Duty Free - Where to buy? - MEL/HKG/AMS/LCY

[ozmerish]

Hi all,

Just wondering where the best place to pick up DF booze on the above sectors.

It's a straight through itinerary - so bags are checked in MEL and wont have the opportunity to pack purchases in the bags.

Question is - the ability to bring the DF (Chambord/Cointreau) through all the way to LCY as a carry on?

Cheers

 

[ozbeachbabe]

It's a bit of a dilemma these days as you don't want to buy it from duty free stores during intermediate transits or on onboard the flights in between if it's going to be confiscated at AMS for example.

I'd be checking out info for LCY Airport and if they have a duty free arrivals store just to be safe.

A friend of mine who was travelling on JQ58 SIN/CNS was unaware of the transit stop in DRW and had to relinquish a prized bottle of Johnnie Blue - ouch.

Cheers

Oz

 

[Dave Noble]

I'd be checking out info for LCY Airport and if they have a duty free arrivals store just to be safe.

They won't ; The UK is not a country which allows duty free purchases on arrival

Given that AMS_LCY is an intra-EU flight, he won't be able to get duty free in Amsterdam ( or if they do allow it , it will be duty paid )

I also expect that AMS has the same rules about liquids as other locations and so alcohol purchased in HKG cannot be carried through AMS security

If wanting Alcohol purchases, the most likely method to be able to do it is to
check luggage only through to AMS
buy the DF in HKG
Collect lugagge in AMS , clear customs etc and put DF into luggage
Check luggage in for LCY
return through security

Given the time between arrival/departure in AMS, this would be feasible but clunky

Dave

 

[medhead]

Given that AMS_LCY is an intra-EU flight, he won't be able to get duty free in Amsterdam ( or if they do allow it , it will be duty paid )

This is a strange, clunky thing really, isn't it. In theory the EU is supposed to make intra-EU flights like pseudo-domestic flights. In Oz domestic there is no liquids restictions. But intra-EU there is LAG restrictions, as if international, but there is no duty free purchase, as if domestic. The worst of both worlds.

 

[harvyk]

This is a strange, clunky thing really, isn't it. In theory the EU is supposed to make intra-EU flights like pseudo-domestic flights. In Oz domestic there is no liquids restictions. But intra-EU there is LAG restrictions, as if international, but there is no duty free purchase, as if domestic. The worst of both worlds.

Just like the US, LAG rules apply even on dom flights there so it's not an EU specific thing.

Will you need to clear customs in AMS? (Given that intra-EU flights are "domestic") If so I'd say you'd need to pick up your bags at AMS anyway.

If so I'd suggest HKG as the place to purchase, and then when you clear customs in AMS (which is the likely place you'll do it) pack the DF into your checked bags.

All that said, where you can purchase your DF depends on where you need to clear customs for the last time, so confirm that from your itinerary or speak with your TA as to where you'll clear customs.

 

[medhead]

Just like the US, LAG rules apply even on dom flights there so it's not an EU specific thing.

gotta say I'm not convinced that the USA (LOTFAP) provides any valid example of what is sensible behaviour.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

harvyk

where you can purchase your DF depends on where you need to clear customs for the last time, so confirm that from your itinerary or speak with your TA as to where you'll clear customs.

With all due respect to the small percentage of travel agents out there who do know what they're talking about, or know who to ask if they don't know, I would not class them as being an authority on the subject.

Seriously I would get a calling card, google Amsterdam Airport then ring and ask them what the procedure is for an itinerary such as yours. The call wouldn't cost that much but it's better than getting the wrong advice as well meaning as it might have been and losing your prized duty free.

Cheers

Oz

 

[Dave Noble]

Will you need to clear customs in AMS? (Given that intra-EU flights are "domestic") If so I'd say you'd need to pick up your bags at AMS anyway.

The Netherlands to the UK is not a domestic flight; the UK isn't even part of the Schengen Zone
Even when people do connect in the UK from an international to a domestic flight, they generally will not need to clear C&I until the final destination

Unless specifically requested to short check the luggage it will be checked through to LCY

If so I'd suggest HKG as the place to purchase, and then when you clear customs in AMS (which is the likely place you'll do it) pack the DF into your checked bags.

Only if specifically requested to check it to AMS and given who the passenger is, I doubt very much that the passenger will want to have additional hassles on the journey

Given that the passenger is probably checked in by now ( or at min will be on way to airport ) the issue is probably moot by now anyway

 

[medhead]

I don't see the need to ring AMS airport to find out the procedure. The OP clearly states that luggage is check through and there is no chance to pack DF into luggage. That leaves 2 questions, can DF be purchased in AMS before heading to LCY:

Advice from the Qantas website on Netherlands says:

Export:
- Passengers with destinations within the European Union are allowed to spend up to EUR 90.76 on tax-free articles.

A check on a Netherland government website should be able to confirm that.

the second questions is whether there a LAG restrictions at AMS for intra -EU flights. I think there would be based on LAG restrictions at FRA, for a friend flying SIN-FRA-MAD. But

Virgin Atlantic has the following advice:

Passengers transiting in the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland

If your journey involves changing flights at any EU airport, special restrictions apply. You may only take liquid duty free purchases above 100ml through the security check point at your connecting airport if they have been purchased at another EU airport or in Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, or on board an aircraft operated by an EU carrier or a carrier of Iceland, Norway or Switzerland. You will need to show proof of purchase to demonstrate this. Liquid purchases of more than 100ml bought from other airports or on board other airlines may only be carried as checked in baggage on the connecting flight.

