Spill the beans...on what to buy duty-free

pennypinchUK

With duty free, unless you're buying something expensive and you've done your research the most you're going to save is a few quid here and there, and you've got to lug it around everywhere until you get home. I'd rather use the time to de-stress if it's a business trip or enjoy quality time with the family if it's a social trip. Surely that's more important than (possibly) saving a little bit of cash?

mum2one

Handbags, I did buy 2 designer ones last yr from Manchester - Radley £70 (seen it for £100 in House of fraser) and Moschino £150 - they were one off expenses, i did start falling in love with the £400 bags!! I can dream.

If anyone has seen any special offers at Manchester - plz shout travelling soon. x

efremis

I was after a particular camera last October and use to search the numerous online shops for the best price (online £1200).

One call to Dixons at Gatwick not only reserved the camera for me but price matched and offered it cheaper (£995) than anyone else.

Check out retailers T&C's with regards to price match, they don't always make it obvious.

Perfumes are a bit hit and miss. I tend to find Boots or Superdrug cheaper than the Duty Free shops, unless they have promotions on with freebies included.

One thing I have noticed is the bottle sizes and the high st prices quoted by the duty-free shops are conveniently "compared" but never accurate i.e they quote the RRP (which can be any silly price) for a particular size when in fact the high st shops are actually selling it cheaper.

I use the duty free shops to freshen up my aftershave after travelling hours to get there!;)

lowcostripoff

Incapuppy wrote: »

I really wouldn't bother with anything at UK duty free but have found cigs, baccy and spirits at very good prices at both DXB and KUL.

You can buy your duty free on arrival at these places which saves all the hassle, especially for booze. Airline prices are often cheaper than in the airport too. Found this link in the MSE Cheap flights guide where you can check all airline catalogues and prices and arrivals shops. http://www.dutyfreeonarrival.com/en/search/airline

mick_vandick

It seems crazy that fags are sold duty free, when taxation is the single most effective way to reduce smoking in the population

No it's not as people will just buy them from overseas.

There is no reason to allow a deadly product to be sold at a heavily discounted price at ports - what message does thats end out?

And drinking isn't dangerous?
It's a personal choice to smoke and dropping the duty free limit wouldn't matter as not many people stick to it anyway as they can't check every person.

Denis_UK

jhe wrote: »

nothing, too expensive.

I was on merchant ships in the 1990's

200 fags 80 pence duty free

Whiskey 70 Cl 70 pence duty free.

Airport duty free stores make more profit than high street from suckers.

stoneman

stewb wrote: »

It seems crazy that fags are sold duty free, when taxation is the single most effective way to reduce smoking in the population. Australia recently drastically dropped the duty free limit (50 fags I think).
There is no reason to allow a deadly product to be sold at a heavily discounted price at ports - what message does thats end out?

I think you will find that drink causes more death and heartache with ruined families and violence than smoking does.

KonkyWonky

The only thing we generally buy is Smirnoff Blue Label when flying with Ryanair. Pretty good value at €12 for 1 litre, never on offer in the UK.

Gratis

Fine Havana cigars at Switzerland's airports. :money:

John_Pierpoint

We came back from Lima Peru and bought a litre bottle of Scotch each on a bogof deal.
Only then thought "What about the transfer at Madrid to the sardine can for the leg back to London Heathrow". Fortunately Madrid airport has a kiosk that will double wrap and seal duty free liquids to allow them through the 100ml bomb check.

As more of Europe joins us in the austerity tax raising wealth destroying spiral (TINA), and as minimum prices per unit get implemented, keep an eye on channel ferry "European" VAT & duty ferry prices.
We will never again see true duty free prices and free day-return crossings for payment in petro pounds, but there could be bargains to be had.