The city of Bialystok is located in the eastern part of Poland, close to the Belarusian border. Every year thousands of tourists from different countries flock here. However, not all of them go to see the numerous architectural monuments, ancient churches and palaces. Thus, for citizens of Belarus, the city has become a shopping center thanks to the largest market in this part of the country and many shops located there. From this article you will learn many interesting facts about Bialystok and what is profitable to bring from there.
general information
Bialystok (Poland) is famous for the fact that you can find any product in its markets. Here they buy high-quality food products, clothes that surprise with their high quality, household appliances, as well as souvenirs and gifts for every taste. In addition, tourists are attracted by the numerous shops and supermarkets scattered throughout the city. Those who come here not for the first time get the impression that they lose their minds when visiting shopping centers. Of course, there may be some difficulties with translation, but everyone can understand the general information. Vacationers are especially inspired by the numerous promotions that fill shop windows and store advertisements. And markets and private shops attract thrifty tourists because you can bargain with their owners and get significant discounts.
Markets in Bialystok
Those who travel to Poland for shopping are often interested in the question of why they need to visit Bialystok and what is profitable to bring from there. To answer this, we will tell you about the two largest markets of this city.
- Cavalry Market can be roughly divided into two parts. The first is the Hetman Clothes Bazaar, or Hetman Market. The second is the bazaar on Kavaleriyskaya, or the Old Market, which amazes visitors with its size. On the territory of 8.5 hectares there are more than 1,400 private shops and shops. Tourists usually buy shoes, clothes, jewelry here, and prices for the same groups of goods can differ radically from each other. That is why everyone will be able to buy what they want according to their taste and without emptying their wallet too much.
- Food night market Fasty will surprise you with a huge number of goods provided by industrial and agricultural enterprises. On a vast territory (53 thousand square kilometers) there are about 130 modern spacious pavilions offering customers the fruits of the labor of local farms.
To save tourists from the need to wander through the vast expanses of the local market in search of necessary goods, the doors of many shops are hospitably open in the city. All of them provide comfortable shopping conditions and demonstrate a high level of service. What goods are Bialystok famous for and what is profitable to bring from there:
- Clothes and shoes. Large chain stores often hold promotions that allow you to buy goods at attractive prices.
- Sporting goods. The largest center is Decathlon, where you can find equipment for almost all sports.
- Jewelry. Bialystok is considered an ideal place where you can purchase such goods for all occasions at fairly modest prices.
- Food and can be bought at any supermarket. Many people buy tea, chocolate, wine and other alcoholic drinks for future use.
If you want to find out what Bialystok is famous for and what is profitable to bring from there, carefully prepare for your trip:
- Map out your shopping plan by browsing the websites of the stores you need.
- Subscribe to the newsletters of relevant companies and find out about ongoing promotions in advance.
- Check the directions to the selected stores.
- Compare the prices of goods in Bialystok in advance with average prices in Poland.
Everyone knows that it is very profitable to go shopping to Poland. But what exactly makes sense to buy in this attractive country for tourists? What do enterprising guests from neighboring countries buy in Polish supermarkets?
TOP best buys
- In first place are household appliances and electronics. In hypermarkets in Polish cities, prices for these goods are significantly lower, and the possibility of returning VAT makes them even more attractive.
- In second place are repair products. In specialized stores, customers will find a huge selection of high-quality finishing materials, fittings, and tools. Windows, doors, floor coverings and much more are shipped from here.
- Third place in the TOP list is occupied by auto parts and auto accessories.
- The next group of popular products is clothing and shoes. Fashionistas and fashionistas know that in Polish stores you can dress fashionably and stylishly at very tempting prices.
- Children's products are also on this list. This includes baby food, clothing, hygiene products, strollers, toys, furniture, and school supplies.
- Many tourists come to Poland to buy medicines, which can also be purchased here at attractive prices. It is noteworthy that pharmacies accept prescriptions issued in Belarusian clinics.
- Household chemicals and cosmetics can always be found in the bags of tourists, even if they came for completely different goods.
- Almost all foreign buyers also take food products home. It’s hard to resist buying delicious meat products and sweets in reserve. Tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks in local supermarkets are inexpensive, so visitors to the country rarely resist temptation.
