Where to buy Duty Free?

[flyboysp]

In a week’stime, I'll be flying MNL-SIN-SYD, and am interested in getting a bottle of “One Million" perfume by Paco Rabbane. Assuming pricing is equal, where would I be better off getting the perfume. I've read of some pax buying grog in SIN but not being allowed into Aus, and was thinking about if the same would apply to the perfume. The perfume itself would only be 50ml and I plan to get my grog in SYD.

Regards

 

[medhead]

You would be better buying frog in SIN. I can't thinking any reason you can't do that and grog is expensive in SYD.

I can't think of a reason you can't buy the perfume in SIN. Definitely do not buy liquids in MNL over the 100 ml limit that you can't put into your check luggage.

 

[Will]

Try looking in the non-duty free shopping centres in Manila. It was cheaper to buy grog there than the airport last time I visited, so the same may apply to perfume.

 

[here2go]

Liquids rules will be the problem, and transit time in Singapore. If you can get the liquids into your hold luggage in MNL, good for you. You won't be able to transit with this in SIN in carry-on. In SIN, you will need 90 minutes between purchase (from your departing terminal) and departure in SIN so the can bring the liquids to the gate for you. If you are delayed in getting to SIN, you may miss the duty free liquid opportunity.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Flyboysp cut off time for alcohol in SIN is 75mins - not 74 or 73 - but 75 mins - buy in time frame and it will be waiting for you at boarding gate. If you have time SIN will slaughter SYD on pricing - no-brainer on this one.

DO NOT try to buy alcohol in MNL unless you can get it in your luggage pre-check in - anyway SIN prices just as good as MNL if not cheaper.

50ml perfume as carry on will not be a prob. I buy substantial amounts of perfume in SIN - but I am not aware of that brand. Don't be afraid to call the DFS in SIN and check availability prior to arriving there - or if you are transiting SIN outbound check it then.

Please report back re your success as these types of questions are asked regularly and the more info posted the better for everybody.

 

[Austman]

I have found that Chemist Warehouse can be cheaper than SIN for perfumes. So why bother unless it's convenient?

Chemist Warehouse - Paco Rabanne 1 Million EDT Spray 100mL has 100ml EDT for $89.99.

When you do buy liquid cosmetics at SIN, they seem to have an arrangement with SIN security - as long as the items are less than 100ml they get though gate security in addition to any items in your 1-litre plastic bag. The SIN shops have assured me about this a couple of times and they were right. But YMMV. And if transiting another airport on the same trip, they might not be so lenient.

 

[smit0847]

ebay for perfume.

Cheaper than everything.

 

[oz_mark]

When you do buy liquid cosmetics at SIN, they seem to have an arrangement with SIN security - as long as the items are less than 100ml they get though gate security in addition to any items in your 1-litre plastic bag. The SIN shops have assured me about this a couple of times and they were right. But YMMV. And if transiting another airport on the same trip, they might not be so lenient.

They used to be tough on domestic connections, but I understand they know about connecting to qf400 and above now.

 

[Austman]

They used to be tough on domestic connections, but I understand they know about connecting to qf400 and above now.

Sorry, I meant the next airport's security might not be so lenient (if LAG rules apply at that airport).

 

[Cruiser Elite]

ebay for perfume.

Cheaper than everything.

Personally would tread very warily here - can show you more than one case of fake perfume being traded on ebay - but YMMV.

 

[richie9x]

Liquids rules will be the problem, and transit time in Singapore. If you can get the liquids into your hold luggage in MNL, good for you. You won't be able to transit with this in SIN in carry-on. In SIN, you will need 90 minutes between purchase (from your departing terminal) and departure in SIN so the can bring the liquids to the gate for you. If you are delayed in getting to SIN, you may miss the duty free liquid opportunity.

But surely if the OP is buying only a 50ml perfume as they indicated then it should be fine as far as liquids go for inbound to Australia. As long as the container is 100ml or lower they should be able to take in on board with them.

Restrictions for inbound flights to Australia

 

[mannej]

I agree. - if the OP only wants a 50ml bottle - there will be no issue with LAGs

 

[serfty]

But surely if the OP is buying only a 50ml perfume as they indicated then it should be fine as far as liquids go for inbound to Australia. As long as the container is 100ml or lower they should be able to take in on board with them.

Restrictions for inbound flights to Australia

I agree. - if the OP only wants a 50ml bottle - there will be no issue with LAGs

Note that to comply with LAG regulation, the 50ml (or any bottle < 100ml) should be placed into each PAX single baggie - this is at variance with the SIN experience indicated by Austman.

 

[Austman]

Note that to comply with LAG regulation, the 50ml (or any bottle < 100ml) should be placed into each PAX single baggie - this is at variance with the SIN experience indicated by Austman.

Yes it is. I was fully prepared to unpack the EDT from the box and put it into the 1-litre plastic bag. But SIN store staff said "no need to". And they were right. But I'd still make sure it was possible to do - if not for SIN security then for any further security you may be subject too.

 

[whatmeworry]

Bought aftershave in SIN 2 years ago during a transit. 100ml IIRC and no problems going through security. Also bought booze which was taken to the gate for collection.

 

[Awesom Andy]

If you can buy the alcohol in Manila in shopping centres, and have them go along with the checked baggage, that's probably the way to go. (No canned drinks, of course). Otherwise, SIN duty-free would be the way to go if you have enough transit time.

As for the 50ml perfume, don't bother. With such a small quantity, any savings you can obtain would be minimal. I mean, go ahead with it if you like, but you aren't really missing out if you wait till you don't get it at the airport.

 

[flyboysp]

I'm back from my trip and I ended buying what I needed to get at Robinsons at SM Manila. The reason for this being is that, I was travelling with my dad who needed wheelchair assistance as he was hit by a truck in Laoag, so I did not even get the chance to do Duty Free shopping on arrival in SIN or SYD. It was a case of the help being too efficient. During the terminal transfer in SIN, I did notice a heavy duty trolley loaded up with duty free goods labelled SQ 231 (my flight home).

 

[drewbles]

For anyone wanting fragrances (and some cosmetics I believe) without going on a DF run, try Discount Perfume, Skincare & Makeup - StrawberryNET.com (Australia) (and if you use 'shop-and-don't-earn' with VA you may earn some points out of it as they're a partner). I know people who swear by them, and their prices are really good.