International travel can be an amazing experience, and duty free shops in airports can make it even more enjoyable. You can find an extensive collection of products, from luxury goods to cosmetics and electronics, without the additional cost of local taxes and duties. This means that you can find great deals on your favourite products while waiting for your flight.
You might have wondered why do airports have duty free shops. In this blog, we discuss the concept of duty-free stores in detail.
What are duty-free shops?
Airport duty free shops are an excellent perk of international travel. Simply put, “duty-free” means you can buy an item without paying taxes like import, sales or value-added tax (VAT). Generally, when you purchase products, you are required to pay VAT, import duty, sales, and other taxes to the host country. However, this is not the case at airports and ports. Duty-free shops are retail businesses selling goods exempt from taxes and duties. Some of the most common items sold by airport duty free shops include liquor, chocolates, and perfumes.
The role of duty-free shops in airports
The key role of duty-free shops is that they allow international travellers to buy items at a lower cost than in their home country, thereby saving on premium purchases. These retail outlets have the ability to import products that include luxury items such as high-end spirits, fragrances, cosmetics, and electronics, without having to pay import or customs duties. All you need is a valid passport and boarding card to shop here.
Benefits of duty-free shopping for travellers
Duty-free shops at airports offer several advantages to travellers. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of duty-free shopping:
- Tax exemption: Duty-free shops at airports are exempt from various taxes and duties that would typically apply to the same products within the host country. You can purchase products at cheaper rates than in regular retail stores.
- Savings: Duty-free shops at the airports allow buyers to save money on a wide range of products, including liquor, perfume, cosmetics, and electronics. These discounts can be especially noticeable on luxury goods, where the price difference can be substantial.
- Convenience: Duty-free shops are typically located at international airports, making them easily accessible to arriving and departing travellers. This allows passengers to shop for their favourite products hassle-free.
Duty-free shopping regulations and restrictions
Although duty-free shopping can help you save money, it is subject to specific rules and regulations. These include limits on the quantity of products an individual can purchase, as well as age restrictions and other conditions. These regulations depend on the country and type of products you are buying.
Here are some shopping regulations to be adhered to:
- You can purchase duty-free items only when departing from a country or crossing into a different territory. These products are intended for export only and should be taken out of the country after purchase.
- Age limits apply to certain items like liquor and tobacco. This means that you must be of the legal drinking and smoking age in the country where you are buying these items.
- There may also be limits on the amount of purchase per passport and caps on the purchase of certain items such as liquor and tobacco.
FAQs about duty-free shops in airports
Here are some important frequently asked questions related to duty-free shopping at airports:
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What type of products can you buy at duty-free stores?
You can purchase a variety of items at duty-free shops, including liquor, tobacco, perfumes, apparel, accessories, food, travel essentials, and souvenirs.
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If you purchase alcohol from a duty-free store, can you consume it mid-flight?
No, drinking duty-free liquor on a flight is prohibited. However, you can consume alcohol served by the airlines during the flight.
Conclusion
Duty-free shops provide a unique and exciting opportunity to purchase luxury goods at cheap prices. They offer a wide range of products, from high-end perfumes to apparel, electronics and local souvenirs. However, it is important to be aware of purchase limits, age and other restrictions for a hassle free shopping experience. While enjoying the benefits of shopping duty-free, ensuring your travels are protected is also imperative. International travel insurance, including single trip travel insurance, is a great way to provide protection in case of medical emergencies and sudden travel hiccups like flight delays, lost baggage, and trip cancellations.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.