Duty-free shops line every international terminal — spirits, perfumes, chocolates, electronics. But buying there is not always the smart move: some items are still cheaper in the city or online. Before filling your basket, let's work out where duty-free actually delivers savings — and where it does not.
What does Duty Free actually mean?
The label means the goods carry no local sales tax (VAT) or excise duty. That is why duty-free spirits are a genuine win in Scandinavia, where government alcohol taxes exceed 200-300%. In countries with lower VAT — Germany, Spain — the saving may be no more than 5-10%. In other words, how much you save depends heavily on which country you are leaving, not just the shop.
What is worth buying at duty-free
- Spirits — whisky, cognac, gin: typically 20-40% cheaper than city prices at European duty-free shops
- Perfume — especially at Dubai and Singapore duty-free: wide selection of Dior, Chanel, YSL at notable discounts
- Chocolate and gift sets — Toblerone, Lindt, Godiva: reliable standard gifts at fair prices
- Cosmetics — La Mer, Estee Lauder: European duty-free can be 15-25% below high-street prices
What is not worth buying at duty-free
- Electronics — Apple, Sony: Amazon or local electronics stores are often the same price or cheaper
- Georgian wine at TBS — city wine shops frequently match or beat duty-free prices
- Coffee — branded coffee at duty-free is often more expensive than a supermarket
- Local souvenirs — duty-free discounts do not usually apply to local craft items
Customs allowances when returning to Georgia
- Spirits over 22%: 1 litre duty-free; plus 2 litres of wine or beer
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250 g of other tobacco products
- Other goods: allowance of approximately $550; above this, customs duty applies
Allowances can change — check the official revenue.ge website before you buy. Exceeding the limit risks a fine and confiscation of goods.
Tbilisi Airport (TBS) duty-free
Tbilisi International Airport's duty-free zone (operated by Lagardere) covers both the A and B terminal departure areas. Johnnie Walker Black Label, Moet Chandon, Armani Code — hundreds of brands in one space. Best value at TBS: European whisky (18-22% below city prices) and branded fragrances. Georgian wine here often matches city shop prices, so buy that in town instead.
The golden rule of duty-free shopping
Always check the price on Google Shopping or Amazon before you buy — a 60-second check can save 10-20%. Use Travel365 flight search to see whether routing via Dubai, Istanbul or another major hub works for you; those hubs often have the most generous duty-free savings. Related reading: Airline hidden fees and Carry-on luggage rules.
Gift sets combining wine and chocolate are usually the best duty-free deal — 15-20% below city prices and premium packaging included.
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