After clearing security and passport control, many travelers find themselves wandering through an enchanting place in the airport: duty-free shops.

What does duty-free mean?

Duty free means that the goods in question – for example, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco products, or food – aren’t subject to local government taxes and import duties since they’re crossing international borders. The general idea is since they’re not being used or consumed in their country of purchase, local taxes aren’t applied.

Check for duty free shops in Kenya

How does duty-free work?

An important rule to remember for duty free shopping: It’s available only to international travelers.

Travelers can make duty free purchases at the airport for two general uses: to bring back to another destination, such as their country of residence, or to consume or use wherever they are visiting.

That’s right: One sometimes overlooked advantage of duty free shopping is that travelers can score savings on goods they’ll use during their trip. For example, in places like the United Arab Emirates and Iceland, where alcohol is notoriously expensive, in-bound travelers can buy a bottle or two of their favorite tipple at the airport to drink during their trip and pay far less than retail prices.

The purchasing process is almost the same as any other retail shop. At the register, you’ll need to show your boarding pass (so be sure to have it handy). In addition, if given the choice to pay in local currency or U.S. dollars, it’s usually better to pay in local currency to avoid conversion charges – which could negate that good deal you’re getting.

Is duty-free cheaper?

Duty-free shopping usually makes the most financial sense when travelers can buy items or goods not available in their home country or when there are significant discounts. How much travelers can save also will vary widely depending on the country and airport.

In addition, some items can cost more than what you’d pay for them elsewhere, whether online or at a brick-and-mortar shop in your home country.

So it pays to do some online research beforehand. In addition, some airports also offer duty free shopping online. It’s a handy way for travelers to compare prices ahead of time to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You can also purchase goods ahead of time for pick-up at the airport.

Certain categories of items generally offer decent deals. Among them: consumable goods that are highly taxed – including those subject to so-called “sin taxes” like cigarettes and alcohol.

In addition, travelers buying duty-free at the airport can avoid the value-added tax (also known as VAT, a local sales tax that’s most common in Europe). Depending on the country, VAT ranges from as little as 5% up to a hefty 25%.

Duty Free Shop JKIA Airport Kenya

What are the best duty free items to buy at the airport?

Before going on a duty free shopping spree at the airport, remember that Customs and Border Protection has strict limits on how many duty-free purchases travelers can bring into the country.

  • Alcohol

    Duty free shops generally offer good deals on alcohol because of its high taxes in many countries. Duty-free airport shops can be excellent options for bringing home a souvenir bottle of a popular local drink (port wine in Portugal, for example) without having to lug it around during your entire trip.

  • Tobacco products

    Explore a wide variety of executive tobacco products sourced from world class brands such Malboro, HEETS, Parliament & many more.

  • Luxury goods

    Deals can generally be found on certain luxury goods, like high-end fashion clothing brands, fragrances, and jewelry, since the higher the cost, the more you’ll save on taxes. Again, whenever possible, passengers should check prices ahead of time to make sure they’re getting the best deal.

Which airports have the best duty free shopping?

Duty free shopping is a key part of the airport experience. But some facilities have leveled up their duty free offerings as of late, with online availability and even concierge services. Here, a few notable spots. where browsing may inspire buying on your next trip.

  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

    This hub is one of the world’s top airports for shopping. Travelers looking for duty free shops in Kenya can peruse the standard duty-free options at Flemingo Duty Free and score some savings on high-end brands.

  • Dubai Airport (DXB)

    With one of the world’s largest duty free areas with upwards of 492,000 square feet, DBX beckons shoppers with extensive luxury offerings Dubai is known for. The airport also offers special services for duty free shoppers, such as delivery of goods straight to the gate or to passengers’ home country via online purchasing.

  • Istanbul (IST)

    Another highly ranked facility, this new airport features a whopping 592,000 square yards of duty-free options. Fashionistas in particular will love the 18,000 square meters dedicated to high-end boutiques.

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