Understanding Customs rules and airport limits
Know your limits to avoid getting stung at customs, plus tips to maximise your bargain hunting
While waiting for your ight, you nd an unbelievable duty-free deal on your favourite cognac. You eagerly buy two-litre bottles, only to
nd Customs o cers 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-Paci c.
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 speci c products at certain airports.
• Join a duty-free loyalty programme. For example, T Galleria DFS has a Loyal T programme o ering points for purchases made. Higher tiers o er bene ts such as product delivery to your hotel or complimentary car services. Over in Singapore, the Changi Rewards programme o ers 50 points on enrolment, and Platinum members can convert points to Singapore Airlines’ Kris yer miles.
• Utilise your frequent yer programme – Emirates Skywards members can redeem miles for duty-free products at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International.
• Shop online to maximise e ciency 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: For example, at Narita Airport in Tokyo, customers pre-ordering items at the FaSoLa online shopping platform enjoy a ve per cent discount.
• Look out for vouchers and promotions – Osaka Kansai International Airport currently has a ve per cent discount available for cosmetics, liquor, tobacco and souvenirs. BTI