What to bring from Italy - souvenirs, gifts, products. List with photos and prices. Souvenirs from Italy - what to bring as a gift? What can you bring from Italy as a souvenir

Leaving the Apennine Peninsula You certainly won't leave empty-handed. In your suitcase, there is probably a place reserved for interesting souvenirs and gifts for yourself and friends.

But how to choose something really necessary and original from a variety of Italian things that will please you and delight your loved ones?

What gifts and souvenirs to bring from Italy?

famous pasta. For most, it is associated with pasta or, in other words, pasta. For yourself, you can buy ordinary spaghetti in a simple package, the price for them is low - about a dollar per package.

Pasta of original shapes and various colors in a beautifully designed box will cost more - about $ 5.

Cheese. Italy is famous for its variety of cheeses, so you can treat yourself and your family by bringing some rare cheese from a specialized boutique. In addition, each province produces its own special varieties.

Olive oil. Italy is considered to be the leader in the production of olive oil in the whole world. The variety of olive varieties and craftsmen, who pass on their experience from generation to generation, allow us to create ever new shades of taste.

Olive oil in a glass package will cost less than in a metal one, but it is dangerous to transport it in a breakable container.

Sweets. Italy is a paradise for the sweet tooth. In sweets shops you can find an abundance of chocolate with various flavors, all kinds of desserts and cookies.

But the most popular Italian dessert is tiramisu. It is believed that it is in Italy that they make it tastiest.

If you are vacationing in the country for Christmas, be sure to bring Christmas Easter cakes Panettone and Pandoro.

Treat yourself to a famous Italian prosciutto ham or salami sausage. Both are best purchased in vacuum packaging so that the products do not deteriorate on the road.

And, of course, the world famous italian coffee. Drinking coffee in Italy is elevated to a special cult.

An incredible number of varieties of this drink from different manufacturers are sold in the country, but it is better to give preference to the most famous brands - Lavazza and Illy.

Very popular in Italy Sun-dried tomatoes. Moreover, in company stores they are not cheap - from 6 to 10 dollars per pack. If you want to save money, look for them in supermarkets.

Tomatoes can be added to spaghetti or soaked in olive oil for a great savory snack.

Worth paying attention to Italian pesto sauce made from basil. Italy is the birthplace of this sauce, the inhabitants add it to many products: salads, pasta, meat, etc.

In the markets you can buy all kinds dried herbs and herbal mixtures. Both traditional (basil, parsley, oregano, red pepper) and local ones grown in each region are popular.

Wine

Italian wines are popular all over the world, and the country is one of the top five wine producers. The main types of Italian wine - white Bianco and red Rosso.

Each region of the country has its own wine, which is a must-try. You can also buy classic wines such as Lambrusco, Chianti or Bardolino.

And don't forget the famous Italian lemon liqueur Limoncello. Original bottles from souvenir shops will cost you more than regular containers from the supermarket. And you will definitely not feel the difference in taste.

What to bring from Italy? Edible souvenirs.

Medications

Vacationers even bring medicines from Italy, believing that this country produces better and more natural medicines.

tourists buy children's cough syrups, various vitamins and supplements to strengthen the immune system, eye drops, thermal water and preparations based on propolis.

More serious drugs are dispensed in Italy by prescription, so you are unlikely to see them on the free market.

One of the most popular brands of cosmetics in Italy is called KiKoMilano. This brand is of good quality and budget price.

Good reviews can be heard about the Italian cosmetic brand Collistar, which includes a wide range of varnishes, mascaras, lipsticks, blushes, etc.

Souvenir products

Standard souvenirs like fridge magnets or painted plates can be found in any country. But there are cute little things that reflect the spirit of Italy and are firmly connected with the people of the country, its culture and traditions.

Rome is the most visited and popular city in Italy. Why not get acquainted with its sights right now, with the help of?

Carnival masks. Traditionally, the homeland of masks is, but at present these products can be found throughout Italy. Masks will serve not only as an excellent gift for loved ones, but also stylishly fit into your interior.