Secrets of profitable shopping in Poland
Polish shopping experts recommend preparing for your trip in advance. Visit the websites of large shopping centers and hypermarkets, compare prices in various stores, get acquainted with profitable promotions, current discounts and motivational programs.
Our website contains addresses of shopping centers and hypermarkets, and other cities attractive for profitable purchases. Study their locations in advance, see how you can get to them, pay attention to the opening hours and weekends of hypermarkets.
Please note that no more than 50 kg of cargo can be transported across the border free of charge, while large goods must weigh no more than 35 kg. For everything else you will have to pay customs duty.
In addition, there are a number of other restrictions according to which it is not allowed to transport more than one unit of household appliances and other goods from a certain list, as well as to make no more than three large purchases during one visit to the country.
No matter what restrictions the Belarusian government imposes on foreign shopping, residents of this country still prefer to shop in neighboring Poland. There are many reasons for this: regular sales and discounts, a wide range of goods and their high quality, as well as the opportunity to return value added tax in most stores, the amounts of which are sometimes quite impressive. Belarusian shopaholic tourists from among the readers of our portal talk about what is profitable to buy in Poland.
Nikolay, 41 years old, Pinsk
We have been going to Poland for shopping for many years. It's almost like a family tradition. Before restrictions on the weight of goods were introduced, we traveled every month. Now less often - once every two to three months. In order to be able to buy more in total weight, my wife and son take turns riding. Most often we buy household chemicals and detergents. My wife likes Polish cosmetics. We also buy clothes and shoes in Poland. It is, if not much cheaper, then much better quality. All other purchases are different every time. For example, we recently bought a microwave oven and an electric meat grinder at the MediaMarkt store. In total, we saved 60 USD on just these two goods, thereby paying for our trip. Among the products we buy in Poland are cheeses, red fish, sweets, and always juices and seasonings. That's probably all. Each time it comes out at least 60-65 kilograms.
Elena, 31 years old, Minsk
From Minsk to Bialystok it’s almost 350 km, so I don’t go to Poland often - once every three months. But I always type a lot. I have two children: a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. Therefore, children's clothing and shoes are first on the shopping list. I buy mainly at sales in large shopping centers and Atrium Biala. I don’t go to the market, it seems to me that a lot of things are cheaper in stores. I also buy cosmetics, perfume, and household chemicals for home. Last year in Poland I collected a briefcase for my first-grader and saved twice as much. If I travel on the eve of the holidays, I buy dishes, textiles, and household goods for gifts. I don’t buy household appliances because... I don’t understand much about it. Sometimes I buy vitamins for myself and my children.
Sergey, 53 years old, Grodno
I usually travel to Bialystok for work, so shopping is not my first priority. But I still go to some stores. Usually the spouse makes a list, and all purchases are strictly according to it. Since I travel often, I can’t carry much. Basically - something for the home. In this regard, I like small shops like Carrefour, Biedronka. There are always few people there, often many goods are on discount and you can order cotton wool. My parents are very elderly people, so I often bring them the necessary medicines from Poland. Many of them are cheaper, others simply do not exist in Belarus. Sometimes my wife goes with me. She buys clothes for me and herself, shoes. For example, in the fall we saved a decent amount on winter things. So we are planning to refresh our wardrobe for spring. Sometimes I buy spare parts for cars, they are also cheaper here.
Vladimir, 29 years old, Slonim
I am currently building a house, so all my purchases are mainly related to this. Building materials, wallpaper, repair tools, furniture, household appliances - this is how my purchases can be described in a nutshell. True, after the introduction of restrictions, I have to be very careful about such purchases: I make sure that there is no excess, I declare everything necessary. Sometimes my friends go with me, then I can buy a little more. I rarely buy clothes and shoes, I don’t like to spend a long time choosing, and in Polish shopping centers my eyes run wild. I usually go into any one and take what immediately catches my eye. I rarely look at the price: I know that ours is still more expensive.
