Bali Airport's Duty-Free Shopping Experience: What To Expect

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali offers duty-free shopping for liquor, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, watches, pens, accessories, jewellery, skincare, aromatherapy, toys, electronics, and confectionery. The airport features stores in both the Arrivals and Departures terminals, offering a range of popular and niche products. With duty-free shopping, travellers can take advantage of tax exemptions and special deals on various items, making it a convenient option for last-minute gifts or indulgent treats.

What is the duty-free allowance for alcohol?

The duty-free allowance for alcohol when entering Bali is 1 litre of alcohol per person. This applies to alcoholic beverages for personal consumption and does not include alcohol purchased in duty-free shops.

It's important to note that this allowance is subject to change and may not always be up to date. For instance, a report from 2021 stated that the duty-free allowance for alcohol in Bali would increase to 2.25 litres starting in 2022. However, this change may not have come into effect, as some commenters on the report stated that their alcohol was confiscated at Denpasar Airport in Bali when they had more than 1 litre. Therefore, it is always best to check the most recent regulations before travelling.

The duty-free shops at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali offer a range of wines and spirits from well-known brands such as Hennessy, Martell, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniel's, and Absolut, among others. These shops are located in both the departures and arrivals terminals and are open 24 hours a day.

When departing Bali, the duty-free allowance for alcohol varies depending on your destination. For example, as of 2024, travellers to Australia are allowed to bring up to 2.25 litres of liquor, wine, or champagne duty-free, while the European Union's alcohol limits are 4 litres for wine, 1 litre for alcohol with 23% ABV or more, 2 litres for alcohol with 22% ABV or less, or 16 litres of beer.

Is duty-free alcohol available on arrival?

Yes, duty-free alcohol is available on arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. The airport has a duty-free shopping area in both the Arrivals and Departures terminals, with leading brands such as Jack Daniel's, Hennessy, and Johnnie Walker available for purchase.

However, it is important to note that the duty-free shop is located before the customs area, so the standard duty-free allowance limits may apply. These limits vary by country, so it is recommended to check with the DFS staff or local customs regulations before making a purchase.

Additionally, while duty-free shopping can offer some great deals, it is always a good idea to compare prices, as duty-free shops may not always have the best prices for alcohol and other items.

Is duty-free cheaper than buying before travelling?

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali offers duty-free shopping for liquor, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, watches, pens, accessories, jewellery, skincare, aromatherapy, toys, electronics, and confectionery. The airport features popular brands such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Johnnie Walker.

Duty-free shops are retail outlets exempt from country taxes, usually located in airports. While duty-free shopping can be a great way to save money on indulgent items, it is not always cheaper than buying before travelling.

Duty-free shops are ideal for purchasing items that are subject to high taxes or tight manufacturer price controls, such as liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, and fragrances. For example, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Double Black at the Bali airport costs around $50 (685,000 IDR), which is likely to be cheaper than buying it outside of the airport.

Duty-free shops do not simply remove the tax from the original price; they set prices to be reasonably competitive in their local area. Additionally, they have to bear retail overhead costs and pay a stiff royalty to the airport, resulting in high markups.

Items such as electronics (cameras, watches, etc.), snacks, and souvenirs are often more expensive at duty-free shops than online or at other retailers. For instance, a bag of Haribo gummies at the Bali airport costs about $8 (110,000 IDR), while a Toblerone bar is almost $20 (270,000 IDR). These items can typically be found at lower prices outside of the airport.

Tips for duty-free shopping:

• Compare prices before buying: Check the prices of items in your home country, vacation destination, and online to make an informed decision.
• Choose your purchases strategically: Focus on items that offer the best deals, such as those with high taxes or price controls.
• Be aware of duty-free limits: Each country has different limits on the amount of duty-free goods you can bring in.
• Research customs rules: Understand the customs laws of your destination to avoid buying items that are banned from specific countries.
• Consider baggage costs: If your airline charges for checked bags, factor in this cost when deciding whether to buy duty-free.

In conclusion, duty-free shopping can offer great deals on certain items, but it is important to be a strategic and informed shopper. Compare prices and choose your purchases wisely to make the most of your duty-free experience.

Where are the duty-free shops located in the airport?

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has two duty-free stores—one in the Departures terminal and the other in the Arrivals terminal. Both stores are open 24 hours a day.

The Departures terminal store offers fragrances and cosmetics from leading brands like Versace and Gucci, liquors by Jack Daniel's and Bacardi, chocolates and sweets by Kit Kat and Milka, and tax-free tobacco. The Arrivals terminal store offers the same line of products.

The duty-free shopping area at the airport is a long walk-through shopping street, making it convenient to browse all available products.

What are the opening times of the duty-free shops?

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has two duty-free stores, one in the Departures terminal and the other in the Arrivals terminal. Both stores are open 24 hours a day, so you can shop for duty-free items at any time during your visit to the airport.

The Departures terminal store offers fragrances and cosmetics from leading brands like Versace and Gucci, liquors by Jack Daniel's and Bacardi, chocolates and sweets by Kit Kat and Milka, and tax-free tobacco. The Arrivals terminal store offers a similar range of products.

If you want to save time, you can use the Reserve & Collect service. Simply place your order online through the Bali Duty Free website and collect it at one of the Pick-up Points at the airport up to two hours before your flight.

Frequently asked questions