Murano glass products. The glassblowers of Murano Island have long been famous for their talent for making all kinds of glass jewelry. They say that they were even forbidden to leave their dwelling, so as not to take out the secrets of glass making.

Throughout the country, you can buy cute trinkets, beautiful jewelry, interior items made of Murano glass.

fashionable scarf. In Italy, a scarf is a must-have daily accessory, so you won't find this selection of scarves anywhere else. The cheapest ones can be found in the gift shop, where they are presented in different styles and colors.

What to bring as a gift?

Close people will be grateful to you if you do not forget about them and bring a souvenir from the sunny country. What else can you bring from Italy as a souvenir? In addition to the options described above, you can come up with a few more gift ideas.

To kid

It will not be difficult for a child to choose a gift from Italy. They may become:

• famous doll Epifania (Befana), which is similar to the Russian Baba Yaga. Befana is a good witch, she visits children before the feast of the Epiphany in order to leave them gifts;
• Pinocchio. This is a fairy-tale character whose birthplace is Italy. You can call it Italian Pinocchio. In the country you will find Pinocchio dolls of different sizes - from small ones that fit in the palm of your hand to huge, human-sized ones.

woman

For a girl as a present is perfect:

• lace products from the island of Burano: lace blouses, tablecloths, napkins and various accessories;
• souvenir figurines, for example, Romeo and Juliet of Verona or Madonna;
• renowned balsamic vinegar, widely used in cuisines around the world, as well as other seasonings and spices;
• italian shoes and bags of high quality.

Also, female representatives will be happy to receive something from local sweets, a bottle of real Italian wine or a set of cosmetics as a gift.

man

Men as a gift will like:

• antique writing set, leather folder or wallet, envelopes or paper with the coat of arms of Italy. All this can be found at the fair of artisans, which are available in almost all parts of the country;
• souvenirs with Ferrari logo– car models, key rings, paintings, etc. The specialized shop is located in Milan;
• football paraphernalia legendary teams Inter, Milan, Juventus.

Italy is a country of excellent shopping and there you can find many different gifts for yourself and friends. But the most important thing is to choose a gift with love. Then you and your loved ones will definitely be delighted with overseas things.

Dynamic Milan - these cities leave a lasting impression. To extend them, I want to please myself and loved ones with some souvenirs. Decide, what to bring from Italy not so easy: the country offers a wide selection of all kinds of knick-knacks. We have compiled a short list of the most interesting and useful souvenirs that will definitely bring positive emotions to their owners.

Souvenirs

In any Italian city, sellers will persistently offer you a pair of magnificent Venetian masks. Lush feathers, skillful velvet and silk trimmings, rhinestones shimmering in the light turn this souvenir into a real work of art. One minus - they are very fragile, so think in advance how you will pack them.
A good gift from Italy would be the puppet hero Pinocchio, known to Russian children under the name Pinocchio. If you are vacationing in Sicily, you will certainly bring a puppet, because this place is considered the birthplace of the puppet theater. In you can find fairy Befana - this kind old lady is known for giving sweets to little bambini.

Boys will certainly like souvenirs with Ferrari symbols. Miniature cars for games, T-shirts and caps with an emblem - which of the men refuses to show off in such!
Colleagues and friends can be pleased with miniature sights: the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pantheon ... Such souvenirs, along with magnets, are in great demand!
Italy is a religious country, so there will be no shortage of all kinds of paraphernalia like rosaries, icons and images of the Pope.

crafts

Murano glass products are highly valued. Murano Island has been famous for its glassblowers for centuries. Jewelry, interior items and quite practical vases - choose for every taste and budget!
The island of Burano is famous for its lace. A small openwork collar, cape or even an umbrella will impress any girl.

Practical gifts

Italy is on a par with being a trendsetter. Do not miss the chance to buy a stylish scarf in a store or kiosk - the choice is huge. It will be a good souvenir for both women and men - the main thing is to choose the right color.
Moleskine diaries do not lose their popularity and relevance even today. This is a great status gift for a connoisseur of such gizmos.

