Things you should never, ever buy from DUTY FREE Shops

‘Duty free’ is such a thrilling concept, isn’t it? An exclusive sale that only you are privy to – JUST because you bought a plane ticket. It’s like champagne to a first class passenger; a perk you paid for, but still feel good about.

There was once a time when every time you’d hear of someone heading overseas, you’d throw money in their hand and give them a list of spirits and skincare products to bring back for you. It was an excellent opportunity to stock up on your favourites and save an absolute fortune at the same time.

However, there’s long been rumours that duty free shopping isn’t actually all that beneficial on the wallet now as it once was. And, in fact, this is partially true.

Darik Shridhar, store manager of Duty free Mumbai, shared some insights with International Traveller that prove there are some items still well worth picking up at the duty free counter and others which are not.

Items you should buy duty free: skincare and fragrances, spirits, cigarettes (if you’re a smoker).

Items you should never buy duty free: Chocolate, Biscuits, Indian /Imported  wine.

“While buying one bottle of Indian wine at duty free can be cheaper to the MRP to Rs. 160 approx, the MRP is inflated to Rs. 240 over the price of the same wine which is for a lesser MRP at local wine shop outside the airport. so you pay Rs. 80/- more. Plus buying a mix of six or 12 from wine shop will generally be cheaper again, as you’ll score a bulk-buying discount further ahead” explains Darik.

“Also, if you are looking to take some Indian wine as a gift, it’s going to be far less cumbersome to pack it in your suitcase than lug your purchase on and off the plane. You can also run the risk of losing it in transit because of liquid restrictions in other airports.” Also you may break the bottle in transit like my friend Roma did while going to a friend’s wedding with 2 bottles of expensive liquor.

Here’s the break down on a few duty free goodies at Thailand Airport

Absolut Vodka 1L: Duty free cost: $34.95. Retail cost: $56.95. You save: 38.64 per cent.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+: Duty free cost: $39.50. Retail cost: $49. You save: 19.39 per cent.

YSL Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Spray 90ml: Duty free cost: $177.00. Retail cost: $198.99. You save: 11.05 per cent.

M&Ms Maxi Pouch Peanut 440g: Duty free cost: $10.95: Retail cost: $7.48. You pay 46.49 per cent more.

Tim Tams Double Coat 200g: Duty free cost: $7.10. Retail cost: $3.26. You pay 117.79 per cent more.

Tim Tams are always a favourite, especially if you’re bringing them to Indian families. But don’t be fooled by the ‘super savings’ signs in duty free, which offer you four packets for $24 ($6 a packet).

With a bit of pre-planning, you can pick these up from your local supermarket in Thailand  for $2 on special days.

So the next time you see a Duty Free Shop, Shop Wisely. Cheers!