The sales tax surcharge does seem awkward
On the other hand, that's probably why sales tax is around 5%? whereas VAT is 20%+
On the other hand, that's probably why sales tax is around 5%? whereas VAT is 20%+
Sales Tax ranges from 0% through to 12%
I have to pay it if I order from Amazon or Etsy, for example. If I order from the US, I pay later.
Every sales receipt has the VAT right on the receipt. I can see it every single time. If I order from inside the country, I can see it before I pay.
It isn't hidden. It isn't secret.
It wasn't even secret to an immigrant that didn't yet understand enough Norwegian to know.
What I do get is to be reasonably certain what I'm going to pay when I get to the cash register. I don't have to do mental gymnastics with a total if I'm tight on money - like I have many times in the US. It won't change if I'm in a different part of Norway. There simply aren't as many price surprises like that.
Greece is in the EU, which means they are paying at least 15% VAT on most stuff, assuming everyone is paying their taxes (which might or might not be). Trust me, even being built into the cost, everyone knows how much they are paying in taxes on goods. Greek folks aren't unintelligent. This sort of tax isn't a secret any more than sales tax was in the US.