Supermarkets are usually open on Monday to Saturday from 8.00 or 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 or 8.00 p.m. In larger cities, you will find more and more supermarkets open twenty-four hours a day. Many are also open on Sundays from around 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 or 6.00 p.m. Smaller food shops are often closed on Sundays and may close earlier or later on other days. (See also the 'Food' section.)

If you come from a country with a very different climate, you may also need to buy some clothing when you get here. Clothing shops, shoe shops and department stores are usually open on Monday to Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 or 6.00 p.m. Department stores sell clothing plus such household goods as bed-linen, towels, clocks and/or kitchen utensils.