Products

What to bring from Italy edible? Of course, pasta! Nowhere in the world you will find such a number of products from different types of flour and with incredible tastes. And what is pasta without pasta? The Barilla brand has been a leader for many years.
Italian wine deserves special attention. Small inconspicuous shops and chic expensive shops offer a huge selection of drinks. Usually tourists are captivated by the taste and aroma of Chianti.
The amazing Limoncello liqueur is produced in southern Italy. It is a juicy alcoholic drink made from lemon peel, sugar and alcohol. Small portions of liquor during lunch contribute to better digestion.
Italian coffee would also be a great gift. A pack of Segafredo or Illy by its very appearance will remind you how the narrow streets of Rome come to life in the morning from an invigorating smell.
Italy is considered a famous producer of olive oil. If you have the opportunity to go on an excursion to the olive groves, do not miss the chance! At the same time, you will get a beautiful and useful edible souvenir. Olio Extravergine is considered the highest quality.
In terms of the quality of cheeses, Italy is ready to compete with. Travelers willingly acquire odorous heads with a delicate taste. The leading position, of course, is occupied by parmesan.
It is difficult to resist and not buy Cantuccini cookies. Those who are lucky enough to get to Italy at Christmas time will be able to buy a special Easter cake. During the Easter holidays, you will find a cupcake in the form of a bird - Colomba on the shelves. And for the best chocolate, you need to go to Turin - this is where the Gianduiotti pyramids are made.

Every time you travel to other countries, you want to bring something special with you that would remind you of the days spent on the Mediterranean Sea. We should not forget about friends who asked to bring something interesting. What can you bring from Italy as a souvenir, besides traditional fridge magnets, and what gift should you buy for your friends and loved ones?

Shopping, shopping

Any woman knows that shopping in Italy is a special pleasure. In the major cities of Italy - Milan, and others - there are shops of leading Italian brands. It is especially famous among fashionistas - there is not a single self-respecting company that would not open its representative office or official boutique in Milan. The most desirable addresses for shopping fans are Via Borgospesso, Via Andrea, and the most promoted and top boutiques can be found on the Plaza of Spain (Piazza di Spagna).

Buy things with the coveted label "Made in Italy" It is possible both in official stores and boutiques, and in outlets. In boutiques in Italy, you can buy high-quality clothes from leading Italian and European brands, as well as bags, shawls and scarves, all kinds of accessories as a souvenir.

If you get to the sales period, you can significantly replenish your wardrobe with fashionable novelties. Outlets are not to be missed either.- the same branded and high-quality items are offered there, but from past collections. Do not be afraid of outlets and perceive them as "second-hand" - all the clothes sold in outlets are new.

But shopping in the markets should be approached very carefully. You can buy souvenirs there, but in situations with clothes, shoes and bags, there is a risk of running into a fake, and of much lower quality.

In the footsteps of the carnival

If you weren’t lucky enough to get to the annual one, don’t be discouraged: in Venice (the birthplace of the carnival) there are many shops and souvenir shops that sell carnival-themed items.

In such shops you can find luxurious masks, bouts and half masks.- their cost starts from 5-10 euros (as a rule, these are factory-made masks). The most luxurious masks, trimmed with real Venetian lace and gilding, are already handmade, so prices can soar up to 200 euros.

For example, Pinocchio is the hero of a fairy tale by Carlo Collodi. We know him as Pinocchio - a wooden boy with a long sharp nose.

The traditional heroine of fairy tales is the fairy Befana (Epifania), an old woman carrying sweets to children on Christmas night. Some toys have a secret - if you open the Befana figurine, you can find small candies inside.

Dolls that are the main characters of the Venice Carnival- Pierrot, Harlequin, Columbine. They can be made of porcelain, papier-mache, ceramics. The sizes of the dolls also differ - they can be as tall as a pencil, or they can reach the height of human growth.

