Is Duty Free actually Duty Free ?

britexpat
By britexpat

Flying home. Stopped off in Dubai. Rushed to Duty Free in the departure lounge to get Mrs. Expat a gift.

Bought some perfume. Later found that the same perfume was 12% cheaper in a London Department store.

So, is Duty Free a myth ? Have you experienced similar ?

By qatarisun• 6 Oct 2012 22:27
Rating: 4/5
qatarisun

you can always get a better deal inside of teh country on the merchandise, especially when they are on sale.. I love shopping in Canada - USA in July.. you can get amazing deals, up to 70-80% off on brands name.. there is not way to get anything like this in Dutyfree.

And again, all relevant. For instance, a laptop with exactly same specifications: Price without any tax in Qatar is higher, than Total Price+Tax in Canada.

By Palancole• 6 Oct 2012 22:13
Palancole

Britexpat: I think cigarettes are truly cheaper in DF shops. The rest, I don't bother.I am only interested in B&H.

By anonymous• 6 Oct 2012 13:17
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

their own prices in this part of the world.

It's a game of monopoly.

They also claim that they have no taxes/VAT, but the "fees" you pay when importing items, or issuing work visas, or any kind of government approvals, are the same taxes/VAT you pay in other countries.

I buy items from countries that have huge taxes/VAT, and they are still cheaper than in the (Gulf) countries which have "no taxes/VAT"

By stealth• 6 Oct 2012 12:57
Rating: 5/5
stealth

compared the prices of chocolates available in supermarkets here and at the Duty free. Except for one chocolate, the rest were costlier in the Duty Free than the supermarkets here.

Also the Halawani dates varieties. They are cheaper at the supermarkets here than at the Duty free

By anonymous• 6 Oct 2012 12:42
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

Bought a phone from Qatar Duty Free once, was cheaper in a mall in India. Never compared prices of anything else.

By blisteringbarnacles2007• 6 Oct 2012 11:47
Rating: 2/5
blisteringbarnacles2007

Duty free are supposed to be exempt from certain tax... but since there are no sales tax or VAT in Qatar the price should be same as one buys in a mall... but if the Airport charges higher rent for the shop (which most Airport do) then these higher prices would be transfered to the customer. Simple.

By LostInSpace• 5 Oct 2012 22:28
LostInSpace

give up brother, nothing is 'free' in this world, never mind 'duty'!

By mimiloves2sing• 5 Oct 2012 20:00
mimiloves2sing

Wait, you have a wife, then who is the Cuban shot putter........??

By ltfo• 5 Oct 2012 16:15
ltfo

Having a stop over at Istanbul airport found that its Duty free was cheaper than the one in Doha ....

By stealth• 5 Oct 2012 13:11
Rating: 5/5
stealth

the prices are almost similar in QDF and DDF. A packet of dates in QDF is double of what you get in the local shops here

By Bluemountain• 5 Oct 2012 12:55
Bluemountain

All depend on the product, May be you bought Made in London so that you got expensive price.

By Knight Returns• 5 Oct 2012 12:31
Knight Returns

The items may be duty free but the shop needs to cover its overheads and make something out of it...and that's the reason things like these are more expensive at the airports than in the city. Once I politely pointed it out to the sales lady and she replied to me that I wouldn't have to pay for its weight during the flight!! what a stupid justification..:(

By anonymous• 5 Oct 2012 12:30
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

.....QDF is cheaper than the Dubai duty free....it's call skimming the market...

By Prism• 5 Oct 2012 12:23
Rating: 5/5
Prism

I think cigarretes are only cheap in Dubai DF. Moreover I guess price in DF's are less in comparison to the city they are in and cannot be compared with price else where in the world. I bought a couple of JW Black Label at Qatar DF while flying to Sychelles hoping it would be costlier there but it was actually cheaper.

By Molten Metal• 5 Oct 2012 12:09
Rating: 2/5
Molten Metal

benefit is you won't have to pay charges for the weight of the items you purchage at the 'duty free shops'.

Other meaning is 'that place' is for customers who are 'free from duty' from their workplace .. & heading for holidays .. I suppose ..

By pilkclaire• 5 Oct 2012 12:01
Rating: 4/5
pilkclaire

My wife uses Hugo Boss XX and it costs 260 QR at the airport and 180 QR at Carrefour. Even we an find the same for the price 160 QR. Once I asked and the duty free guys saying they are having the original one and others not.

By PrarieFire• 5 Oct 2012 11:52
Rating: 4/5
PrarieFire

brit you will find a similar phenomena everywhere...it is duty free technically...but you are also paying more for the same thing, just not on customs

By t_coffee_or_me• 5 Oct 2012 11:50
t_coffee_or_me

One cannot compare the prize other than the duty free country.

By anonymous• 5 Oct 2012 11:46
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

its duty free for them ..means ..they make money without any duty :)

By Dracula• 5 Oct 2012 11:39
Dracula

I thought it was also for free! :(

HELP AGAIN!

By britexpat• 5 Oct 2012 11:32
britexpat

You carry a hand bag :O(

By Dracula• 5 Oct 2012 11:24
Rating: 5/5
Dracula

Flying home. Stopped off in Dubai. Rushed to Duty Free in the departure lounge to get Mrs. Dracula a gift.

Put some perfume in my hand bag.

The Police catches me. "-I thought it's for free" I said...

HELP!

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.