Shopping while traveling can often be a hassle if goods are more expensive in regular stores. Duty free shopping makes this easier by offering tax-free advantages and savings when making large purchases in international destinations. Here are some pointers for making your next trip kinder on your wallet.
What is duty free shopping?
A "duty" refers to a tax or fee placed on goods by government entities. Merchants who import goods and sell them to consumers who are leaving their country are not charged a duty on these products so they are able to pass savings to customers.
Where can I shop/buy duty free?
Travelers can find duty free products at international airports, cruise ships, ports, and on-board international flights.
How do I know if I am able to shop duty free in the United States?
To be eligible for duty free shopping, you must be leaving the United States for more than 48 hours and take the items with you into another country.
What should I know about taxes when duty-free shopping?
“Duty free and airport purchases are usually more appealing for liquor and tobacco because of the heavy taxes imposed on these items, especially in Western countries. Often, you can get the value-added taxes (VAT) refunded at the airport,” says Jean Yves Chainon, Founder of the former OOAworld online travel and photography magazine.
Can you find a better price on high-end beauty brands in duty free shops?
“The DFS Duty Free Galleria at Terminal 4 in JFK has things there that you cannot find in most other stores, like Tom Ford, La Mer, Jo Malone, Bond No. 9. and some discounts on brands that usually are not discounted, like Estée Lauder and Lancôme”, says Lois Pasternak, Publisher and Editor of Travel Markets Insider.
Can you find anything in duty free shops that you cannot find in a local market?
“If you are a scotch drinker, certain brands like McCallan, Johnnie Walker, and Glenfiddich offer duty free exclusives that can only be found at duty free stores. Collectors love them”, says Pasternak. Also, buying last-minute souvenirs duty free can come in handy. For example, at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, travelers can purchase Qatari-themed souvenirs like colorful pashminas and jewelry at the souk-style Bazaar boutique.
