OUR METHODOLOGY

What goes into a comparison?

A useful shopping estimate makes its evidence and uncertainty visible.

Start with an exact match

Compare the same product reference, size, material and variant. A collection name alone is not sufficient. When a market match is missing or uncertain, it should not be treated as a zero price or a bargain.

Separate facts from assumptions

An official country listing supplies a dated retail observation. Currency conversion, card fees, net refunds and return-home costs are separate inputs. A listing does not prove boutique stock, reserve an item or guarantee that a price will remain unchanged.

Make the arithmetic visible

The public worksheet calculates: foreign price × exchange rate × (1 + card fee / 100) − net refund × exchange rate + additional home costs. It compares that result with the home total you enter. It applies the card fee to the full purchase and assumes one exchange rate for purchase and refund. Those simplifications may differ from a real card statement.

Current coverage and access

The comparison collection is a private pilot. Market coverage and freshness vary by piece. The public worksheet uses your inputs; it does not fetch a current quote or determine customs classification, tax liability or refund eligibility. It stores no worksheet values on our server.

Editorial sources and review

Policy guides link to government guidance and display a review date. Official requirements can change, and a guide cannot cover every residency, itinerary or item. Review the linked source before purchase. We do not claim that this content has received individualized legal or tax review.

Corrections and independence

We are independent of the featured brands and do not sell their products. Send a correction with the page, exact reference or rule, and official source through Contact. Do not include passport, receipt identifiers or payment details.

Put the method to work

Try the shopping cost worksheet, read the comparison checklist, or explore destination-specific shopping guides.