Oct 12

Tips on Buying Duty-Free

duty freeIs it really cheaper to buy duty-free? With duty-free stores’ recent troubles regarding gels and liquids, many are likely to be more competitive than ever on prices. Still, electronics – computers, radios, and other gadgets – tend to be more expensive in duty-free shops than in other places, like local or overseas discount warehouse superstores. On the other hand, duty-free shops sometimes stock specialty items, such as local wines and liqueurs that might be difficult to find back home, at any price. Doing some research before you leave on vacation can lower your chances of missing out on great deals, and help prevent you from getting excited about bargains that aren’t really bargains at all. Top tips:

1. Location, location, location – A traveler on an international flight will generally have three opportunities to purchase duty-free: at the airport of departure, on the plane, and at the airport of arrival. One would think the prices would be similar, but often they are different.

2. Different airport, different price – Duty-free shops are run by different companies depending on the country and airport they're in. The Duty Free Shopping Index has guides to shopping duty-free in various countries. Also visit Duty Free Price Guide to see how different airport stores price the same item.

3. Narrow the search - The best source is the website of the airport you'll be visiting. With so much competition from other retailers, duty-free shops at airports are more inclined than ever to list their prices up front, and to give travelers a good deal.

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