Wooden puppets are very popular among tourists.

For true gourmets - what to buy from food

Italy is not only spaghetti, as many people think. But they can also be brought from a trip. By the way, as a gift, you can consider all types of pasta: the most ordinary packaging can cost only 1-2 euros, but the paste of an unusual shape or color, and even in a beautifully designed box - already 5 euros.

Unusual souvenirs, photo

Of course, souvenirs, no one returns from a trip without them. A keychain, a magnet, a mug, a figurine - all this can and should be brought with you.

• Sports souvenirs. Sports fans will appreciate things with the symbols of their favorite sports teams - Juventus, Inter, Milan. Fans of Formula 1 and the Ferrari team will be especially pleased: jackets, T-shirts, T-shirts, baseball caps, scarves and other paraphernalia with team symbols are offered in a huge assortment. Well, small travelers will be pleased with small copies of racing cars.



• Murano (Venetian) glassware. We advise connoisseurs of beauty to visit the island of Murano, located near Venice.

  For a long time, the secret of making special glass was kept secret, and master glassblowers who tried to escape from the island or sell the secret of glass were severely punished. Today, Murano glass is especially durable and elegant, and its products (figurines, lamps, unusual souvenirs and jewelry) will be an excellent gift for friends and relatives.

  All products are handmade, the products of "Vetro di Murano" with original ornaments are especially popular. The cost of glass beauty starts from 10 euros.

• Resting in Sicily, you can buy another unusual souvenir - hardened volcanic lava figurines. As an option - bring a piece of lava, making an excursion to the craters of Etna. And in Catania on the beaches you can collect volcanic sand - its unusualness is that it has a black color. A lava figurine will cost 1-2 euros.
• In Naples, everything related to is sold - literature, video discs, figurines, ceramic amphoras.



• Mini-copies of architectural sights. Coming from Italy, many tourists will certainly bring with them miniature copies of famous Italian sights -

In my picture of the world, food has always been the best gift from Italy. I ordered it for friends, and when we were there ourselves, we took with us one suitcase in reserve - for food. Cheeses, wines, olive oil, pates and sauces, pasta and various sweets were traveling back in it. After settling in Italy, I significantly expanded the range of gift ideas and, in the end, decided to summarize them in Signs. But, as you understand, there are never too many good ideas, so we read and offer our favorite food gifts from Italy in the comments - we will make an exhaustive list :)! Even if you are not gastronomy addicts like us, I guarantee: the list will come in handy.

CLASSIC

Paste

In the last few of my visits from Italy, I brought only fresh pasta as a gift to everyone. A little more hassle than with regular pasta, and the taste cannot be compared. And the delight of the recipients, by the way, too!

Nuances: pasta fresco is a homemade product, so even the simplest one tastes better than any spaghetti in souvenir packaging. Since each region in Italy has its own specialty, try to buy pasta that is typical of where you are.

Where to find: fresh departments of supermarkets, pasta shops. If you do not plan to eat immediately upon arrival or buy as a gift - look for vacuum-packed, it will last a month.

Olives

Whatever the manufacturer claims, traditional canned olives and olives in jars are tasteless :). There are two options left. First: bring and eat - buy olives in the market or in the fresh departments of grocery supermarkets. They are packed in containers, and they live quietly in them for a week. Second: bring and keep longer - look for olive in salamoia. These are olives in salted brine, which is a natural preservative and retains their flavor well. This is how Italian housewives preserve their crops for the winter: in salt and in a barrel or in a solution and in a jar. I need olives - I took it out, soaked it in water overnight to remove excess salt, put it in a jar, sprinkled it with spices to taste.

Nuances: no matter which option you choose, in order for the olives to retain their taste and aroma, they must be pitted, of different colors and sizes, and not calibrated.

Where to find: the first option is in the fresh department of any store; the second - in the markets and on the shelves, just look for it in the solution.