Marina, 48 years old, Slutsk
I've only been to Poland a couple of times so far. I noticed that it is more profitable to buy household chemicals and children's products there. At my daughter’s request, I was bringing diapers to my granddaughter. They turned out to be almost three times cheaper than in Belarus. In Bialystok they bought a baby stroller at the market. Initially, the price was not much lower than ours. But after returning VAT, the purchase turned out to be very profitable. I bought textiles at the market: bed linen, curtains, rugs. Very large selection and lower prices. I don’t understand brands, so the simpler for me, the better. The main thing is that you like the look and fit in size. I bought dishes and sets of pots for myself and my daughter. At the RTVevroAGD household appliances store in Auсhan, my husband and I bought a TV and a vacuum cleaner. I am planning to buy a dishwasher for my home. The main thing is that it matches the weight. In general, shopping there is, of course, more profitable, but there are so many goods that you get lost. Therefore, it is better to have at least some wish list with you. Otherwise it is very difficult to stop.
A resident of Slutsk told Kur"er why she buys clothes, shoes and household goods in Bialystok. She shared which shopping places are worth visiting in this Polish city, where it is cheaper to dine and how to get some money back for purchases.
32-year-old Olga travels by minibus from Slutsk to Bialystok once every three to four months. And so it has been for five years. The trip costs $35. A visa, which costs 60 euros, is obtained at the consulate in Minsk. For four years, Olga had to open a visa every year and pay a fee. Now the new rules allow you to obtain a Schengen visa for two to three years.
A lucky woman takes $200-250 for a trip. This money is enough to buy food, clothes, shoes, household chemicals and other small items. Olga brings some goods to Slutsk on the orders of friends and work colleagues. A small markup on them allows you to justify the cost of travel.
Road, border and Duty Free
The minibus leaves Slutsk at 20 o'clock. The driver picks up passengers from the entrance and brings them back to the house. From Slutsk to the border it’s about a seven-hour drive. The minibus has a TV with DVD player. The driver gives passengers several discs and asks them to choose a movie.
It takes from two to four hours to cross the border.
I bring some goods from Poland at the request of colleagues and friends. A small markup on them allows you to justify the cost of travel to Bialystok
“After customs we stop at the Duty Free shop. The driver gives you 20 minutes for shopping,” says Olga. — Belarusians buy imported alcohol in the store. This is understandable: prices for alcohol are a third cheaper than in Belarus. For example, a liter bottle of good imported vodka costs $12, while here it costs $35. Duty Free and perfumes are cheaper. I buy French Escada water for $80, but here it costs $120.”
What can you buy in the markets?
It's a half hour drive from the border to Bialystok. The minibus to the night market called Fasty arrives at 4-5 o'clock in the morning. The driver allows you to walk for two hours. This is enough time for shopping, if you do not choose pavilions with queues.
“The pavilions sell tea, coffee, sweets, washing powders, and baby care products. There are almost no clothes. Only Belarusians walk along the rows, so there is no language barrier,” the interlocutor shares.
After the night market, the driver takes Sluch residents to a clothing market called Kavalerisky. It is considered one of the largest in Poland. You can buy almost everything here: from sweets to shoes, clothes, dishes, and equipment. If you doubt whether you will be allowed to cross the border with some goods, you can ask “experienced” Belarusians or the driver.
Prices at the Cavalry Market are almost the same as those at the Fasty night market. There are about 1000 pavilions. Therefore, you shouldn’t grab the first blouse or skirt you come across. You can bargain at the market. People take what is cheaper: curtains, towels, T-shirts, panties, socks, small items for resale.
As for money, Olga advises taking dollars with you. There are exchangers in the markets where American money can be exchanged for zlotys. However, sellers accept both dollars and zlotys as payment. They calculate according to the exchange rate of Polish banks.
ADVICE. To avoid trouble, carry a hand scale with you so you can periodically weigh new purchases and understand what your purchase limit is.
After the market - snack and shops
“After market shopping, we head to the Auchan and Biedronka stores. Large stores like Auchan have cafes where you can have lunch for $3-10.
There is no point in grabbing everything at the markets. The same goods can be bought in stores on the way back, warns Olga. “For example, Biedronka stores have inexpensive food and alcohol, and the Auchan hypermarket has departments with home appliances, building materials, clothes and shoes.”
Shoes, clothes and equipment can also be bought at the Biala shopping center. There are about 100 stores here.
Tax Free. How to return tax
Tax Free (or VAT) helps return value added tax (VAT) to those who purchased goods in another state. VAT rates in Poland range from 5% to 23%. The amount of your purchases must exceed 300 Polish zlotys (about 150 rubles).
