Shop and save: 5 destinations for best duty-free deals for Indian travellers

Duty-free shopping is always a great option to buy alcohol, cosmetics, and luxury goods at lower prices, especially given the high import tariffs in India. Buying these products at international duty-free shops helps one to enjoy significant savings. Here’s a look at some of the best duty-free options across different countries.

The UK is well-known for its high-end products, including whisky and designer labels. Since high import charges in India can make the same products much more expensive locally, Indian travellers returning home from Heathrow or other airports might think about buying duty-free whisky, fragrances and fashion items before leaving.

Thailand is a popular destination for Indian travelers, and its duty-free shops offer attractive deals on liquor, cosmetics, and perfumes. Indian travelers can bring back up to 2 liters of alcohol to India duty-free, making it an ideal stop for purchasing international liquor brands at lower prices than in local Indian markets.

Alcohol is heavily taxed in Australia, making duty-free purchases an attractive option. You can bring up to 2.25 liters of alcohol duty-free into Australia, which can mean big savings compared to buying spirits within the country.

For many Indian travelers, Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as key layover points for international travel. The duty-free shops in Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi Airport offer fantastic deals on perfumes, alcohol, and electronics. With strict alcohol regulations and high taxes in the UAE, purchasing at the airport can help avoid high local prices.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is home to one of the world’s best duty-free shopping experiences. Indian travelers can take advantage of lower alcohol prices here compared to Indian markets and purchase up to 2 liters of liquor duty-free when returning to India.