As a tourist, shopping in Paris can feel intimidating and a bit like a battlefield- the choice, the prices, the pure chic. It’s hard to manoeuvre around these factors to find something that fits both body and budget, so many people end up either paying too much for designer goods in the big ‘name’ department stores, or looking longingly into shop windows but returning home empty-handed. It doesn’t have to be that way!

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed any longer-take heed of the following hints from this Paris expat. Soon it will be second nature to claim money back on purchases, chase discounts and find bargains. Learn to start negotiating Paris shopping like a true ‘Parisienne’.

The first step is to take a passport along when shopping. If spending over 175 euros in one place, ask the shopkeeper to fill out the ‘détaxe’ refund form, which entitles the customer to the entire VAT (value added tax) back. This can be a significant discount*. Don’t forget to go to the DÉTAXE (tax back) desk at the airport to hand in the form, before checking in. They will sometimes ask to see the goods.

It’s not really worth buying anything that is already available in the U.S. or U.K, such as Prada, Gucci or YSL, as thanks to the current exchange rates it is all now more expensive in euros. Try to avoid that temptation and shop only at stores that aren’t yet found back home.

Discover more up-and-coming French designers too, and friends back home definitely won’t be able to get their hands on something even vaguely similar. Try Zadig & Voltaire, Comme des Garcons and Comptoir des Cotonniers for starters, they’re hugely popular in Paris. For a bigger French name, try Agnes B.

If determined to shop Paris to death, be savvy and coincide the cravings with the sales in January and July. However, if bargain hunting in some of Paris’ biggest fashion emporiums (Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, Bon Marche) at this time, be prepared to encounter post-apocalyptic scenes of horror, as women scramble for Chanel at 70% off.

Zone into the neighbourhood boutiques, there are plenty of them, no matter which arrondissement. These are the French girls’ fashion secret-they vary in price and style but they carry basics with a slight twist to the main chain stores, ensuring a slightly more personal look.

Private sales. These are usually kept pretty darn quiet. Boutiques will invite their best customers to view the collections before they go on sale to the general public, meaning the best buys often get snapped up before most people get a chance. No, it’s not fair, but don’t worry, there’s still bargaining room. If in Paris just before the designated sales start, make a point of asking the shopkeeper if the item in question will be on sale, whether the item can be put on hold and when the pre-sales will be. Any of these three questions often lead to an immediate discount.

Keep eyes especially peeled for clothes ateliers-these are often small boutiques- by a designer/seamstress who is selling her own creations. They are unique and relatively cheap, all handmade, and the quality will be excellent-couture at high street prices.

‘Depot Vente’. Praise them. No, depot in this instance has nothing to do with transit terminals, it’s French for consignment stores. This is another secret as to how Parisiennes can look so frighteningly chic on a limited budget. If the thought of second hand designer duds raises no objections, Paris has some wonderful treats in store. The condition is always superb and freshly dry-cleaned. The women who sell their clothes here are often suffering from ‘buyers remorse’, more often than not the clothes have barely been worn twice, if at all. Try Chercheminippes on the rue du Cherche Midi, and Reciproque on the rue de la Pompe, though depot ventes are also scattered across the city.

‘Friperies’, or vintage shops are also a supply of fun and inexpensive clothes. As elsewhere these can be a bit of a mixed bag, and a little rummaging must be done, but Paris has a great selection. For upscale designer vintage, make your way to Didier Ludot, 20-24 Galerie Montpensier, For more funky and affordable fripperies, head to the rue du Charonne where there’s plenty of choice.

Lastly, with all the successful shopping trips coming from these tips and hints, bring along an extra collapsible suitcase!

* Around 15% at the time of writing

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