Fair prices are rare in airports. Do some research before buying in duty-free and compare costs to save your money, especially when you’re in the market for one of these 9 items.
- Duty-Free Merchandise
It’s possible to get a duty-free deal once in a while, depending on your airport. But keep in mind that duty-free doesn’t ensure a good buy. You can save your money if you smoke and live in states with high taxes, but you’ll find that electronic goods, beauty products and luxury items usually cost less online or in shops. The solution?When making duty-free purchases, do a little research first. Go online ahead of time and do some comparisons.
- Foreign Currency
Since foreign exchange in airports often hit travelers with incredibly high transaction fees, it’s probably not the best place to exchange your money. It’s convenient, but if you don’t want to pay price for it, there is a good strategy. Get foreign currency by taking out cash at the ATM in your destination. This way promises likely the best interbank exchange rate. Contact your bank before your travelling for more information on foreign transaction fees.
- Water in Bottles
Stop buying bottled water in your terminal. Our favorite solution is the Vapur Anti-Bottle. Invest in one of these foldable, reusable containers and fill it up at a water fountain after you pass by airport security. It’ll pay for itself after a few uses.
- Souvenirs
Think over and be sure to buy your souvenirs before getting to the airport, waiting for your flight back home. Airport souvenir shops usually high prices for them which can be found elsewhere for a lot less. Plus they are often unoriginal. Our advice is to do a research before you get to the duty-free so that you can compare prices. You can also take a glance at what’s on offer when you land, and then buy whatever you want when you come back to the airport upon departure.
- Neck Pillows
Caught by the terminals, travelers face anti-consumer pricing schemes, especially when it comes to such convenient travel items as neck pillows. Buy it online before your flight and keep an eye out for special offers and sales.
- Wi-Fi
Although lots of airports offer free Wi-Fi, some of them are still charging flyers to search the Web while waiting for your airplane. Before you enter your credit-card number, check if you can get connection for free. Sit near the entrance of an elite-flyer’s lounge or in an airport hotel lobby, both of them may offer free Wi-Fi that’s not password protected. Or try your terminal’s Starbucks. It has free Wi-Fi, while flyers may cost $4.95 to connect elsewhere in the airport.
- Restaurant Food
Restaurants usually charge higher prices for food in airport than they do elsewhere. The matter is restaurants’ operating expenses are higher at airports than at street locations. But meal prices vary even by terminal, heightening the confusion for travelers who want to compare costs. You can bring your own lunch from home. Or stay away from sit-down restaurants and look for more affordable snacks.
- Magazines
It’s not a disaster when you buy the latest copy of National Geographic at the duty-free newsstand. But when abroad, be careful. Imported U.S. magazines cost much more than those sold at home even if they are old.
- Parking Spot
You usually can find better price at off-site parking lots, rather than at airport lots. Do a research. There is always an option.