Is duty-free shopping still worthwhile?

The benefit of duty-free shopping will often depend upon the product that you buy.

Products that are worthwhile looking at in duty-free stores are those that seem to have a reasonably controlled price structure.

For example, small computers or cameras are not often discounted - but if you buy them duty free you can often save the 10% GST and any duty that may be payable, which can be a substantial saving.

Perfumes and alcohol seem to be very popular with travellers as they re-enter Australia, but even if you save a few cents it might not be worth the headache when you get the product back to Australia.

Airports vary with their on-board liquid allowances.

Sometimes it's easier to deal with retailers locally either duty free or in your local store before you fly out of Australia.

My caution to consumers is that if they buy a product duty free overseas, they must make sure the guarantee is accepted in Australia.

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) the retailer is responsible if a product is faulty.

However, consumers must be aware that if they live in a regional area and they buy goods at the duty-free store at the airport, they cannot expect their local retailer to assist if the goods are faulty.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.