Duty-free airport shops are one of the perks of traveling. You can find everything from perfume to liquor for less than you’d pay at a retail store because of an international tax loophole that exempts you from paying tax at the airport.
But not all duty-free shops are created equal. Here are the 12 best duty-free airport shops you should visit the next time you’re looking to save money on travel.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
London Heathrow, England
London Heathrow has 14 duty-free stores across four terminals, offering everything from beauty to liquor to sunglasses. For an idea of pricing, you can get Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick, an iconic product for decades, for $19.55, less than its $25 price in the U.S.
Singapore Changi, Singapore
Singapore’s Changi Airport makes it easy to shop duty-free. You can even purchase ahead online and pick up while you’re traveling. Expect to find cosmetics, electronics, liquor, and more in its duty-free shops in all four terminals.
The airport is known for being one of the cheapest duty-free airports, and it also offers rotating deals on its website where you can save even more on the duty-free prices.
Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Dubai is the land of luxury, so it’s no surprise that the airport lives up to those expectations. You’ll find luxury purses, luxury skincare, and even gold bars. This is the place for sparkling variety, not necessarily deals.
But you’ll save a few dollars here, like on Kiehl's Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum 50ml, which is about $6 less than U.S. prices at just over $88.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Paris Charles De Gaulle, France
Of course, Paris would have some of the best shopping in the world, even duty-free. You’ll find all the fanciest French perfumes, clothes with a certain je ne sais quoi, and fine French Bordeaux.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaii, U.S.
Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is known for being one of the most affordable duty-free airports, but you can only shop there if you are flying internationally. Flying within the U.S. does not qualify you to take advantage of the deals.
You’ll find alcohol, purses, sunglasses, luggage, and more in the duty-free shops in paradise.
Trending Stories
Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea
South Korea is known for being an incredibly efficient, clean, stylish place, so it’s no surprise its duty-free shopping lives up to the same expectations.
This is where you go to stock up on beauty products — Korean skincare is known around the world as some of the best available, and getting it tax-free is a double win.
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as a shopping destination, and its airport is no exception. You’ll find electronics, liquor, and beauty within its duty-free section.
The selection is excellent, though prices are just a few dollars less than in the US. For example, Tom Ford’s Fleur De Portofino 50ml is HK$2,275.00 or just over $291, while it’s $300 in the U.S.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands
If you want to visit a duty-free airport shop that gives you the true experience of being in the country, then it’s time to visit the Dutch.
The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands gives travelers an authentic taste of their country with tulips, cheese, and chocolate, all of which are local to the region. You can get a bottle of Jack Daniels anywhere — but where else can you get authentic blooms from Holland?
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, U.S.
Again, you can only shop in duty-free shops if you’re flying internationally, but you can find brands as diverse as Clinique and Cartier. There’s also a large selection of alcohol and tobacco.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Los Angeles International Airport, California, U.S.
If you’re flying back into the country through LA, treat yourself to its duty-free shops. While they have a wide array of luxury brands, they also have California wines. You can pick up a pinot, regardless of whether you spent time in Sonoma.
Sydney Airport, Australia
Bring back a shimmering souvenir from the Land Down Under by picking up an opal from the duty-free shops in Australia. You’ll also find Australian wines, which are gaining traction and popularity in the U.S.
San Francisco International Airport, California, U.S.
There’s more wine at the duty-free shop in San Francisco. This is a great place to find handcrafted chocolates, California wine, some luxury brands like Hermes and Montblanc, and cosmetics.
Bottom line
Eager to shop duty-free but also feeling anxious about making your flight? Many airports now offer click-and-collect options for duty-free shopping that let you pick out your items ahead of time, pay for them online, and then pick them up.
You’ll get all the tax-free perks of duty-free shopping but with the ease of browsing and buying online. Just make sure to use one of the top travel credit cards.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.