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Visiting Russians Taking Advantage of Deals
More Russians who visit Estonia appear to be shopping in Narva for commodities that have grown expensive on their side of the border.
While the EU visa requirement for Russian citizens means the phenomenon is nowhere near that of Finnish "vodka tourists" who travel to Tallinn, two major supermarket chains decided to join the ranks of electronics stores and more premium merchants that offer tax-free shopping.
Vodka is in any case among the dwindling number of items that are still cheaper in Russia, others being tobacco and medicines.
But Russians are buying premium liquor, candy, canned goods and Estonian cheese, many of these being recognized brands even before 1991.
Purchases made at stores that display a tax-free sticker, such as the Rimi and Maxima superstores, are eligible for value-added tax refunds at the border. On the minimum eligible purchase of 38.5 euros it is possible to get up to 4.8 euros back. The refundable percentage increases on larger purchases.
The average purchase is slightly under 100 euros, according to a manager with Rimi.