
Many people associate buying perfume with travelling and often purchase fragrances at duty-free shops at airports. However, it is not always clear whether buying perfume at airport duty-free shops is cheaper than buying it elsewhere. Some people claim that the prices at duty-free shops are similar to those of online discounters, if not cheaper, especially when it comes to European buyers. Others argue that duty-free shops are the best places to buy certain perfumes, such as Chanel, particularly if you live in the US. Additionally, duty-free shops may offer special deals or limited editions that are not available elsewhere. However, it is always a good idea to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase, as sometimes, you may find better deals at shops outside the airport or online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper than high street shops | Yes, but not always |
| Cheaper than online discounters | Depends on the country |
| Cheaper than local shops | Depends on the country |
| Cheaper than Sephora | Sometimes |
| Cheaper than Boots | Yes |
| Cheaper than department stores | Yes |
| Best place to buy | Duty-free shops in Europe and Asia |
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What You'll Learn

Chanel perfumes are cheaper at duty-free
Chanel perfumes are often cheaper at duty-free shops, but this is not always the case. Chanel No. 5, for example, is reported to be the world's best-selling perfume and is widely available at duty-free shops. However, Chanel withdrew from airline sales years ago, so their perfumes may not be available on board.
Some people have reported that Chanel perfumes are cheaper at duty-free shops in the US than in Paris. One person reported that Chanel No. 5 was more expensive in Paris than at the TLV Duty Free shop. However, another person noted that the price difference would have to be significant to offset the currency exchange rate.
Duty-free shops in bigger airports tend to have a wider range of perfumes, and some people have reported finding better deals at duty-free shops than at online discounters. For example, one person found a 100ml bottle of perfume for $80 at a duty-free shop, which was cheaper than any online discount price.
Additionally, duty-free shops can be a great place to find limited-edition or exclusive fragrances that may not be available elsewhere. For example, Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere was rereleased as an airport distribution-only limited edition.
It's important to note that duty-free shops in different countries and regions can vary in terms of pricing and selection. For example, duty-free shops in major European and Asian cities tend to have better selections than those in North America.
In summary, Chanel perfumes can be cheaper at duty-free shops, but it's always a good idea to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.
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Online discounters may be cheaper
While duty-free shops at airports offer a range of fragrances, it is important to consider that online discounters may provide even better prices. In some cases, purchasing perfumes from online retailers can be significantly more affordable than buying them at the airport or even on the high street.
For instance, a user on TripAdvisor mentioned that their father paid €70 for an EDT at an airport, while the same product was available online for less than £46. Another user on the same platform compared the prices of Sí perfume, finding that it was cheaper at a local shop in the resort than at the airport or at home in Ireland.
Online beauty stores, such as feelunique.com, have also been known to offer lower prices than duty-free shops. A 100ml bottle of Emporio Armani Diamonds Eau De Parfum, for example, was priced at £54.50 duty-free, but £68 on feelunique.com. Additionally, online discounters often have sales, and it is worth keeping an eye out for these bargains. A user on Reddit mentioned that they bought a 100ml bottle of Jo Malone perfume during a sale for an incredible price, emphasizing that online duty-free prices can be beaten.
However, it is essential to exercise caution when shopping online for perfumes. Some websites may offer prices that seem too good to be true, and these products could be counterfeit. It is recommended to look for secure payment indicators, such as a padlock icon, and to check for contact details on the website to ensure legitimacy.
Overall, while duty-free shops at airports can have competitive prices, it is worth considering online discounters as a potential source for even better deals on perfumes. By comparing prices and taking advantage of sales, shoppers can maximize their savings and acquire their desired fragrances at the best possible value.
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$39.99

Duty-free is cheaper for non-US residents
Duty-free shops at airports are a great place to buy perfumes, especially if you are a non-US resident. While it is not always the case, duty-free shops often offer perfumes at cheaper rates than regular retail shops.
For those who don't live in the US, duty-free shops are a great option to get fragrances at a discounted rate. This is because there may not be many online discounters in their home countries, and purchasing and shipping fragrances from other countries can be expensive. For instance, a bottle of Memo Winter Palace (full size) costs £170 at London Heathrow Airport's duty-free (RRP: £230).
