You can purchase products made in Hungary for a much lower price in Romanian stores, for half or even a third of the price in Hungary. The reason is not too simple, as inflation in Romania is similar to that in Hungary, but for some, taking a trip to do their weekly or monthly shopping is still worth it.
Customers are willing to travel to spend less on groceries
According to Telex, Romania is also affected by inflation. Especially sugared products have become more expensive on the other side of the border, but they are still cheaper than in Hungary and the selection is wider. Many also claim that the quality of the products available in Romania is better. For example, many Hungarian customers specifically hunt for Hungarian products in the stores of a Romanian city close to the border, Nagykároly (Carei), because strangely, they are available to purchase for much cheaper, in some cases even for half the original price.
As the number of people intrigued by the promise of a good deal increased, a new Facebook group was created by Levente Lintényi, to collect information on the stores and prices. He states that today, it has 9000 members, growing rapidly, by 2000-3000 members a week. He wanted to help others who also wanted to save some money, as it is absurd that a product which is made 20 kilometres away from his hometown in Hungary is much cheaper to buy in Romania. For example, a sausage produced in Hungary costs RON 24.49 (EUR 4.92) in Romania. In Hungary, it would be HUF 4,389 (EUR 11.39).
Why are Romanian stores cheaper?
Photo: depositphotos.com
In Romania, the VAT levied on staple foods is only 9 percent, while in Hungary, it is 27 percent. Most customers do their shopping at the beginning of the month after they get paid, as Lintényi said, some of the members of the Facebook group summarise their savings in spreadsheets, or give each other advice to help in any way they can. Petrol is also cheaper in Romania, so the ones who refuel might save some more money.
Many people believe that the products sold in Romania are of better quality, although it used to be the other way around. It needs to be added that not everything is cheaper in Romania, although sales are more significant. Now, shopping lists include washing capsules, pasta, oil, meat, cider, flavoured beers, children’s snacks, fruits and vegetables, rice, and frozen pastries. Some even buy children’s clothes in Romania.
Other popular destinations in bordering countries
As we previously reported, it is not a new sensation for Hungarians who live close to the border to do their shopping in a neighbouring country. However, the number of people to do so in the last couple of months has increased, and Slovakia is becoming a popular destination as well. Hungarian customers have been willing to travel more to shop in a neighbouring country recently. Based on several reports, Komarno is becoming a favourite destination among customers even for those who live more than a hundred kilometres away from the Slovakian border.
This also means that these shops might take the revenue of the ones located in Hungary. Kaufland might be the biggest winner of these purchases, as it is one of the most popular ones, with the fact that the chain doesn’t operate a store in Hungary. Stores like Lidl and Tesco are also popular, even though their products are available in Hungary.
Read also: