"Duty Free" is quite a catchy word. It's really hard to resist the flashy perfume or saucy spirits ads. Now and then I have been victim of one of those ads - not because of the ads but due to my buying impulse.
For sake of conciseness, I have mentioned my experience in bullets. If you have been caught in similar situation, please feel free to add them as comments.
1. Chocolates : Believe it or not, I have paid thrice of high street price while buying chocolates from duty free shops. It's totally depend upon your choice. Some might be available at good deals on high street shops. If you have some time, then go there and you might be in luck to grab good deals.
2. Spirits : You might get good deals on a combo buy. e.g Two wines or pick and mix for average scotch. But if you only prefer premium scotch, then you may want to weigh your options.
3. Laptop/Computers: You would have to be careful here. The first criteria would be an international warranty. If you are travelling out of EU, then you are eligible for VAT refund. Check out http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ for latest info. You may get more than 100 quid refund on 1000 quid laptop.
Now, the main point. NOT all the shops at duty free, would be able to provide you a VAT refund form. So you may want to check them before making your decision.
4. Mobile phones : - Same as (3).
For sake of conciseness, I have mentioned my experience in bullets. If you have been caught in similar situation, please feel free to add them as comments.
1. Chocolates : Believe it or not, I have paid thrice of high street price while buying chocolates from duty free shops. It's totally depend upon your choice. Some might be available at good deals on high street shops. If you have some time, then go there and you might be in luck to grab good deals.
2. Spirits : You might get good deals on a combo buy. e.g Two wines or pick and mix for average scotch. But if you only prefer premium scotch, then you may want to weigh your options.
3. Laptop/Computers: You would have to be careful here. The first criteria would be an international warranty. If you are travelling out of EU, then you are eligible for VAT refund. Check out http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ for latest info. You may get more than 100 quid refund on 1000 quid laptop.
Now, the main point. NOT all the shops at duty free, would be able to provide you a VAT refund form. So you may want to check them before making your decision.
4. Mobile phones : - Same as (3).
