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When it comes to duty-free shopping, there are a few factors to consider when comparing prices between New Zealand and Australia. Firstly, duty-free prices in both countries have been reported to be higher than expected, with some sources claiming that they are more expensive than regular retail prices for certain items. Secondly, while New Zealand and Australia have similar pricing structures for duty-free goods, some travellers have noted that New Zealand tends to offer slightly better deals on certain items, especially spirits. Lastly, it's worth noting that duty-free stores in both countries may offer special promotions or discounts, so it's always a good idea to compare prices and look for deals before making a purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price comparison | Duty-free shopping is not always cheaper than regular shopping. |
| Price comparison examples | - Cosmetics and perfume are usually cheaper by mail order than duty-free. |
- Alcohol is often cheaper at retail stores than duty-free.
- Spirits are cheaper at duty-free stores than at retail stores. | | Reasons for price differences | - Exchange rates
- Competition between retailers
- Taxes and duties | | Duty-free shopping in Australia | - Lotte Duty Free offers duty-free alcohol, food, watches, perfumes, skincare products, souvenirs, electronics, cigarettes, and other travel goods.
- Perth Duty Free offers duty-free goods, including cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, health products, and specialty foods.
- Heinemann Duty-Free Store at Sydney Airport offers duty-free liquor, champagne, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, eyewear, confectionery, fashion bags, and clothing. | | Duty-free shopping in New Zealand | - Christchurch and Auckland airports have duty-free shops. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol prices at duty-free
The price of alcohol at duty-free shops in Australia and New Zealand varies depending on the type of alcohol and the specific location. Some travellers have found that duty-free alcohol is cheaper in New Zealand than in Australia, especially for spirits like whiskey and rum. For example, a traveller found that 1-litre bottles of Bombay Sapphire Gin were cheaper at the Christchurch airport duty-free shop in New Zealand (NZ$36 per bottle) compared to a local Australian store (A$65.95 per bottle). Similarly, another traveller noted that Bundaberg OP rum is about 30% cheaper at NZ duty-free than the street price in Australia due to Australia's tax on alcohol content.
On the other hand, some travellers have found that duty-free prices for certain alcohols, like champagne and wine, are often cheaper at retail stores in Australia and New Zealand than at duty-free shops. For instance, a traveller noted that a 1-litre bottle of Grey Goose vodka was cheaper at Australian duty-free (AUD $72) compared to New Zealand duty-free (NZ$75 AUD). Additionally, some Australian retail stores, like Costco, can be cheaper for purchasing alcohol than duty-free shops, but membership is required to shop at Costco.
It's worth noting that duty-free shops typically offer larger bottle sizes (1 litre) compared to retail stores (750 ml), which may impact the price comparison. Additionally, some duty-free shops offer online deals and loyalty programs that can provide additional discounts. Therefore, it is recommended to check prices and specials online before making a purchase.
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Tobacco prices at duty-free
When entering New Zealand, travellers are entitled to a personal goods concession that allows them to bring in goods worth NZ$700, excluding alcohol and tobacco products, without paying any duties. Travellers must be 17 years or older to claim concessions for tobacco and alcohol, and 18 years or older to buy these products in New Zealand.
While specific prices for tobacco at duty-free shops in New Zealand and Australia were scarce, one source mentions that duty-free prices for global liquor brands in both countries have increased by about 20% in the past year. However, another source mentions that duty-free shops in New Zealand offer 1-litre bottles of spirits at competitive prices. For example, 2 x 1.125L Jim Beam White Label at Auckland Airport's duty-free costs NZ$70, compared to AUD $60 each at Dan Murphy's in Australia.
For travellers concerned about duty-free limits for tobacco, it is important to declare tobacco on the arrival declaration if bringing more than the allowed limit into New Zealand.
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Cosmetics and perfume prices
When it comes to cosmetics and perfume prices, duty-free shopping may not always offer the best deals. A price comparison by Consumer NZ found that six out of 12 duty-free cosmetic and fragrance products were either similarly priced or more affordable at standard shops. For instance, the duty-free price of Gucci Flora perfume was $14 more expensive than at a big box retailer, and the duty-free price of Lancome Mousse Eclat Self-Foaming Cleanser was beaten by an online retailer, even with delivery included.
However, there are still savings to be found at duty-free stores, especially for cosmetics and perfumes, as these items have no duty on them. A tub of Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Day Cream, for instance, was at least $13 cheaper at duty-free during the Consumer NZ trial.
In Australia, duty-free shopping for cosmetics can be a good option, as mentioned in an article by CHOICE. They recommend shopping around for cosmetics and purchasing duty-free, but also suggest researching prices beforehand to ensure the best deal. The Australian government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is also highlighted as a potentially better option than duty-free shopping. This scheme allows you to buy cosmetics at regular retail stores and then claim a GST refund at the airport.
