Where can I learn about a country's duty-free policies?

How much merchandise can I bring into the United States?

How long do I need to leave the country in order to duty-free shop?

Why do duty-free products exist?

What can you buy at duty-free shops?

How much can I save when shopping duty-free?

Where can I find duty-free items?

Are duty-free products defective or in imperfect condition?

Where can I learn about a country's duty-free policies?
A good place to start is by contacting the country's customs or border patrol agency. You can also try calling duty-free shops, airlines or travel agents located within the country.

How much merchandise can I bring into the United States?
In most cases, there's a monthly $800 limit. Typically, family members living in the same house and traveling together can bring a total of $1,600 worth of duty-free merchandise into the country each month.

Keep in mind that there are restrictions on the amount of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products you may import into the United States. Generally, these restrictions limit you to one liter of alcohol and one carton of cigarettes per person.

How long do I need to leave the country in order to duty-free shop?
This restriction also varies by country. In the United States, you must usually be leaving the country for a period of at least 48 hours.

Why do duty-free products exist?
Most governments give merchants a tax or "duty" break on items that won't be consumed or used within the country. Merchants then pass along these savings to customers in the form of duty-free purchases.

What can you buy at duty-free shops?
Duty-free shops around the world feature an array of spectacular merchandise, including jewellery, luggage, handbags, watches, tobacco products, liquor, chocolates, candy, electronics and children's items. You can even find great deals on designer brands such as Givenchy, Seagrams, YSL, Nestle and Hugo Boss, among dozens of others.

How much can I save when shopping duty-free?
The savings you'll enjoy when shopping duty-free depend on the product and country, but they can range up to 50% off the retail price. Tobacco and alcohol products usually offer the best percentage discounts. High-ticket items, such as luxury jewellery, yield the largest total dollar savings.

Where can I find duty-free items?
Look for duty-free shops in locations where there are plenty of international travelers, such as airports, border-crossing stations, ports and cruise ships. Some airlines even sell duty-free products on-board international flights.

Are duty-free products defective or in imperfect condition?
No. Duty-free merchandise is of the same quality as products found in regular retail stores. The only difference is the tremendous price savings!