Calling all shoppers! We have spectacular news. While shopping in many foreign countries may seem like an expensive extravagance, especially the way the dollar is valued right now, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve uncovered a few places where you can stretch your dollar a little further than most.

Where, you ask? How? The duty-free shops in the airports aren’t always as expensive as you might thing. In some countries you can shop duty free outside of the airport. In the Vatican, for example, everything is duty free, making it a much sought out souvenir destination for visitors looking to bring home religious artifacts. The United Nations Complex in New York City is another exception. While you need to have identification in order to shop there, the United Nations is not technically a part of the US, allowing it to establish its own rules and regulations regarding shopping and tax.

Check out some of the duty free shops around the world as you travel and you’ll be surprised at the deals you can find. Here are a few examples.

Duty Free Shopping in Tokyo

Are you a fan of the Japanese “Hello Kitty” cartoons? Those who are clamor to stores all over the world to nab the famous merchandise, but there’s more of it available in Japan. Much of the Hello Kitty booty you’ll find in Japan’s duty free shops is of the variety you’ll never see back home, so be sure to fill your bags while you can.

Japan is also well known for being the home of a few incredibly famous makeup lines. There are dozens of incredible products that you can purchase here at a less expensive cost, as well as a few that simply aren’t sold in the US.

Heathrow Airport in London

In the Heathrow Airport you’ll stumble upon the British Museum Shop. The shop sells some of the same souvenirs you’d find in the actual museum, but without the steep taxes, so there’s really no reason to shop in the museum at all.

Stanstead’s Glorious Britain shop is another popular Heathrow Airport venue. Inside you’ll find t-shirts, mugs, key chains, and a variety of other goodies showcasing the British royalty.

Bangkok’s Duty Free Shops

Visitors to Thailand are often astounded by the beautiful fabrics made throughout the country. Fortunately, the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company has a duty free shop within the airport, making it easier for you to bring home traditional Thai fabrics without adding extra taxes to those already designer prices.

Maple Syrup in Montreal

Real maple syrup is hard to come by. If you’re up in Canada, you’d better stock up on not only syrup but candies, candles, and anything else maple syrup related you can get your hands on as well.

Maple syrup treats are available up north, sometimes in Vermont, but you’ll rarely find real maple syrup in your local grocery store. Besides, if you do, it’ll be incredibly expensive, so you might as well get some while you’re near the source.

Mexico’s Duty Free Shopping

A friend of mine went to Mexico and purchased a bottle of Tequila. In a last minute lapse of judgment he decided to put his prized bottle in his carry on bag because he feared it would break in his regular luggage. The problem? The bottle was certainly more than 2 fluid ounces and it was too late to run back and have it added to his carry on bag. The security officers likely had a very nice lunch later on that day.

Fortunately, the duty free shop on the other side of security sold him the same bottle and he paid less for it than he had at his original shop. Not only can you purchase alcohol here, but spicy sauces, cheap trinkets, and even Mexican wedding skirts. You name it and you’ll probably be able to buy it in Mexico’s airport.

Glassware in Venice

Venice is known for its glassware, much of which you can find in the Marco Polo Airport for less than you would pay for it in specialty shops waiting for tourists. Time permitting, a trip to the Venetia Studium shop is well worth the time spent. Here you’ll find reproduced copies of Venetian scarves and designer clothing inspired by Mario Fortuny. It may not be the real thing, but who can afford that anyway?

Before you leave on your next vacation be sure to check out the incredible duty free price guide found at www.thedutyfreepriceguide.com. If you know what you’re looking for in advance you’ll be able to plan your shopping excursions accordingly. Why pay more when you can save yourself the hassle by showing up to the airport a few minutes early? Happy shopping!

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