AngloInfo Amsterdam has some information

HKG airport website might also have information. Or check with you airline website.

Finally, you could buy DF in Australia off airport and have it sealed (bonded). Depending on where you need to presented the sealed package to customs at the airport in Australia, you might then have a chance to pack it into your checked luggage. I'm sure Australian Customs can advise if that is possible.

 

[Dave Noble]

I don't see the need to ring AMS airport to find out the procedure. The OP clearly states that luggage is check through and there is no chance to pack DF into luggage. That leaves 2 questions, can DF be purchased in AMS before heading to LCY:

AT AMS, there are ( or were last time I passed through ) 2 prices in the Duty Free shops; one for passengers travelling to an EU destination and a tax free price for those departing to a non-EU destination

Certain items could not be purchased at all but cannot remember if alcohol is amongst it

If purchasing at AMS, the price ( if allowed to buy ) will not be a duty free price anyway

Even so, with the flight departing in < 2 hours the issue is prob too late to be of any use

Dave

 

[simongr]

They won't ; The UK is not a country which allows duty free purchases on arrival

I arrived at LHR recently and went through a Duty Free shop on arrival.

 

[Dave Noble]

I arrived at LHR recently and went through a Duty Free shop on arrival.

That was after immigration iirc and isnt actually Duty Free iirc ( just that they discount the price from typical high street price by amount of VAT ). I don't believe that there is one of these fake DF shops at LCY though

Dave

 

[medhead]

If purchasing at AMS, the price ( if allowed to buy ) will not be a duty free price anyway

Even so, with the flight departing in < 2 hours the issue is prob too late to be of any use

Dave

Indeed, I missed your earlier post and haven't keep up with the whole forum to know when the flight is.

I certainly didn't think the qantas website was definitive re: DF purchasing, hence suggestion to check with the netherlands govt.

 

[ozmerish]

Hi all,

Think FWIW - just let her come on through without any DF issues re alcohol. The hassle involved isnt worth the effort.

I did the same trip last month, albeit via NRT, and to be completely honest, the DF in both NRT and AMS is, IMO, disappointing in terms of depth of selection. The standards were there, but not a whole lot of choice as you get in Oz or UK (LHR for instance).

Dave Noble, I didn't see a pseudo DF in LCY either. You are correct about the DF after C&I at LHR as well. You can stop in and buy as much as you like - but the "deals" are really only suited for high alcohol where the VAT "reductions" are more noticeable - keep in mind the VAT in the UK was just increased with the new year. They will also run deals such as 2-4-1 Baileys (1l) 18GBP.

For EU travel, you can do Shop and Collect (I did this on a flight to HEL). You make your purchases, fill the form out and collect the goods on the way out on your return. Granted, items are not DF in this instance, but are still cheaper than on the high street as Dave Noble mentioned. Normally larger bottles as well

There are 2 prices noted in the shops in AMS - one DF the other includes tax/charges. In LHR, they have a sign on the shelf that indicates if a person flying EU is eligible to purchase at the "discounted" rate. Those are the ones to compare in the higher end items eg Perrier Jouet, Laurent Perrier and still get deals on the the 2-4-1 Piper.

You're a day out - the pax flies on the 6th

medhead - I had my purchases bonded (sealed) in BNE prior to departure. After an overnight, I asked JL staff when checking in about carrying on the items in the bonded bag. Was told that it did not matter - needed to go into the checked bag.

I also had a bonded bag taken off me in HKG when I transited ex Oz to the US.

ozbeachbabe

With all due respect to the small percentage of travel agents out there who do know what they're talking about, or know who to ask if they don't know, I would not class them as being an authority on the subject.

I agree with you in terms of small percentage of REALLY knowledgeable TA's out there - which is why when I find a good one - I stick with them!!

Thanks for the comments and help...

Cheers!

 

[Dave Noble]

I agree with you in terms of small percentage of REALLY knowledgeable TA's out there - which is why when I find a good one - I stick with them!!

ooh...where do u go for planning ur travels?

Dave

 

[ozmerish]

ooh...where do u go for planning ur travels?

Dave

Its a closely held secret - I don't want the agency to get TOO busy as I fear the level of service may suffer

 

[medhead]

medhead - I had my purchases bonded (sealed) in BNE prior to departure. After an overnight, I asked JL staff when checking in about carrying on the items in the bonded bag. Was told that it did not matter - needed to go into the checked bag.

I also had a bonded bag taken off me in HKG when I transited ex Oz to the US.

Thanks for the feedback. Sorry for not coming up with a useful solution or answer in time.

I was suggesting that you may be able to get a bonded bag, presented it to customs and then pack it in checked luggage prior to check in. Whether that would be possible would depend on being able to present the DF to customs before checking the luggage. I should have been more clear that a bonded bag would be lost if not in checked luggage. Definitely a hassle either way.