Duty free shopping at Duty-free stores is a very enjoyable part of the trip. Many buyers take special pleasure in finding products that are not available anywhere else or are much more expensive.
Choosing your favorite airport for duty free shopping is a matter of taste. However, some duty-free shops stand out for their assortment. Introducing you top 10 best duty-free shops by reviews of tourists and reputable travel publications such as Travel Pulse and Skytrax World Airport Awards.
10. Dubai Duty Free International - Dubai Airport (UAE)
The problem with some duty-free shops, even at major airports, is that they close until the last flights arrive. However, this will never happen at Dubai Airport. Local shops located in all three terminals and departure and arrival areas operate around the clock and seven days a week.
According to Travel Pulse, Dubai International duty-free shops earn more revenue than any other duty-free shopping malls in the world.
One of the most popular purchases in Dubai Duty Free is perfumery, its total share in the annual sales volume is about 17%. It is also difficult to resist buying oriental sweets, which are considered one of the most delicious in the world. And ladies are unlikely to go past jewelry, especially since the price per gram of gold is quite acceptable.
9. SM Duty Free - Incheon Airport (South Korea)
One of the best airports in the world is in the top ten when it comes to lucrative purchases at Duty-free. It has 90 duty free shops. Think of it as a mall with an airport attached to it.
The huge SM Duty Free store can be found in the east wing, near gate 12 and 14, in the departure area of DF9 flights.
Here are the products of 160 of the most prestigious brands, including Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Gucci and others. According to tourists, the electronics prices are very attractive, but alcohol costs the same or even more expensive than at other international airports.
Incheon's duty-free space is second only to the other two airports on our list - Heathrow and Dubai.
8. Duty Free shop - Schiphol Airport (Netherlands)
Schiphol is working hard to maintain his position as one of the leading airports in Europe, attracting visitors to Duty Free with big discounts and promotions such as “buy two goods, get a third for free”.
In the center of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located under passport control, there are over 75 duty-free and tax-free shops with souvenirs, Dutch waffles, elite alcoholic beverages, perfumes and many other goods. Duty-free shops open an hour before the arrival of the first aircraft and close one hour after the departure of the last.
If you fly within the European Union, use the Shop & Collect service. Just tell the seller at the cash desk of any store at the airport that you want to pick up the goods on the way back.
7. Zurich Duty Free - Zurich Airport (Switzerland)
This airport has all the classics of duty free trade: alcohol, tobacco, perfume and chocolate, which is considered one of the most delicious in the world. It is also worth paying attention to Swiss watches (retro models and limited editions). You can pre-make an order online on the Zurich Duty Free website, and then pick it up at the store to catch the flight.
The shopping center of Zurich Airport cannot be called a cheap place, mainly expensive brands are represented here. However, the rich assortment and its high quality still make you buy at least one thing.
6. DFS - Changi Airport (Singapore)
The main air transport hub of Southeast Asia has one of the best duty free zones in the world. Duty free shops are located in each terminal, and on almost all floors of the airport.
Here you can find high-quality electronics, Singaporean souvenirs, Asian cosmetics and perfumes at very competitive prices. But foreign products are often more expensive than in Europe and the United States. If you are in Changi, we recommend that you look into the Irvins Salted Egg and purchase famous salted egg snacks.
5. Duty Free Shop - Fiumicino Airport (Italy)
Most tourists visiting Rome's Fiumicino airport enthusiastically respond to the huge assortment of perfumes in the local duty free zone. The price range is very wide - from 20 to 200 euros. However, the quality of the most inexpensive perfumes is still excellent.
A severe test for nerves and a wallet will have to endure for those who arrive at Fiumicino airport with a companion. After all, the air gates of Rome - this is the place where a true fashionista will not want to leave. From a variety of designer clothes and accessories, your eyes just run wild.
However, men will also have something to do. Prices for European branded alcohol at the airport of Rome are quite affordable, although wine costs the same or even more expensive than domestically.
4. Frankfurt Airport (Germany)
Germany's busiest air harbor is one of the top ten places for shopping at Duty Free according to the Skytrax World Airport Awards and many other major sites. Its Duty Free Zone occupies four football fields.
The main “shopping street” (open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) is located in Terminal 1 in Departure Hall B. It has about 30 shops and food and beverage outlets.
A shopping center (open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) in Terminal 2 boasts a balanced combination of clothing, accessories, travel goods and liquor. At Frankfurt Airport you get the best-priced alcohol and tobacco deals in Europe.
3. Marmalade Market - Hamad Airport (Qatar)
The top three airports with the best Duty Free shops in the world includes the air hub of another eastern country. Let it have only one terminal, but you will not get bored in it, because the duty-free zone occupies 40 thousand square meters.
In Hamad there are over 50 different boutiques operating around the clock. Separate sections are allocated for the most prestigious brands in the world, such as Hermes, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, etc.
However, branded items can be bought in other duty free zones. But such delicious Qatari sweets as in the Marmalade Market are not found anywhere else in the world.
Qatar Airways passengers often receive additional bonuses for purchases at Duty Free.
2. Duty free - Cheklapkok Airport (Hong Kong)
All of Hong Kong is one huge Duty free, but there is a real paradise for shopaholics at Cheklapkok Airport.
In Yeasun store (1 Terminal) you can buy Chinese goods - from food and drinks to tobacco, in Design Gallery you will find souvenirs made by local craftsmen, in Amazing Grace you can buy beautiful clothes in oriental style. And complete the shopping (still not leaving Terminal 1) by purchasing electronics in Sound & Vision Enriching Life. In addition, the airport has boutiques of famous brands such as Lacoste, The Plaza, Burberry, Cartier, etc.
A great gift for a child can be purchased at The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. As you probably guessed from the name, things are sold there based on Disney cartoons.
1. World Duty Free - Heathrow Airport (England)
If size matters, London Heathrow Airport is the best place to shop in duty free. It boasts 48,000 m² of retail space at its five terminals, and prices range from “pocket” to premium.
There are 40 high-end retail outlets in Terminal 3, including Hermes, Cartier, Dior and Gucci. And many of the best brands in England can be found in stores in Terminal 5. Free beauty salon services can be obtained from Clinique (10 minutes), Estee Lauder (2 minutes), Sisley (15 minutes). In Terminals 3 and 5, there are Chanel perfume boutiques selling rare fragrances: No. 18, No. 22, 31 Rue Cambon, Cuir de Russie at discounted prices.
And in Heathrow is World of Whiskies - a huge store with about 350 varieties of whiskey, including rare and exclusive varieties. Such a whiskey will be the best gift for a true connoisseur of fine alcohol.