Aceto Balzamico

Balsamic vinegar + olive oil - an inseparable couple. It is good because it is simple, versatile (goes in salads, main courses and even desserts) and gives any food an interesting touch. Good vinegar matures for about 30 months. If the technology is followed correctly, then the vinegar begins its journey in one barrel, in a year part of the liquid evaporates, its amount decreases, and the vinegar moves to a smaller barrel. A year later, the procedure is repeated. As a result, the taste becomes tender, the texture is creamy, and the product is expensive!

Nuances: If you want to try real balsamic vinegar, keep an eye on three things: certification, price and texture. The bottle must have the abbreviation I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Protetta), a 200gr bottle can't cost less than 10-12 euros, the creamier the consistency (tilt the bottle) the better.

Where to find: one of the best - Aceto Balzamico di Modena - look in large supermarkets and gastro shops. But not everything that says "Modena" is original! Good balsamic vinegar can be bought from private manufacturers, and here is a big plus - it can be tested before purchase. Always ask for a drop to sample.

Parmesan

To begin with, real Parmesan is Parmigiano Reggiano, not Grana Padano and other cheeses with a similar grain structure and appearance.

A good Parmesan is one that matures for 12-18 months, you can use 24. The one that matures for 32 months will be spicier. By the way, its taste depends not only on aging, but also on where the cows grazed, from whose milk cheese was made. Therefore, farmers here have a head start over industrial production. The main thing is to choose the right one.

Nuances: look at a slice of cheese - the color should be the same everywhere from the middle to the crust. Sometimes it is noticeably darker near the crust - this means that the technology has been violated. Also, in the structure of good parmesan, there must be white blotches. It is not always visible when purchased, but over time it should become slightly oily to the touch.

Where to find: all kinds of cheese shops (casa del formaggio) and markets. Buy better in a vacuum, so the flavor will be better preserved.

Parmesan retains its flavor and aroma longer if kept in the freezer!

Other cheeses

Recorino- Another grand cheese, this is a family of sheep cheeses. Pecorino is usually a sweetish cheese, but, for example, Pecorino Romano from Sardinia is salty, it is generally very different: from hard mountain varieties to creamy plains. Four of its varieties have PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status: Pecorino Romano, Sardo, Toscano and Sicilianu.

Formaggio di fossa- underground cheese. It is made from sheep's milk, and for maturation it is placed in bags in special pits dug in tuff - a special rock. It can be found in central and northern Italy - wherever there are mountains. The most famous is from the town of Sogliano.

Puzzone di moena- stinky cheese from the province of Trentino, but you can find it almost everywhere. It has an intense smell and interesting taste, perfect for neutral dishes like polenta, couscous, bulgur and even rice.

Caciocavallo- it can be found by its characteristic shape. There are everywhere. Made from both cow's and sheep's milk, a very balanced taste, so it is suitable for those who do not like pronounced spiciness, salt or sweetness. Young cheese (2 months) - almost white, with age it becomes more yellow and sharper in taste.

By the way, caciocavallo belongs to formaggio a pasta filata - a family of curd cheeses. Other tasty representatives of this family:

- mozzarella (buy Mozzarella di Bufala- it has a thin crust (see in the photo?), And inside it breaks up into fibers, expressive taste. And very different from mozzarella made from cow's milk).

— provolone- sometimes Dolce (desserts, cheese plates and sandwiches) or Piccante (for snacks, pizza, salads)

Where to find: not in supermarkets! Buy in cheese and gastro shops, markets. Otherwise, you will not feel even a 10th share of the taste that the cheese should have.

sausages

Here is my principle: take any - you can't go wrong. But if you really want Prosciutto di Parma, then it’s better to go to a sausage store or a fresh department of a supermarket and ask to cut off from the leg: it is stored less, but much tastier. In a good store, you will always be shown an iron seal and the Parma sign on your leg - proof of its origin. Slicing Prosciutto di Parma in a vacuum is a different story.

And the second recommendation, standard for Italy: take the typical sausages of the region where you are - you can't go wrong. For example, nduja.

