Duty-free shopping before was considered the best benefit of traveling internationally. Travelers and airline crew are frequently surrounded with requests from colleagues, friends or even family members while others would drown themselves with cheap cigarettes, alcohol and perfumes. But all these benefits came down when they phase out the import duties and taxes that made duty free shopping a good bargain. The more it became very dull when internet based shoppers keep appearing that has brought the prices of luxury goods down. Travelers are now questioning themselves whether it is still a better option to shop at duty-free stores. Even with all the downside that has faced duty-free stores, airports are still filled with shops like this, and has even brought their goods online.
In regards with the question whether duty-free shopping is still a good way to shop internationally, according to the spokesman from Choice, Christopher Zinn, it is still a good way to shop for good value but not all the time. It depends on the times, the place and the items being bought by the traveler.
- To get good deals with duty-free shopping, it is wise to include the most important factor with comparing prices which is the exchange rates. You can get the value of your money if the exchange rate is favorable for you.
- The exchange rates are constantly changing almost every few hours so as with the prices of duty-free goods. If you cannot get a good look at how to monitor the exchange rates and the duty-free prices, you can check out updated rates on foreign exchange online.
- To compare prices with duty-free goods worldwide, check out the website thedutyfreepriceguide.com where you can get a good look at the comparison with all the duty-free goods around the world. They collate the prices from airlines to airport shops and they provide prices in different currencies. For example if a traveler searches for a liter of Dry gin that has duty-free prices ranging between $14.64 and $36.61 compared to a retail store that has between $29.99 and $38.95 price range for 700ml bottle while the one liter bottle costs more. Travelers can save more on their money with the duty-free option and at the same time saving on taxes as well.
Travelers also need to be aware on how the staffs of duty-free shops are very good with their sales pitch skills. They might be tempted by their lure to buy their goods when they can get it cheaper at retail stores.