Good to know info about “duty-free” shops

Good to know info about “duty-free” shops

Sara Raney, Senior Travel Advisor - Alaska and Antarctica Specialist

Duty-free articles sold in a Customs duty-free shops are duty-free only for the country in which that shop is located.

For example, if you buy goods in Frankfurt you avoid paying the duty in Germany. Do not assume that duty-free is free. Whether or not you are eligible for an exemption and what it will be depends on what country you come from, how long you were there, and what you purchase, and whether it is a gift or for personal use, and how much it costs. Frequent travelers can apply their personal exemption only once every 30 days.

For more information go to www.dutycalculator.com and see the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The duty calculator allows you to look up the duty on three items for free; after that there is a fee. Also, you do have to register every time you look up information.

You can pay by personal check or US currency; in some cases they do accept charge cards.

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SARA RANEY, Senior Travel AdvisorAs a professional Travel Consultant/Advisor who specializes in working with seniors, Sara Raney keeps you up-to-date on important travel information. Having traveled to over 100 countries herself, Sara has the knowledge and experience to make age-appropriate travel plans and special arrangements for her clients (things you wouldn’t even think of) so that you can relax and enjoy a wonderful, memorable, hassle-free vacation!

“Alaska and Antarctica Specialist.”

Join Sara on one of her escorted groups to Alaska!