Nduja is a Calabrian pork sausage made from pork meat and hot Calabrian chili peppers. It can be eaten as slices or spread on bread like a pate. Nduya is an interesting base for many dishes and is very good as a gift.

Olive oil and wine

I have only one recommendation: try it! And buy to your taste in small wineries and olive farms. We somehow wandered into the Carlo Baldovino winery in Piedmont and were so delighted with red Barolo and white dessert wines that we became his regular customers.

Nuance: love the bright taste of olive oil - look for the inscription "olio extra vergine di" on the label. olive non-filtrato.

Where to find: if you are limited to a big city or resort, then you are on your way to Saturday farmers markets, to small shops where local farmers sell their products. And taste, taste.

zest

Dried tomatoes

Pomodoro secchi- the ideal additive for salad, pasta, soup ... only I do not put it in desserts. Or maybe I just don't know the recipe? And most importantly, it is almost impossible to make a mistake with them. You can take any variety: in a jar in olive oil, by weight in a store (they will live 3-5 days), dry in a bag.

Nuance: sun-dried tomatoes in a bag are the easiest and cheapest option. Soak overnight before use to restore shape. If you then sprinkle them with seasonings and pour over with olive oil, we get classic tomatoes from a jar.

Various pâtés

Vegetables: artichokes, olives, truffle (black/white truffles)

Fish: from sardines, anchovies, tuna, bottarga (dried tuna/mullet caviar)

Where to find: this is exactly the product for which you can safely go to the supermarket. The price-quality ratio is the best. Truffle paste is not always found there, look in small truffle shops or pasta shops.

Sauces

I give both ready-made sauces in jars and sets of spices for meat / fish / vegetables.

Nuances: If beautiful packaging is not important to you, then cool spice mixes can be taken directly from the meat or fish counter in the market. They are rarely on display, but many vendors have homemade dry mixes. Ask! Look for pasta mixes in pasta shops.

Sauces are a field for experimentation. So I'll only recommend a few.

Pesto Genovese- basil, olive oil, pecorino.

Pesto di pistacchio di Bronte- pistachios, butter, salt and pepper. Very popular in southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia.

Sugo all'arrabbiata– spicy tomato sauce – garlic, hot red pepper, tomatoes and olive oil.

Sugo alla melanzane- and here the base is eggplant. Suitable for a variety of pastas and meats.

Sugo all'amatriciana- the sauce comes from Central Italy. sauce, The main components are guanciale pork cheek, pecorino and tomatoes.

Liqueurs

Italy is more than just wine. These are also liqueurs - digestifs! Here are some hints:

Mirto di Sardegna- myrtle liqueur from Sardinia. Perfect in any form (red, white) and anywhere in the meal. Drink chilled, the fortress is about 30 degrees.

Villacidro- semi-sweet, very fragrant liquor, a typical digestif. Also from Sardinia. Strong - at 40 degrees. It has a very rich, complex taste, as it contains more than 20 ingredients.

Fernet Branca- one of many from the amaro family - bitter liquors. But I single it out among others for its unbanal taste and amazing aftertaste. At first you feel bitterness and herbal taste, and then sweetness remains on the tongue, but not cloying, but spicy. He is very young compared to other members of his family, he was invented only 165 years ago in Milan.

Amaretto- if you like to cook desserts, mix cocktails or make different cunning coffee - this is what you need.

- Nut liqueur in popularity is not inferior to Campari and Limoncello. To taste too.

FOR DESSERT

Confetti di Sulmona

They have been produced in Sulmona (Abruzzo region) since the end of the 15th century. The basis of the candy is a special variety of whole almonds Pizzuta di Avola covered with several layers of icing sugar. In Sulmon they make bouquets (as in the photo) and other artistic compositions.

Where to find: in Sulmon - in any candy store in the center, outside the city - in factory boxes in large supermarkets. Confetti is a popular delicacy in Italy, so there are many different ones, look for Sulmona production.

Chocolate di Perugia

One of the main attractions of this old university city.

