Duty Free question

Voyager2002

MrsC....tobe wrote: »

Buy on the way out definitely, things are much cheaper than buying within EU airports!

Except that they will be within the EU the whole time.

Elizabeth_Braun

force_ten wrote: »

you are not entitled to purchase duty free items when travelling within the European union

But I have - several times!

benjus

Last summer a 1 litre bottle of Ardbeg 10YO whisky was £42 at World of Whiskies (for all travellers) - most supermarkets sell it for about £65 / litre. Right now it's £50, so still pretty good. However, last time I was actually at an airport branch of WoW I don't remember the price, but it didn't seem very competitive.

Bottom line - it may or may not be cheaper at the airport... best to check.

Nick_C

Even when you are leaving the EU, "Duty Free" shops are ridiculously expensive. For example, a litre of Smirnoff Blue Label is £18.99 in World Duty Free at Gatwick, but only £12 on a BA flight.

You can check out many prices on line. eg:-

http://www.worlddutyfree.com/

https://www.highlifeshop.com/

Nick_C

force_ten wrote: »

you are not entitled to purchase duty free items when travelling within the European union

Elizabeth_Braun wrote: »

But I have - several times!

You may think you have, but you haven’t! You've actually bought at a 16.7% discount on normal retail prices. See… http://www.worlddutyfree.com/information/tax-and-duty-free-shopping.html

Duty Free

“Duty Free” means that no excise duty is applicable and as such payable to the Government (HM Revenue & Customs) on the relevant items purchased. Items which are classed as “Duty Free” must be exported in tact outside of the European Union (EU) and therefore are only sold to passengers flying to non-EU countries.

This ‘duty free’ status applies to all cigarettes and tobacco, plus selected spirits (these are clearly marked in-store).
Tax Free

Shopping at ‘Tax Free Prices’ is offered in all our stores with the Departure Lounge after security.

The ‘Tax Free Price’ is equivalent to the selling price of the relevant merchandise prior to the addition of VAT (Value Added Tax), currently 20%.

If the passenger is flying outside the EU no tax is applicable to HM Revenue & Customs.

If the passenger is flying within the UK or EU the VAT will be accounted for to HM Revenue & Customs by WDF on behalf of the customer. Because the VAT is fully accounted for typically there are no limits to the amount that can be purchased (for personal use) by those passengers flying within the UK or EU.

Hence tax free equivalent prices are available to all passengers, regardless of where they are travelling.

Typical categories which are sold at tax free prices include: fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, jewellery and handbags.

In addition to the above categories WDF offers a wide range of spirits, wine & Champagne which are available to all travellers. Where these products are purchased by a customer flying within the EU or UK both VAT and any applicable duty are accounted for to HM Revenue & Customs by WDF.

MrsC....tobe

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Except that they will be within the EU the whole time.

Ok let me rephrase it, buy on the way out of the UK as it will be much cheaper than buying in any airport in the EU outwith the UK.

Most products I buy are cheaper than high street whilst within UK airports and at least £10 cheaper than buying in airports abroad. Can't speak for outwith EU apart from Gran canaria (also expensive, but in resort) as I haven't been for a few years.

ste_wilko

As you are not travelling out of the EU there's really no point getting it at any airport. Even if the VAT and duty are already incorporated in the "tax free prices" they are still massively overpriced. Seriously, you'll probably get a better deal on a high street in Malaga or the UK.

Also, if you have a friend/relative who is a student and holds a valid NUS extra card they may be able to get it even cheaper at Savers/Boots etc etc