One Of Oregon's Best Perks Is An Unexpected Pleasant Surprise For Tourists Who Love Shopping

Known for its rugged Pacific coastline, dense evergreen forests, and majestic mountain landscapes, Oregon wins over travelers with a hearty dose of outdoor adventure and natural beauty to boot. And while most tourists flock to experience Portland's bustling food culture, hike through lush forests, or tour the state's renowned Willamette Valley wineries on a scenic road trip, the more savvy travelers have found yet another reason to visit: Oregon charges no sales tax.

You read that right. When you shop in Oregon, the price you see on the tag is exactly what you'll pay at the register — no hidden or additional surprises. This makes Oregon one of only five states nationwide without a sales tax, alongside Alaska, Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire. For visitors traveling from high-tax states — or international travelers who come to the U.S. to shop extensively — these money-saving perks make for a pretty significant advantage.

Although sales tax might seem like a small consideration, the truth is that it can add up pretty quickly. Most states charge between 4% and 7% in state sales tax, with local municipalities often adding their own taxes on top. Plus, considering neighboring states like Washington and California have a pretty brutal 10% and 8% sales tax, respectively, it makes sense that Oregon's tax-free shopping would be especially appealing to anyone nearby hoping to save a few bucks.

Okay, so you're bound to save some cash while shopping in Oregon. But is it really that good of a deal? Let's put it this way: for every $100 you spend, you'll be saving roughly $7.50. As all those $100 (or more) purchases start to add up, so do your savings. This is particularly true for international visitors who might already benefit from favorable exchange rates and who can now compound those savings with some always-welcome tax-free purchases. Basically, it's a win-win. All of this can ultimately leave travelers with enough extra to splurge on a nice dinner — or, you know, treat themselves to even more goodies.

As such, these tax savings become even more significant when you're buying higher-priced items. Think electronics, luxury goods, and even designer clothing. Need a new laptop? Wait until you reach Portland. Looking to invest in a designer handbag or watch? The Louis Vuitton or Tiffany & Co. stores at Pioneer Place will help you avoid the substantial sales tax you'd have to pay somewhere else. Want to buy high-quality hiking gear even though you're on a budget? The state's outdoor retailers and specialty shops will have you covered.

Finally, if you know from the start that going out shopping will play a significant part of your Oregon travel itinerary, make sure you're ready to plan ahead so you can maximize your savings. For example, the Woodburn Premium Outlets — located off Interstate 5 between Portland and Salem — offers an excellent concentration of brand-name stores with competitive pricing. Over in Bend, shopping hotspots like the Old Mill District are great if you're hoping to get your hands on outdoor gear, locally-made products, and other big-name brands.