Where to find: chocolate from Perugia is available in almost any store. Another thing is that these will be tasty, but standard tiles. Look for intricate versions in confectionery and chocolate shops, as well as at food festivals, if any are nearby.

Gianduja and other Turin chocolate

60% of the best Italian chocolate comes from Turin. This is me about the monster Ferrero Rocher, and about Caffarel, and other Turin chocolatiers. I recommend starting with Gianduja, a mix of chocolate and hazelnut paste, which is then combined with various flavors.

Where to find: in Turin - at every turn. In other regions of Italy - in chocolate boutiques and pastry shops.

Marmalades and jams

They often do not have enough space, money and they are heavy, because all this is a glass container. But that shouldn't stop you :). There are few things in the world that taste better than cherry jam - marmellata di amarene or marmella di visciole- the same, but a specialty of Emilia-Romagna. Ideal for cheese.

See also marmellata di prugnolo- blackthorn jam (there is a similar liquor!) or marmellata di arance amare- orange jam with a bitter taste.

Where to find: you can find it in supermarkets in the departments with bioproducts, in the market, in shops.

panforte

Yes, yes, I am aware that this is a classic Christmas cake, but so what? It is tasty, unusual, healthy and is on sale anytime and anywhere.

Nuances: panforte are different: dried apricots and almonds, dates and walnuts, etc. and so on. - look in different places. And do not take small packages - it will fly away, you will not notice - packaging as in the photo is much more economically profitable.

Where to find: Available everywhere, including Autogrill on freeways. In the photo, by the way, the Tuscan classic from Siena, which can be bought everywhere.

pasta di mandorle

Everyone knows about cantuccini - Italian biscotti with almonds, savoiardi - perfect for tiramisu, let's get something more interesting. For example, this is a Sicilian specialty - almond sweets. They contain 50-80% almond paste plus flour and sugar. Despite the fact that these cookies are one of the hallmarks of Sicily, they are so popular and loved by Italians that you can find them everywhere.

Nuances: if you happen to be in Sicily, then definitely do not miss frutta martorana- the same almond paste, only in bright colors molded in the form of fruits. Very tasty and keeps for a long time.

Where to find: in any good candy store.

Nutella

I'm not a fan, but this is the symbol and sacred cow of sweet Italy. And also a native of Piedmont. The first thing my Italian friends cooked for me was Nutella croissants. And nutella made in Italy is not at all equal to one that is made outside of it. Try it.

Where to find: in any store.

The Village asks the experts how many kilograms of food and bottles of alcohol you can safely carry in your suitcase from your vacation and how to get a VAT refund if you fly at night

• Sasha Sheveleva , April 30, 2015
• 115393

If earlier on vacation the problem of searching for souvenirs for relatives and friends sometimes baffled the Russian traveler, now it has been simplified to the obvious: you go to Carrefour, pick up a cart and pack it into a suitcase. The Village decided to ask the experts how many cheeses, jamon, Prague venison sausages and bottles of Château de Crémat you can carry with you in your suitcase with impunity and how to properly apply for a tax refund even if you are flying out on a night flight and the taxi-free kiosks are already closed, or you forgot about everything and remembered taxes only in Moscow.

Yuri Gulbin

Associate Professor, Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, RANEPA

- How many products for personal use (for example, cheese or sausages) can I import from the EU into Russia with impunity?

Restrictions on the import of products associated with mutual economic sanctions apply only to participants in foreign economic activity. As for the importation of products for personal purposes, the rules for their importation remained the same. There are no bans on the import of cheeses and sausages, except for the amount of their value (the equivalent of 10 thousand euros if you fly by plane, and 1,500 euros if you import goods by other means of transport). But food among the imported goods should not be more than five kilograms. If the product is uniform, it may be considered to be transported for commercial purposes. Alcoholic beverages can be carried in the amount of up to three liters per adult citizen.

