Flying through Geneva -confused?!

[andy ted]

Hi all, I have a significant birthday coming up and wanted to treat myself to a watch... I have a few ideas of what I am after however I am flying through Geneva airport imminently and had a couple of questions as I am confused!, I know the exchange rate to CHF is pretty dire at the moment so is there any savings/discounts in buying at the airport when taking into account the tax implications? (UK or Geneva I suppose) Or am I better off just browsing and finding one on my return...

I would only really want to go down this route if there were significant savings to be made.

Thanks in advance

Andy

[Beardy10]

Well if you buy one at Geneva Airport legally you should declare it on your return and pay import duty/VAT. I think anything over £140 should in theory be decalred.

In my experience Geneva Airport is not a cheap place to buy watches....I remember pricing up my IWC there a few years ago and came to the conclusion it was cheaper to buy it in the UK. I did get 20% off here though.

You can get most watches for that kind of discount if you try hard enough.

[grumbledoak]

Between the collapsing pound and the duty risk I doubt it would be worth it right now. Maybe choose and price your watch and hold off to see what you find on the day?

[andy ted]

Thanks for the replies. It was kind of what I was thinking however I didn't want to miss out on a good opportunity.

Will take my time a bit more and research first.

Thanks again

Andy

[Arun_D]

I had a good look round the airport watch shops when I was there for the motorshow at the beginning of the month....can't say I saw anything all that different from the UK prices tbh.

Edited by Arun_D on Tuesday 30th March 00:04

[bradders]

Have to agree with other posts. Came back through Geneva a few weeks ago. Have been hankering after an IWC Top Gun. Converted price was £7700. They would not budge on the price.

Good luck, and happy hunting.