DUTY FREE????? WHY IS IT
Discussion
cheaper in the shops. recent trip to spain. went into the local tobac and spirit shop in the local town to take back couple gifts.. price of tobac ( eg gold virg) was priced at 48eur for ten pouch pack the same pack in the airport duty free was over 60 eur for the same pack !!! can any one explain the poss reasons behind this as the legal limits are the same for both outlets as far as customs are concerned.. cheers all
Because there is no such thing as duty free.
It's just how much the retailer wants to sell things for.
ETA: That was probably a bit vague. You're paying regional tax when you purchase the items you just aren't liable for import duty provided the items are for personal consumption and not resale.
Therefore if an item attracts lower taxes, and therefore lower retail price, if purchased overseas compared to the UK is why some items are cheaper. However, you are still at the mercy of what retailers wish to charge for the same item from different outlets, within the same tax area, depending on their overheads the same as you are here.
It's just how much the retailer wants to sell things for.
ETA: That was probably a bit vague. You're paying regional tax when you purchase the items you just aren't liable for import duty provided the items are for personal consumption and not resale.
Therefore if an item attracts lower taxes, and therefore lower retail price, if purchased overseas compared to the UK is why some items are cheaper. However, you are still at the mercy of what retailers wish to charge for the same item from different outlets, within the same tax area, depending on their overheads the same as you are here.
Edited by Roo on Wednesday 8th September 14:07
thanks for the replies so far just wanted to confirm the high street shop was in Barcelona (where we purchased) and the so called duty free was in Palma airport.. didnt get much just for the family. also for all the educated travellers we noticed at gatwick there were a choice of 3 customs halls??? red to declare and green for nothing and then ..... for those returning from the EU ??? new to us that one !!!
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