Ultimately, the competitiveness of duty-free prices may depend on the specific airport and the level of competition between retailers. For example, Auckland Airport in New Zealand has two competing duty-free operators, which can result in more reasonable prices. However, at smaller airports with less competition, such as Wellington International Airport, prices may be higher.
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Online vs in-person duty-free shopping
When it comes to duty-free shopping in Australia and New Zealand, there are both online and in-person options available. In-person duty-free shopping is typically associated with airport retail stores, which are a popular choice for travellers passing through. These stores offer a range of goods, from alcohol and electronics to cosmetics, watches, and fashion items, all at duty-free prices.
One of the advantages of in-person duty-free shopping is the opportunity to browse and physically examine the products before purchase. This can be particularly advantageous for those who are unsure about specific items or who prefer a more tactile shopping experience. Additionally, some in-person duty-free shops offer promotional deals and discounts, further enhancing the value proposition. For example, Sydney Duty-free offers promotional periods with an additional 30% off, making it a popular choice for travellers.
However, online duty-free shopping has also gained traction, providing shoppers with the convenience of purchasing goods from the comfort of their homes. Online duty-free retailers often provide packaged goods that can be picked up at the airport or delivered, adding flexibility to the shopping experience. Moreover, online duty-free stores may offer exclusive deals and discounts that are not available in-store, making them a more cost-effective option in certain cases. For instance, online retailers like Aelia and JR Duty Free in New Zealand offer discounts of up to 20% on online purchases.
While online duty-free shopping provides convenience and potential cost savings, there are considerations to keep in mind. For example, some online duty-free stores may not offer tax refund schemes, which are available for in-person purchases in certain countries. This can impact the overall value proposition, especially for international travellers seeking to claim tax refunds on eligible purchases. Additionally, the tactile experience of in-person shopping cannot be replicated online, which may be important for certain types of purchases.
In conclusion, both online and in-person duty-free shopping options have their advantages and considerations. Online duty-free shopping provides convenience, potential cost savings through exclusive deals, and the ability to compare prices across retailers. On the other hand, in-person duty-free shopping offers the opportunity to physically examine products, browse promotional deals, and, in some cases, take advantage of tax refund schemes. Ultimately, the preference for online or in-person duty-free shopping may depend on individual needs, product availability, and the specific deals offered by retailers in Australia and New Zealand.
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Duty-free shopping in Australia vs New Zealand
Duty-free shopping in Australia and New Zealand may be cheaper for certain items, but it is not always a good deal. In both countries, duty-free stores at airports are often more expensive than regular shopping, and you may find better prices online or at local retail stores. However, there are some items that may be more cost-effective at duty-free shops, especially for heavily taxed products like tobacco and alcohol.
Australia
In Australia, duty-free stores offer a wide range of products, including alcohol, tobacco, food, watches, perfumes, skincare, souvenirs, electronics, and other travel goods. The Heinemann Duty-Free Store at Sydney Airport, for example, offers promotions with additional discounts on top of duty-free prices, making it very cost-effective for purchasing items like liquor, champagne, electronics, and perfumes. Perth Duty Free, owned by Dufry, is another popular duty-free shop located in Perth International Airport, offering duty-free goods and exclusive products.
When it comes to alcohol, spirits bought at retail stores in Australia cannot be refunded upon departure, whereas spirits at airport duty-free stores are usually more cost-effective due to the high taxes on spirits in the country. For Australian wine, it is recommended to visit a bottle shop where you can claim a tax refund upon departure. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, are also much cheaper at duty-free stores as they are exempt from tobacco tax.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, duty-free shopping may offer some deals, but it is not always the most affordable option. For example, a price comparison found that only nine out of 54 products were cheaper when purchased duty-free at Auckland Airport, with items like perfume and mobile phones being more expensive than buying them online or at regular retail stores. However, certain spirits and liquor may be more affordable at duty-free shops in New Zealand. For example, a 1-litre bottle of Grey Goose vodka is around NZ$75 at NZ Duty-Free, compared to AUD$72 at AU Duty-Free and AUD$80 at AU retail. Similarly, 2 x 1.125L Jim Beam White Label at AKL Duty-Free costs NZ$70, while it retails for AUD$60 each at Dan Murphy's in Australia.
In summary, while duty-free shopping in Australia and New Zealand can offer some savings, especially on heavily taxed items like tobacco and certain spirits, it is always a good idea to compare prices with online retailers and local stores before making a purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you're buying. Price comparison websites have found that duty-free shopping at airports is often more expensive than regular shopping. However, some people claim that duty-free alcohol and tobacco are worth buying.
It depends on the product. There is not a huge difference in price between the two countries' duty-free offerings. However, some people claim that New Zealand duty-free is cheaper.
There are duty-free shops in Perth, Sydney, and Cairns.
Australian duty-free shops offer a wide range of products, including alcohol, tobacco, food, watches, perfumes, skincare products, souvenirs, electronics, and clothing.
