How to buy in duty-free shops profitably - What is cheaper there
What is profitable to buy in duty-free shops (photo: Freepik)
Duty-free shops attracts airline passengers with favorable prices. However, it's not that simple: sometimes prices in duty-free are even higher than in regular stores, and some goods don't make sense to buy at all.
How duty-free appeared and why they are popular
The first duty-free store opened in Ireland in 1947. Its founders realized that passengers waiting for a flight were ready to spend money, and the absence of taxes would make shopping even more attractive.
Today, duty-free Shops operate in airports, ports, onboard international airplanes, and even in the Channel Tunnel. In some countries, such as Australia or India, duty-free shops are available even after arrival, and in the Philippines, they are generally located one and a half kilometers from the airport.
The main categories of goods are alcohol, tobacco products, perfumes, cosmetics, sweets, and accessories from global brands.
Is it really cheaper in duty-free
The absence of taxes does not mean that all goods are cheaper - other factors affect the price.
First of all, the rent of retail space in airports is very expensive, and sellers include these costs in the price of goods.
Secondly, the currency rate in the country can make shopping less profitable than it seems at first glance. In some cases, prices in duty-free are even higher than in regular stores, especially at expensive airports such as in France, the UAE, or the US.
It is most profitable to buy alcohol in Scandinavian countries, cosmetics in Paris, and branded accessories in Italy.
Shopping at duty-free can save you a lot of money (photo: Freepik)
What is worth buying in duty-free
There are certain categories of goods that are almost always beneficial to buy duty-free.
For example, tobacco products are often cheaper than in regular stores, especially in countries with high cigarette taxes.
Perfumes and cosmetics can have attractive prices, as well as exclusive sets that are not available in regular stores. Many manufacturers produce special travel versions of cosmetics and alcohol that are sold only in duty-free.
It is also worth paying attention to chocolate sets, as you can often find limited collections of famous brands in duty-free stores.
What is better not to buy
Not all goods in duty-free are worth the price. Souvenirs are always more expensive than in city stores because passengers often buy gifts at the last minute.
Alcohol in Asian duty-free is usually not profitable due to high margins.
You shouldn't buy technology either - most gadgets have the same prices as in regular stores, and sometimes even more expensive. Some branded goods may also be overpriced due to their exclusive status and lack of competition within the airport.
How to buy profitably
The main rule is to not give in to impulsive purchases and research prices in advance. If you plan to buy something specific, check its price in local stores or on official websites.
Remember that in EU countries, purchases between member states are not duty-free - you still have to pay taxes. A good time to buy is when the currency of the host country is weaker than yours because then the goods in duty-free can be especially profitable.
And finally, don't forget about restrictions on the import of alcohol and tobacco to avoid overpaying at customs.
You may also be interested in
- 10 not-so-pleasant facts about air travel that are hidden from passengers
- 8 ways to survive a plane crash
Sources: Mydutyfree.net and Airlife.ua.
