiar "changing clothes behind a cardboard box" to a luxurious boutique. Let's talk about a few options:

• MBK Center. If you want to start shopping for souvenirs, shoes and clothes, and leather goods at good prices, then you definitely need to visit this shopping center. In addition to shopping, MBK offers cinemas, a bowling club, karaoke, and even an internet cafe for those who can't live without freelancing in their free time;
• Central Phuket. When you come to this shopping center in Phuket, unlike MBK, you can expect a premium segment. Here you'll find Louis Vuitton, a Rolex boutique, and Versace. Still, we believe most will want to see new arrivals from Asics, Calvin Klein, and Uniqlo, which have left the domestic market. In short, there's plenty to splurge on if you've saved up baht for shopping;
• Central Village Bangkok Luxury Outlet. 170 stores, each selling items with discounts of up to 80%, are at your disposal if you visit this outlet. "Central Village" features Anta, Champion, Diesel, Dyson, and other brands. 

Vietnam

In principle, Vietnam is a place where it would be difficult for anyone to do without shopping. Here you can affordably buy silk clothing, ceramics, and pearl jewelry. 

Additionally, Nike, Adidas, and other popular brands produce their collections in the country, so prices for these brands' products in Vietnam are slightly lower than in the rest of the world. Here's where you should definitely go shopping:

• Vincom Center. To visit this mall, you need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the largest cities in southern Vietnam. After visiting the Reunification Palace and strolling through Ben Thanh Market with its authentic goods, you'll definitely want to buy something familiar at GAP, Geox, H&M, Massimo Dutti, and other popular stores. Of course, we also don't recommend staying without a cup of coffee at Starbucks!
• Nha Trang Center. And in Vietnam's beach capital, Nha Trang, there's also a magnet for shopaholics — the eponymous shopping center. Here you can buy items from Levi's, Kappa, Nike, DKNY, Samsonite. If you don't want to stray far from the mall, you can stay in the adjacent Diamond Bay Hotel. 
• Aeon Mall. If you find yourself in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be sure to visit Aeon to shop at Uniqlo, Skechers, Li-Ning, and enjoy a delicious meal on the third floor. The latter is strictly mandatory after a long shopping spree!

Kazakhstan

You can also go to CIS countries to buy a couple of new items without unnecessary transfers in Abu Dhabi or Istanbul. However, here you need to be bolder, more agile, and skillful to keep up with the assortment that your compatriots also liked!

The coolest shopping centers are located in major cities of Kazakhstan — Almaty and Astana. It's quite easy to get here to shop in comfortable conditions: 

• Esentai Mall in Almaty. Primarily, people come here for premium brands — Brunello Cucinelli, Bvlgari, Chopard, Valentino, Jimmy Choo. You won't find familiar Uniqlo, Zara here, but there's a selection from the middle segment — EA7, Lacoste, and Pinko;

• Dostyk Plaza. This is definitely worth visiting in Almaty if you've already bought all your luxury items at Esentai Mall. Here you can buy items from Pull&Bear, LC Waikiki, Jo Malone, Zara, Benetton, and other brands you might have missed;
• Khan Shatyr. A popular destination for shopaholics who have flown to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This mall houses MAC, Reebok, Timberland, Massimo Dutti, Zara, and other great stores. Besides shopping, there are plenty of other entertainments — an indoor beach club on the fifth floor and an amusement park on the fourth. 

Belarus

A place where you're always welcome, even without a foreign passport! Here they'll feed you deliciously and dress you stylishly. The main thing is to exchange your usual rubles for Belarusian ones, so you don't have to worry about card failures. 

If you're buying tickets to Minsk and are looking for the best shopping centers, then be sure to visit these:

• "Zamok" — a shopping center with over 170 stores. Most shoppers visit Lacoste, KLJ JEANS, Marella, Guess. It's easy to take a break from shopping in a cozy cinema or a nice cafe;
• Dana Mall. A large shopping center where you can spend the whole day, with breaks for food and entertainment. Be sure to check out Etam, Zara, ZNWR, Pull & Bear, New Balance, and Belaruski Lyon;
• Galileo Mall. An excellent place in the south of Minsk, where people come for shopping and delicious food at local cuisine restaurants. Here you'll find Adamas, D7F, Calliope, Zarina, and other great shoe and jewelry stores.

Armenia

Hiking in the mountains, tasting the best shashlik, and going shopping — it's a sacred duty if you have flown to Yerevan!

In Armenia, they also love bright brands and a cool, distinctive style, which is easy to cultivate by strolling through local small shops in the neighborhood and through shopping centers. We'll help you decide on the latter: 

• Yerevan Mall. It's best to come here for international brands, such as Zegna, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Escada. Of course, many familiar brands like Mango, MAC, Zara, Lacoste are also found here; 
• Dalma Garden Mall. An excellent shopping center if you want to buy new collections from well-known budget brands such as Bershka, New Yorker, GAP, Zara, Stradivarius, Aldo, Marks&Spencer, Pull&Bear;
• RIO Mall. A great mall for buying Lacoste, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Women Secret, Pepe Jeans. A special shout-out for the food courts with national cuisine and a small zoo with exotic animals.

Georgia

Perhaps one of the most popular destinations recently among tourists is to Tbilisi. Delicious wine, hearty food, and always a good mood, with which strolling through shops is a pure pleasure. 

Be sure to visit local second-hand shops if you like to "hunt" for something special. For more conventional purchases, visit these shopping centers:

• Tbilisi Mall. This mall deserves your attention on any visit to the capital of Georgia — the most fashionable budget brands are located here. Lee, Tommy Jeans, Kaba, Nike, and others. During a break from shopping, be sure to try Georgian cuisine;
• Galleria Tbilisi. Perhaps one of the "richest" malls in the capital for trendy brands with good quality. Be sure to check out boutiques like Diesel, Gant, Marc O'Polo, and don't miss H&M;
• East Point. Finally, we've left a very "substantial" shopping center, home to about 150 brands, including Georgian ones. The most popular stores for shopaholics are Wrangler, Massimo Dutti, Etam, DeFacto, and Bershka.

We wish you to shop to your heart's content and not exceed your baggage allowance!