Worth waiting for Duty Free?

affable

Hi

I'm visiting the U.S.A. for the first time in just over a week. This will be the first time i've flown outside of the E.U. so also the first time i've been able to shop outside the E.U. and/or truly 'duty free' within an airport.

One thing I need is Eau de Toilette.

Is it likely to be the best idea to (a) buy on the high street in the U.S.A. (b) buy in duty free or (c) wait and buy on the high street in the U.K.? I'm unsure whether I can realistically expect big savings when outside the E.U. or not?

Advice from experienced travellers would be much appreciated!

luci

I have bought perfume in the US, but found it was a lot more expensive than I could get it in the UK.

I also find the duty free shops to be expensive. The cheapest places are the online retailers such as CheapSmells, etc. Even Superdrug, etc sometimes have good offers. Check here:-

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/Cheap-perfume

I would check the prices here before you go then compare at the Duty Free if you don't need it until you get back.

tarkytarks

I had a look at prices in the departures lounge at JFK in Feb and it all seemed really expensive to me! They had some l'occitane perfume I was after which I ended up buying for cheaper in the Debenhams sale the week or so after we got back. I didn't research prices before I went, but I think it's a really good idea to do this and if you see something over there which works out to be a good deal then buy it, otherwise wait until you are back and get it here

jeanniebeanie_2

Depends what it is you are after. There is a chain called The Cosmetic Company with branches in most outlet malls and you can find some excellent bargains there. They sell Clinique, Bobbi Brown (Bobbi Brown skincare not cheaper though last time I was there), Armarni, Hugo Boss, Mac, Estee Lauder etc., but not the full ranges and mostly gift sets. Also, I found a L'occitane outlet in one of the outlet malls that was very cheap, surprisingly. I agree though that there are not that many cosmetic/perfume bargains in the main stores. I find Duty Free not that cheap either. Check prices before you travel. I am going in 10 days too, so will be on the lookout myself!

You can have a little look here:
http://sassiwench.blogspot.com/2010/11/visit-to-cosmetics-company-store.html

Just shows cosmetics, but they do lots or fragrances too.

ferf1223

the other thing to consider is if you buy duty free before you leave the UK, if it's over 100ml you'll have to put it in your checked baggage on your way back home as you won't be able to take it through security...also, if you buy duty free on departure from the UK, and if you're connecting in the US, you will have to remember to stuff it in your checked baggage before you recheck for the same reason.

In any event, you'll have to put it in your checked baggage if you buy it in the UK or US for the trip home - unless you buy it at your final departure airport - and depending on where you are departing from, they may not sell what you're after.

If you aren't desperate for it - it can't hurt to check prices at duty free or in the US and then decide.