Buzz
If your vacation wasn’t already offering enough ways to spend money, you now find yourself pondering a visit to the duty-free shop at the airport. Sure, you could pass by some stores, keeping your cash tucked away while searching for a tasty pre-flight snack. But every now and then, you’re funneled straight into that duty-free maze, where it's all too easy to be tempted by luxury items. It doesn’t hurt to browse, does it?
Go ahead, have a look. But don’t expect any major discounts.
Typically, U.S. residents can purchase up to $800 worth of items abroad without being taxed when they return to the U.S. Shopping at a duty-free store also allows you to buy items without paying taxes from the country of origin. However, while duty-free stores offer tax exemptions, they’re not necessarily offering you a deal on the luxury goods they sell.
Here are a few items that might actually be worth splurging on the next time you’re browsing at a duty-free shop:
Alcohol
If you’re heading to a destination where alcohol is taxed heavily, Skyscanner suggests picking up a bottle of your favorite drink to enjoy your own cocktail hour in your hotel room. And when you’re heading home, grab a bottle of the local spirit that's trending to avoid overpaying once you're back.
Tobacco products
Tobacco items are taxed heavily almost everywhere, so you’ll save money at the duty-free shop. Just keep in mind that you usually can't bring more than one carton of cigarettes (200 total) or more than 100 cigars with you when returning home.
Perfume
At duty-free shops, you can sometimes snag perfume for up to 50% off, though it’s not always guaranteed, as Rebecca O’Kane of The Travel points out. However, this is a category where you might find something beyond just the price tag. According to Get The Gloss, some fragrances offer exclusive products only available at duty-free, meaning if you're attached to a particular scent or brand, you might discover a unique souvenir for yourself.
More tips for duty-free shopping
Electronics and clothing generally aren’t the best deals at duty-free shops since regular retailers often offer better discounts. For electronics, be cautious of older models that may lack the features you're looking for.
If you're eyeing a higher-priced item you typically purchase at home, do some research on usual prices before your trip. If you're killing time in the terminal and spontaneously decide to buy perfume, the price difference between your home and your travel destination might not seem important. However, if you're aiming to save money, knowing the 'normal' price beforehand can prevent regret later.
A good rule of thumb if you haven’t had a chance to research or can't access a signal to check prices while at the airport: products that are local to the country of the airport are generally the best deals. For instance, if you're in France, items from French brands, such as perfumes or cosmetics, tend to be reasonably priced. Imported goods, on the other hand, are less likely to offer a bargain.
A final tip about the crucial topic of snacks: If you’re heading home with leftover local currency, spending it at the duty-free might be a better deal than exchanging it once you're back. Grab some local candy or that regional snack you’ll surely crave once you're home. While these items won’t come at a discount, it's a clever way to get the most out of your remaining foreign cash or coins.
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