Duty‑free rules and allowances: what you can really bring

Airport duty‑free shops are hard to resist: bright displays, lower price tags, no local taxes — but there’s a catch. Many travelers assume that if it’s from duty free, it can go anywhere. In reality, there are limits, and it’s better to know them in advance — otherwise the border can turn an impulse buy into an awkward, sometimes expensive, lesson.

How duty‑free actually works

Duty‑free stores sell goods without local taxes and typically sit in international departure and arrival areas. That doesn’t mean everything you buy can cross borders without question. Every country sets its own allowances — and they differ dramatically.

Alcohol and cigarettes: how much you can bring

The most popular duty‑free buys are also the easiest to miscalculate. The United States, for example, allows no more than 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigars). If you were abroad for less than 48 hours or travel too often, the limit drops to 150 ml of alcohol and perfumes with a total value of no more than $200.

The United Kingdom allows you to bring 4 liters of spirits, 9 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes. Anything more is off‑limits.

Russia — up to 5 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes. Anything above that must be declared; in some cases you’ll pay duty or leave the excess with customs.

Cosmetics and perfume aren’t always trouble‑free

Perfume can seem harmless, but there are still nuances. In European countries, goods bought abroad must not exceed €430 if you’re flying. For children under 15, the limit is €150.

In the United States, within the overall allowance ($800), you can bring no more than 150 ml of perfume.

And if a perfume or lotion contains a high amount of alcohol, some countries may treat it like alcohol.

If you have a connection, be extra careful

This is a classic pitfall. Imagine you buy a bottle in duty free and then connect in another country. At the next security check, your purchase can be taken away if it isn’t in the right packaging.

Here’s what matters: duty‑free liquids must be sealed in a transparent bag with a red strip (the store provides it). Don’t open the bag until your trip is over. Even with intact packaging, inspections still happen — especially in EU countries.

How to keep things smooth

— Check the rules for your destination. The customs website or your airline is a good place to start.

— Keep the receipt and the original packaging. They prove the item was bought in duty free.

— Don’t open sealed bags during connections. This is crucial if you’re flying through Europe or the United States.

— Don’t overdo it. It’s not worth trying to “slip through unnoticed.”

Duty‑free shopping can be convenient and often cost‑effective. But even tax‑free doesn’t mean carefree. A quick look at the rules now saves money, nerves, and, potentially, your prized purchase later.