You need to know about Tax Free:
- The store where you buy the goods must have a “Tax Free” sign.
- Ask the seller to issue a VAT refund form. For this you need a passport. Be sure to take your cash receipt.
- At the border with Poland, tell the customs officer that you want to apply for Tax Free. You should be given a form to fill out. Most likely, you will be asked to show purchased goods and receipts from stores.
- It is more convenient for residents of our region to receive returns at the border at a special point. But you can also return the money in Minsk at Technobank branches.
- The national currency of Poland is zloty. It is better for Belarusians to go to a neighboring country with dollars and exchange them there.
- Take with you at least $130. This is how much cash a foreigner entering Poland for up to 4 days must have with him.
- If you travel abroad once every 3 months or less, the weight of the goods transported should be no more than 50 kg per person (including 35 kg of one indivisible product, for example, a microwave oven) and a total amount of up to 1,500 euros. If more often than once every 3 months, the transported goods are limited to 20 kg with a total value of up to 300 euros.
- For goods in excess of the norm, you will have to pay duty. When traveling once every 3 months and the cost of purchases is more than 1,500 euros - 1/3 of the excess amount. In the case when the weight is over 50 kg - 1/3 of the excess weight, but not less than 4 euros per kilogram, even if the product is actually cheaper.
- When traveling more than once every 3 months and exceeding the amount of 300 euros or the total weight of more than 20 kg, you will be charged customs duty (depending on the category of goods), customs duty (20 euros or 50 euros - depending on the category of goods) and VAT.
Price comparison in Slutsk and Bialystok
Shopping in Bialystok is exactly what this Polish city, located close to the border with the Republic of Belarus (just over 50 km), is best known for. Where is the best place to go shopping, what are the features of such tours - let's talk about this in our material.
In addition to the Polish residents themselves, shopping in Bialystok also attracts buyers from other countries located not so far from it. We are talking about Belarus, Lithuania, Russia (Kaliningrad and the region) and even Latvia. If we talk about the range of goods offered, it is indeed very wide: these are food products, household appliances, electronics, goods for children, shoes, clothing, spare parts for cars, and, of course, building materials and goods for interior decoration.
Basic information
The shops located in this city are favored by the numerous discounts and promotions they offer, as well as the seasonal sales held on a regular basis. In addition, in many cases it is possible to return VAT (VAT). So, if you are interested in the best way to travel to Bialystok, you can be sure: by visiting, if not all, then at least several of its shopping centers (including Auchan, Galeria Biala and Alfa), you will definitely buy everything you need. It is here that almost all Belarusians, shopping lovers from other countries, and, of course, the Poles themselves shop.
Besides! Don’t forget about the clothing market, as well as smaller stores that specialize in selling one or another group of goods.
In numerous galleries (this is what shopping centers are called in Polish) you can find a huge selection of various brands. Moreover, these brands will be both international and international. In any case, if compared with the clothing market, then according to reviews, shopping in Bialystok is still better done in large shopping centers: there are better prices and conditions for discounts and “promotions”.
Main shopping centers
The city has several large shopping centers that will be attractive to those who are going on a shopping tour. Each of them houses not only large supermarkets (the so-called anchor tenants), but also many smaller shops and boutiques representing one or another brand.
Galeria Alfa
Of course, today it is Alfa Gallery that is the largest shopping center in Bialystok. It is located almost in the very center, and numerous stores (about one and a half hundred in total) will delight customers with a wide assortment and various product groups, including:
- Shoes for men and women.
- Cloth.
- Various accessories.
- and drugs.
- Sports equipment and much more.
Attention! In addition to shopping, visitors also have the opportunity to visit restaurants or cafes, go to the cinema or even spend time in a fitness club.
The building itself is also interesting, although this is not directly related to purchases. The fact is that it is made on the basis of an old factory building, which was built at the end of the 19th century. Here is a list of brands that are represented in Gallery Alpha:
By the way, sales are held periodically in the shopping center. Discounts can be 50% or more of the original cost of goods.
Galeria Biala
Another option for where to go shopping in Bialystok is the Byala Gallery. In addition, it is located literally not far from Alpha. So, if you have enough free time for shopping, then it makes sense to visit both shopping centers. Like Galeria Alfa, Byala is a classic large mall where you can not only make all the necessary purchases, but also have a snack in a cafe, have fun and generally have a good time.
