Maximising duty-free benefits

Know your limits to avoid getting stung at customs, plus tips to maximise your bargain hunting

While waiting for your flight, you find an unbelievable dutyfree deal on your favourite cognac. You eagerly buy two litre bottles, only to find customs officers at your arrival destination demanding an arm and a leg because you’ve gone over the one-litre limit.

Customs regulations vary wildly between destinations. Avoid this frustration with this table of duty-free exemptions across Asia-Pacific.

TIPS TO GET THE BEST DUTY-FREE DEALS:

Do your research and compare prices between the airports you’ll be travelling to for the best deal. Websites like dutyfreebuzz.com make it easy to compare prices on specific products at certain airports.

Join a duty-free loyalty programme. For example, T Galleria DFS has a Loyal T programme offering points for purchases made. Higher tiers offer benefits such as product delivery to your hotel or complimentary car services. Over in Singapore, the Changi Rewards programme offers 50 points on enrolment, and Platinum members can convert points to Singapore Airlines’ Krisf lyer miles.

Utilise your frequent flyer programme – Emirates Skywards members can redeem miles for duty-free products at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International.

Shop online to maximise efficiency and avoid queues with Lotte Duty Free at Incheon Airport. Changi’s ishopchangi also allows customers to return the product within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

Pre-ordering online can also open up additional deals: The JR Duty Free at Brisbane Airport currently has a “buy one, get one half price” offer for online orders, while at Narita Airport in Tokyo, customers pre-ordering items at the FaSoLa online shopping platform enjoy a 5 per cent discount.

Look out for vouchers and promotions – Osaka Kansai International Airport currently has a 5 per cent discount available for cosmetics, liquor, tobacco and souvenirs.

ABV = Alcohol by volume; < = Less than; * = Amount in previous column can be used for spirits, wine or beer (i) Japan also levies duty on perfume over 2 ounces (56ml). (ii) Singapore allows a combination of 1 litre each of spirits, wine and beer; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of beer; or 1 litre of wine and 2 litres of beer. All tobacco products are subject to duty. (iii) South Korea also levies duty on perfume over 60ml.