If a citizen imports goods for personal use and there is no price tag or other document confirming the value, then this is a risk for the citizen himself. In this case, the customs officer has the right to determine the value of the goods independently on the basis of information available to him for similar goods. If a passenger bought goods worth 9,300 euros in the outlet, but does not have supporting documents, then customs officers have the right to recognize the goods as more expensive and impose a fine.

For example, legal transportation in the amount of 1,500 euros may look like this: equipment, bag, wallet, jacket, coat, all kinds of clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, hygiene products, souvenirs, food (no more than five kilograms). The right to suspect illegal import and find out the necessary information for this belongs to the customs officer.

Irina Ryabovol

representative of the travel site Momondo in Russia

- Departing from which countries can I return tax-free and how much do I need to make purchases?

The international tax-free system implies that when crossing the border back, foreign citizens will be refunded the amount of value-added tax on purchases that they purchased in the country of visit. The return value is from 7 to 22% of the purchase amount. The VAT refund system is available in 37 countries: in addition to the European Union, they refund tax in Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, Iceland, Israel, Argentina, Morocco, South Africa, Mexico, Jordan and others. In the USA and the UAE, you cannot apply for tax-free purchases, since there is no value-added tax and no other tax system.

Intermediary companies such as Global Blue, Premier Tax Free and Tax Refund Services help tourists return money. They cooperate with thousands of large and small stores around the world. For their services, they take a part of the returned amount for themselves. In countries where the main currency is not the euro, it is better to issue a refund in the national currency, otherwise the exchange rate will be unfavorable. This is all the more convenient if you plan to return or spend the savings in Duty Free.

Only a non-resident of the country who has arrived on a visit for a period of not more than three months, does not have a residence permit, a long-term work visa and is not a refugee can issue a tax refund. Some countries have special conditions for obtaining tax-free. For example, you need to make a purchase in a store that supports the tax-free system (they are marked with stickers), and the amount on the receipt of one store must necessarily exceed the limits set for each country: for example, 75.01 euros - in Austria, 154.94 euros - in Italy, 25 euros - in Germany. This is the amount of one check in one store. If you later decide to buy something else for a smaller amount, then you will not be able to receive money from this purchase, even if it was made in the same store.

When buying, ask the seller to issue a tax-free check and give him your passport or a copy of it. When leaving the country at customs, you need to get a stamp for this check, presenting purchases, a cash receipt and a passport. It is important not to unpack and use things until this moment, save all labels and seals, even if you can't wait to try on new clothes or test the gadget. After verification, checks with customs stamps will be returned to you.

Different countries have different validity periods for a tax-free check: for example, in France and the Czech Republic - up to six months, in Switzerland - a month. In Singapore, the return process is fully automated: there are machines at the airport in which you must register your purchases, and then present the issued check to the cashier.

If you happen to be at the airport outside the working hours of the tax-free pick-up point, you can drop the envelope with checks and the form into a special mailbox. The money will be sent to your card. However, it can take two or three months. The fallback option is to send a letter with checks to Global Refund from home.

Today, many banks in Russia also provide a VAT refund service for overseas purchases. The only drawback is that the bank will take its interest for cashing out and exchange money for you at its own not always favorable rate.

Mikhail Salkin

Head of the Moscow Human Rights Center

Tax-free depends on the size of the tax itself (VAT or IVA) and on the cost of its return. So, for example, in Italy it is 21%, in Spain - 18%, in Portugal - 21%.

In Italy, for example, those who take out goods and return tax-free check-in luggage not in the general order, but at a special customs window, before submitting to which they may be asked to show certain things. In Spain, it is very democratic: they put stamps without looking, and, as a rule, after passing through border control at airports, there are immediately kiosks where you can get a cash refund. In general, it all depends on the country, but it is better to follow the established rules so as not to be refused.

As a rule, the minimum purchase price for a tax-free order is 150–200 euros. The tax-free refund is always the same - 10%, everything else (regardless of the tax rate) is taken by the service company.

If you have not received a cash refund, contact a Russian bank within six months after leaving the EU.