Perhaps you’re familiar with duty-free shopping. Maybe, you’ve grown accustomed to it because ‘Yay! I don’t have to pay any duty!’ So, at the airport, you grab every brand or bar of chocolate you can possibly find. But, do you actually know whether it’s worth buying? And for those of you who don’t know what duty-free shopping is, don’t worry. This guide is here to help you (hopefully).
With duty-free shopping, citizens of one country can purchase goods and products from another without having to make payment for duty on a portion or all of the purchase price. The amount of duty you are exempted from depends on factors including if the item concerned contains alcohol or tobacco and where you bought the said item from.
Although duty-free shops can be found elsewhere, for the purpose of this article, I will focus on duty-free shops at airports, which are where travellers arrive at and depart from. This article will zoom in on some of the popular items that travellers tend to purchase.
Opulent and velvety wines
If anything, wines should be purchased from where they are produced. This is unless of course you really have to buy them, especially because they aren’t easily available from your favourite retailers. It also helps to know beforehand that different shops may not cater to you. Keep in mind that you’d also have to lay out a clever plan on packing these wines, especially because there are liquid restrictions to account for.
Flowery fragrances and concealing cosmetics
It’s logical to save on these items. Usually, there are offers in multiple packs, for example. So, why not take advantage of those? Unless you’re a fashionista, do bring your conscience with you when purchasing beauty products and perfumes.
Creamy and comforting chocolates
Craving for some chocolate? Go ahead, get one and munch on some. Or maybe you’re buying something last-minute for your colleagues at work. Fair enough. However, when it comes to getting chocolate, it’s best to get those lesser-known, smaller brands. After all, what’s the use of buying popular brands if it’s easily available elsewhere?
Electrifying electronics
For these, bargains are easily available from a vast majority of deals sites online. If you aren’t aware, electronics are priced according to world prices, as stated by an executive attached to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). However, if you insist on buying, be sure that you have an international warranty, which will save you from panicking should your device suddenly become kaput.
Cents-less cigarettes
Cigarettes are readily available at duty-free shops. However, do be cautious about the ones that are smuggled in or illegal. Also, just because they are duty-free, remember to check out if there are any limits on bringing packs of cigarettes on board.
It’s definitely a good idea to do some research before you buy anything from duty-free shops. I know that most of you like to shop for last-minute items. More than anything else, we don’t want to be ripped off only because it’s ‘duty-free’. Additionally, if you must go on a duty-free shopping spree, please do so at the end of your journey. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to get into trouble with security staff at airport checkpoints.
SOURCES:
http://www.frommers.com/slideshows/821196-how-to-find-the-best-deals-at-duty-free-shops#slide843047
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/4-things-not-to-buy-in-duty-free-shops-2015-02-04
http://www.cepro.com/article/cea_changes_name_to_consumer_technology_association_cta