It will be useful for shoppers to know that this shopping center also houses the Real hypermarket and the Media Markt supermarket, which offers a wide range of electronics, household appliances and other related products. Many residents of border Belarusian cities go here specifically to purchase televisions, microwave ovens, laptops, tablets and others. Purchases are also profitable because you can apply for a VAT (VAT) refund.
On a note! The convenience of this shopping center, in addition to its location in the center of Bialystok, is that there is a large free parking lot next to it.
The following brands are presented to the attention of buyers:
The list is current at the beginning of 2017 and may change over time
Auchan
Hypermarkets of the French network Auchan (some call them Auchan, which is incorrect), although they do not directly relate to the shopping centers of Bialystok, may nevertheless be of great interest to those who are going to this city in eastern Poland for shopping purposes. In total, there are 2 stores of the chain, which are located at the following addresses:
- St. Produkcyjna, 84.
- St. Hetmanska, 16.
They are essentially huge department stores where you can buy almost anything. In addition to the main trading floor, which sells food, alcoholic beverages, beer, washing powders, household goods and much more, Auchan also has separate small shops that offer men's and women's shoes, clothing, dishes and so on.
The first of the hypermarkets, which is located at st. Produkcyjna, 84, slightly larger in size. And in general, if the main assortment in them is more or less the same, then the goods offered in boutiques are mostly different. So, if you have enough time at your disposal, you can visit both.
Other shopping centers
They are somewhat smaller in size than the first two shopping centers on the list. However, they also deserve attention, if only for the reason that both have Carrefour supermarkets. We are talking about the Podlaska Gallery (Galeria Podlaska) and the Green Wzgorze Gallery (Galeria Zielone Wzgorze). Most shopping tours to Bialystok include visits to these two shopping centers.
Finally, we should mention the Park shopping center, which is located at st. Św. Rocha, 31. It is of interest to customers for such goods as shoes, clothing, cosmetics, and jewelry. In any case, you can find better prices for shopping in Bialystok if you decide to visit as many shops and shopping centers as possible.
Outlet
Outlet Białystok is a large shopping center located on Władysława Wysockiego street 67. Shopping lovers know for the opportunity to buy shoes, clothes and accessories from world fashion brands with significant discounts. Moreover, we are not talking about any temporary card sales or promotions.
Prices in the Outlet are constantly low. In addition, if the purchase amount is PLN 300 or more, you can qualify for Tax Free.
Map of Bialystok with streets and shops
Shopping centers and shops on the map are presented in Polish. However, there will be no problems with understanding in Russian, especially for experienced shoppers.
Market
Where to go shopping in Bialystok besides shopping centers? First of all, we need to remind you about, which is also located in Bialystok on the street. Cavalry. It goes without saying that a wide variety of different goods are presented there, ranging from high-quality branded items to cheap Chinese consumer goods. Here, as they say, everyone chooses what they need.
Prices on the market are usually lower than for similar products in city stores. In this case, you need to be careful, since the market is open until 1 pm. So, get there early. In addition, bad weather conditions may affect the operating hours: during such periods, many points completely suspend operations.
Things to remember
Despite the fact that the reviews about shopping in Bialystok are mostly very positive, there are some points that you should pay attention to. In other words, speaking about the benefits of shopping both with and without discounts, you should understand that a trip to Poland is not without some disadvantages. Let's look at them in a little more detail:
- Of course, not everyone is used to long queues at the border, which almost always make you wait a long time. And this, you see, is a bit of a waste of time. If you're willing to wait a few hours, this won't be a problem.
- You need to make a lot of purchases at once, because going for just sneakers or jeans, of course, is not profitable. Low prices will be “overshadowed” by the costs of travel, visas, gasoline, and so on.
- If we are talking specifically about an organized shopping tour, and not about an independent trip, then the obvious disadvantage is that when visiting most stores you will not have enough time. For successful and well-thought-out purchases, you need to take your time; in the case of clothes and shoes, try them on several times; when choosing household appliances, study several alternative models. In a hurry, you can buy either unnecessary or unsuitable goods.
- And finally, we must not forget about the rather strict restrictions that you will have to face at customs. This concerns, first of all, residents of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Buyers should clearly know exactly what requirements apply to goods transported across the border.