Additionally, duty-free shops are a great place to discover and test fragrances that may not be easily accessible in one's home country. For example, a user from South Korea mentions that fragrances are subject to high luxury taxes in their country. They take advantage of duty-free shops during international travel to purchase fragrances that are otherwise difficult to sample or afford.
However, it is important to note that duty-free shops do not always offer the best prices. Sometimes, online discounters or local shops may offer fragrances at prices that are lower than duty-free shops. It is always a good idea to compare prices and shop around to find the best deals.
In conclusion, while duty-free shops can offer great deals on perfumes for non-US residents, it is important to be aware of prices at other retailers to ensure you are getting the best value.
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Duty-free shops have sales
Duty-free shops are typically found in international airports, sea ports, and train stations, as well as on board airplanes and passenger ships. They offer travellers the opportunity to purchase goods without paying certain taxes, such as import, sales, or value-added tax (VAT). This can result in cost savings for travellers, especially when compared to purchasing similar goods in their home countries, where taxes may be included in the price.
The availability and pricing of duty-free shops can vary depending on the region and country. For example, some users have reported finding better deals at duty-free shops in Europe and Asia compared to North America. Additionally, duty-free shops may have sales or promotions that further reduce the prices of fragrances and other items. For instance, one customer recounted finding a 75% off discount on certain fragrance brands at a duty-free shop, allowing them to purchase a 100mL bottle of perfume for a lower price than they would have online.
It's important to note that duty-free regulations and limitations can vary depending on the country of residence, travel destination, and length of stay. Some countries may impose duties or taxes on goods brought into the country, even if they were purchased duty-free elsewhere. It's always a good idea to check the specific rules and limitations of the countries involved before making duty-free purchases.
Duty-free shops are particularly popular for purchasing fragrances, as they offer a wide range of options that may not be available in local stores. Additionally, fragrances can be subject to high luxury taxes in some countries, making duty-free shops a more affordable option for travellers. However, it's worth noting that duty-free shops may not always offer the most competitive prices, especially when compared to online discounters or local sales.
In summary, duty-free shops can have sales and promotions that make their already tax-exempt prices even more attractive to travellers. The availability of sales and the overall value of shopping at duty-free shops can depend on various factors, including region, country regulations, and the specific items being purchased. It's always a good idea to compare prices and be aware of any limitations or taxes that may apply before making duty-free purchases.
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Duty-free prices are cheaper than high-street prices
Duty-free prices are often cheaper than high-street prices. For instance, a 100ml bottle of Emporio Armani Diamonds Eau De Parfum is £54.50 duty-free, which is almost £14 less than the next cheapest price of £68 at feelunique.com. Similarly, a user on TripAdvisor reported finding a 125ml bottle of Sí Perfume for €56 at a resort, compared to €72 duty-free and €125 at Debenhams in Ireland.
However, this is not always the case. Another user on TripAdvisor reported that their father paid €70 for an EDT at an airport, whereas the same product was available online for less than £46. Additionally, a user on Reddit noted that fragrances at duty-free shops were "not that much cheaper, particularly once currency conversion was factored in."
Nevertheless, duty-free shops can be a great place to find deals on perfumes, especially for those who don't live in the US and may not have access to a variety of online discounters. For example, a user on Reddit reported finding a 100ml bottle of Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay at duty-free for an incredible price during a sale. Another user on Reddit mentioned that duty-free shops are the best place to buy Chanel perfumes if you live in the US.
Ultimately, it is important to shop around and compare prices to find the best deals on perfumes, as prices can vary widely from shop to shop.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. While duty-free prices on perfumes tend to be cheaper than the high street, this is not always the case. Prices at duty-free shops are similar to online discounters, and sometimes cheaper. It is recommended to do your due diligence and check prices online before buying at duty-free.
Yes, if you are buying large bottle sizes and eau de Parfums. For example, a 100ml bottle of Emporio Armani Diamonds Eau De Parfum is £54.50 duty-free, £14 less than the next cheapest price of £68 at feelunique.com.
Yes, aside from potential cost savings, duty-free shops offer a wide variety of perfumes, including limited editions or popular new scents that may not be available elsewhere. They are also a great place to test out fragrances and discover new scents.










































