Shopping

Tender Types

Debit cards, credit cards, and cash are most commonly used for purchases. Bargaining is customary at garage sales, yard sales, and flea markets, when buying from a private individual, and for very expensive items such as cars. Otherwise, prices are fixed.

• Cash: Accepted for most transactions; never send cash through the mail.
• Checks: Checks are rarely used in stores and in most cases you have to open a store account to use a check.
• EFT: This means using your ATM card to pay for purchases and it is allowed in supermarkets and some other businesses. You will need to enter your 4-digit PIN. Do not let anyone see your PIN and do not keep your PIN written down anywhere near your card.
• Debit Card: You must have money in your account for the purchase. The money will usually be withdrawn within one or two days.
• Credit Card: Charges will be on your next monthly bill.

Returns

Items can almost always be returned with a receipt, sometimes even when used or damaged. You will usually be asked why you are returning the item. If you do not have a receipt, you may still be able to return the item for in-store credit.

Sales Tax

Most states and cities in the US charge an extra amount for certain items you purchase. The amount varies by state and city as well as the items subject to tax. Currently, in Albuquerque, a 7.88% tax is charged for all items purchased except food and prescription drugs.

August 7^th – August 9^th is New Mexico Sales Tax Holiday! Some retailers will participate by not offering tax on certain items for the Annual Back to School Holiday. Check with retailers before purchasing.

Tips

Most students live on a very tight budget. Below are some tips for saving money:

• Buy at discount stores, second-hand stores or garage/yard sales: Discount stores like Kmart, Target and Walmart sell goods cheaply and can be found all over Albuquerque. Second-hand/thrift stores sell used goods for charity and often have items that are in good condition. Garage/yard sales are sales of clothing, furniture, books, toys, etc. by private citizens on their property. They take place most weekends and are advertised in local newspapers or by signs on the street corner; quality of items varies. Albuquerque also hosts a flea market (open-air market with used items) every Saturday and Sunday on the State Fairgrounds on Central Ave, between San Pedro and Louisiana.
• Buy during sales and use coupons: Sales are advertised and coupons are provided in newspapers or are delivered to your mailbox. Many sales occur around holidays.
• Buy off-season: Think ahead and buy your clothes for next year at the end of the previous season. In other words, winter clothes are cheapest during holiday sales at the beginning of March. Summer clothes are cheapest at the end of July or early August.
• Buy generic brands: Most stores offer a brand name item and a cheaper “generic” or store-brand equivalent (e.g., Tylenol vs generic acetaminophen). The generic items are often the same as the brand-name item for much less.
• Don’t buy at convenience stores: Convenience stores whether on or off-campus sell mostly junk food and basic necessity items at inflated prices. If you want to save money, try to avoid convenience stores.
• Check listserves and internet options: International students and scholars who are leaving Albuquerque often post items for sale on the GEO listserve. You may also want to check Craigslist or other internet sites for larger items such as cars.

Local Stores