Airport Shopping: Cheaper Or Expensive?

It is a common misconception that airport shopping is cheaper. However, this is not always the case. While duty-free shops at airports offer tax exemptions on certain items, it does not necessarily mean that these items are cheaper than regular retail stores. In some cases, duty-free items can be more expensive due to factors such as geography and currency exchange rates. Additionally, airports often have limited options, and travellers may find themselves paying higher prices for convenience or out of necessity. Nevertheless, some products, such as alcohol, cosmetics, and fragrances, can be cheaper at duty-free shops or on board flights compared to high street prices. Therefore, it is essential to research and compare prices before travelling to make informed purchasing decisions.

Alcohol

• The country you're in: Alcohol is taxed differently in different countries, so the savings you make on alcohol at duty-free will depend on the taxes in the country you're buying it from. For example, alcohol is heavily taxed in Scandinavia, so you're likely to make a saving at the airport. On the other hand, alcohol is relatively cheap in Mexico, so you might not make a saving on duty-free alcohol at Mexican airports.
• The country you're going to: If you're travelling to a country with high alcohol taxes, it might be worth buying alcohol at duty-free.
• The brand: Duty-free shops tend to stock high-end brands, which can be expensive even with the taxes removed. You're more likely to make a saving on alcohol at duty-free if you're buying a premium brand.
• The quantity: Duty-free shops often have deals where you get a discount for buying multiple bottles. If you're buying in bulk, you're more likely to make a saving on alcohol at duty-free.
• The airport: Prices vary between airports, so you might find a better deal at one airport than another. For example, alcohol is relatively cheap at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, but expensive at Dubai International Airport.
• The exchange rate: If the country you're buying alcohol from uses a different currency to the one you normally use, the exchange rate could affect how much you pay.

In general, it's a good idea to research the prices of alcohol at your departure airport and your destination country before you travel, so you can work out whether or not you'll be getting a good deal.

Tobacco

When it comes to tobacco, it is generally cheapest in Asia. Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok are the best airports to buy tobacco, with the largest variance in prices coming from cigarettes. In some countries, tobacco is heavily taxed, so purchasing cigarettes at the airport duty-free can be one of the best deals. However, nine out of the ten most expensive tobacco duty-free stores were in Europe and Australia.

For example, at Dublin Airport, a pack of 20 Marlboro Gold cigarettes costs €6.10, whereas in a local newsagent, it would cost €6.10 for ten cigarettes, or €12.20 for 20. This means that at the airport, you can buy cigarettes for less than half the price.

It is important to note that duty-free shopping within the European Union ended in 1999, so travellers within the EU can no longer avail of duty-free goods. However, when travelling outside the EU, duty-free shopping still exists, offering savings on tobacco products.

Perfume and cosmetics

The consensus is that it depends on the airport and the currency. Some people have found perfume to be cheaper at the airport, while others have found it to be more expensive. It also depends on the brand and the specific perfume or cologne in question. Some people have found that certain brands or specific fragrances are cheaper at particular airports, while others have found that the same brands or fragrances are cheaper online or at their destination.

For example, one person found that a 100ml bottle of Gucci Bloom EDP was about £70 at a fragrance shop in the UK, £100 at duty-free, and about £70 in Gran Canaria. Another person found that a 100ml bottle of Dior Hypnotic Poison was £130 in the UK and at duty-free, and about £80 in Gran Canaria.

Additionally, some people have found that certain brands are cheaper at specific airports. For instance, Jo Malone fragrances were found to be a steal at Gatwick Airport, and Chanel perfumes were found to be about £20 cheaper at Heathrow Airport.

It's also worth noting that some people have mentioned that the selection of perfumes and colognes available at duty-free shops can be limited, so if you're looking for a specific fragrance, it might be worth checking beforehand to see if it's available.

In conclusion, it seems that there is no definitive answer to whether perfume and cosmetics are cheaper at the airport. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the airport, the currency, the brand, and the specific product. It might be a good idea to do some research and compare prices before making a purchase.

Electronics

However, there are exceptions. Some airports have a Best Buy kiosk, where you can buy electronics like headphones, cameras, and chargers. While these may seem overpriced at first, Best Buy offers a price-match guarantee. This means that if you return the product to a Best Buy store and the product is being sold for less—which it almost definitely will be—Best Buy will refund you the difference.

Duty-free shopping can also yield savings on electronics, but this depends on various factors such as the type of goods, local exchange rates, and geography. For example, in some countries, customers can claim a tax refund if they buy from certain stores near international zones. However, it's important to do your research and compare prices before purchasing, as duty-free shopping restrictions and taxes vary by country.

Food

For example, a Cadbury's Oreo chocolate bar costs £5 at duty-free and just £2 at a supermarket. A 250g bag of peanut M&M's costs £3.50 at duty-free and £1.50 at supermarkets.

It is best to bring your own snacks from home, as these can be taken through airport security as long as they don't break the liquid rules.

Frequently asked questions