Where to get best duty-free deals? Travelling from Oz

Hi to all you knowledgeable TA%26#39;ers!

I%26#39;m travelling from Australia to Phuket, then on to Bangkok. I want to buy a digital camera, and maybe a notebook computer. Where would be the best place: duty free in Australia, or at any of the destinations I%26#39;m travelling to?

Also, what about cosmetics/perfume etc? How do the airlines compare for duty free prices?

It%26#39;s been 10 years since I travelled O/S, and that was to Eurupe, so this is my first experience of Asia.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers

Kathleen

Where to get best duty-free deals? Travelling from Oz

I found the price%26#39;s for electronic%26#39;s are higher in thailand than in USA

you can probably get a much better price buying localiy before you leave, or on the internet. Is the power the same in Australia as in Asia. It is different than USA current so I have to be careful buying electronic%26#39;s for use in USA.

sorry i can%26#39;t help you on perfume and cosmectic%26#39;s middle age bald men don%26#39;t have much call for them.

good luck

Where to get best duty-free deals? Travelling from Oz

Hi Kathleen,

Better to buy electronics duty free on your way out. They are a similar price in Thailand to the normal prices here in Oz.

Not sure about perfume prices, but all of the departments stores in Bkk and Phuket have a huge range - great for browsing. Last time we were in Bkk in August the Body Shop had a big sale in the Central Department store, so I had a good time.

All of the usual cosmetic ranges, and more, are also available. I always stock up on products like Garnier, Oil of Ulay etc. which are really cheap at the supermarkets like Big C and the pharmacy chains like Watson%26#39;s (they are everywhere) - less than half the price here.

Yves Rocher also has shops in Thailand if you like them - natural, plant-based products, very nice.

A lot of the bigger brands had boutique shops in the departure lounge at the old airport, so check that out at the new airport as well.

There are a couple of department stores and supermarkets in Phuket town(about 30-40 mins from Patong), but you could leave it all until Bangkok then go beserk from all the choice there.

You should take a spare suitcase...then again, there%26#39;s a huge range of them to buy in Bkk as well!

i found cosmetics were quite good prices at duty free at Bangkok Airport- that was in September at the old airport- might even be some better shops at the new airport.

Cameras are not really any cheaper in Thailand as they have high taxes imposed on them. Do not buy from duty free stores in Australia as prices are not competitive compared to the discounts available either online (www.camerafarm.com.au or www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au) or local retailers.

The best way is to take advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme which allows you to make your purchase from any retailer within 30 days of departure (must spend over $300 and have full tax invoice and take item out of the country with you). This is a great scheme as it allows you to get used to your camera etc, shop around for the best possible price and then claim 10% gst back at the airport upon departure.

Thanks everyone - as usual some great advice!

Mole, I wasn%26#39;t aware that goods purchased prior to leaving the country could be used before departure. I bought a camera in a local camera shop the last time I travelled O/S, for a great price, but it was all sealed, and had all the documentation attached, so I couldn%26#39;t use it until after I left. From memory, I got the tax discount at the time of purchase. This of course was prior to GST.

There must be a web site I can check out for further info on that suggestion.

Thanks again

Kathleen

Hi Kathy, here is a link for info about the tourist refund scheme

www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4646

we have used this on our last couple of trips, bought a digital camera and video camera (one from digitalcamerawarehouse.com and other from Harvery Norman). Its great because you get a feel of your new equipment before you leave plus you get to shop around for the best price at where you choose to shop. Very quick and easy to organise the refund at the airport too. We are purchasing ipods for christmas and as we are flying out in January will be able to claim back the GST on these too.

Cheers

Catherine

Hi again Mole

Thanks for that web link - I%26#39;ve now got all the info I need!

What would we do without this forum, you have probably saved me quite a bit. My sister and niece went to Hong Kong two months ago, and bought nintendo-type games for her young grandsons (plus lots of other goodies). I%26#39;m sure if they%26#39;d had this advice they would have bought before going!

Kathleen xx

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