What Does Duty-Free Mean?

Duty-free means that goods are exempt from payment of duty or free from taxes. Duty-free shops and stores are available at most airports, whether domestic or international, but you can only purchase the products from duty-free shops if you are flying to any international destination. These shops are located after the check-in counter of the airlines, and for the products or goods you purchase from these stores, you will not need to pay the import duty. These duty-free shops have a variety of products, such as perfume, home decor, liquor, cosmetics, tobacco, etc. Still, there are certain restrictions that you will need to follow, as you can only take liquor according to the airline allowance.

What is a duty-free store?

Duty-free shops are located at the airport, where travelers can purchase alcohol, fragrances, chocolate, fashion apparel, travel accessories, etc., without paying any import duty or additional taxes. But remember that products cannot be exchanged or returned directly to duty-free stores. The selection of items is limited, and it will depend upon the destination where the traveler is traveling to. These duty-free stores are generally cheaper than retail stores, where the customer can easily save money, but still, the customer needs to check the actual price of the products after reaching the store. 

How does duty-free work?

While traveling to any international destination, if the customer purchases any product, then they will need to pay certain taxes, and after reaching the destination, they will need to pay import duty on the same product; to avoid the double tax, the Duty-Free shops are opened. Most governments waive off the duty or tax from products purchased by the customer who is leaving the country. But there are certain countries where the cost of products is high and it is due to exchange rates or the economy of the country. 

Tips for duty-free shopping

There are certain tips that a customer needs to remember when purchasing products from duty-free shops so that they can make the most of their shopping. If customers do not have information about the tips they can use, they need to go through the information below. 

Compare the prices: You must compare the prices of that product and check weather the duty fee is applies on the product or not. Only purchase the if you see the price difference between the rate of retailer and duty-free shop.

Keep receipts:  You have to make the payments through the online mode and always keep the receipt and bills of the products as in case of exchange or return it is required.

Check expiration dates: For every product, you will need to check the expiration or manufacturing date, and if the expiration date is closer, then try to avoid that product.

Aware of restrictions: While carrying the product to another country, you will need to follow certain policies, so you must purchase the products according to those policies. In most airlines, the liquid item is allowed to be 750ml; if the liquid item you carry is more than the allowed limit, then you will not allowed by the airlines.