Duty-free shopping has long been synonymous with savings, but is it really the bargain it's cracked up to be? We investigated prices across ten major international airports to find out.
The Duty-Free Promise
Duty-free shops promise savings by eliminating import duties and taxes. In theory, this should mean lower prices. In practice, the reality is more complicated.
What We Found
For luxury goods specifically—watches, jewelry, designer bags—we found that duty-free prices were rarely better than city boutique prices. In many cases, they were actually higher. A Longchamp bag at Paris CDG was priced 15% higher than the same bag at Galeries Lafayette in the city.
Where Duty-Free Does Work
Alcohol and tobacco remain genuine bargains at duty-free. Savings of 20-40% compared to retail are common. Cosmetics and fragrances can also offer modest savings, typically 10-15% below city department store prices.
The Selection Problem
Beyond pricing, duty-free shops typically have limited selection. You won't find the full range of colors, sizes, or models available at flagship stores. For luxury purchases, this is a significant drawback.
Our Recommendation
For significant luxury purchases, skip the airport and buy at city boutiques where you can claim VAT refunds, get full selection, and receive better service. Reserve duty-free shopping for last-minute gifts, alcohol, and cosmetics.
Emma Laurent
Luxury accessories expert and former Hermès client advisor with deep knowledge of global pricing strategies.