Sorry if wrong Forum.

Just been asked if you can buy Duty Free in Heathrow on arrival. Thai friend going soon and not having been there for a long time I don't know if it's same as Swampy or not.

Yes you can as you leave the arrivals.

Not duty free as you leave the arrivals hall. You have been through customs by then.

Not sure how the prices compare to true duty free! Not much choice either at Heathrow because space is limited.

~Edit: it seems perfume, confectionary and electrical items may actually be 'VAT free' but they are often very expensive. Alcohol and cigarettes are 'Duty Paid'!

Edited August 3, 201510 yr by bobrussell

Not duty free as you leave the arrivals hall. You have been through customs by then.

Not sure how the prices compare to true duty free! Not much choice either at Heathrow because space is limited.

In fairness within the EU is there such thing as duty free,most items can be had for the same price if not less on the high street or Internet.

All I know is that as you leave arrivals you can buy goods ranging from chocolates,alcohol and perfume.

I can't imagine that the price difference will be that much.

Granted I forgot that you will have passed through customs by that point or maybe not have I escapes me.

Edited August 3, 201510 yr by stoneyboy

There is a World Duty Free after you exit the baggage claim and go through customs, just before the meeting points. Always buy things there.

This must be one of the added luxuries of flying via Terminal 5! Shows how long it has been since my last truly international holiday. It was Terminal 3 then and the spirits and fags were duty paid.

I stand corrected!!

Sort of corrected!

To be duty free the item must be exported from the EU intact. Therefore nothing on arrival can be duty free. Tax free price means a saving of 20% but World Duty Free pay HM Revenue the VAT.

Clever marketing as most are marked as 'Airport Price' or 'Airport Exclusive Price'!

I suspect prices are much the same wherever you buy the stuff but profit margins for 'World Duty Free' are greatest in departures, after security control!

Amazing what you learn on Thai Visa!!

So in reality he should buy a bottle and his cigs locally and carry with him or in check in luggage.

So in reality he should buy a bottle and his cigs locally and carry with him or in check in luggage.

Up to you as they say.

This from their website.

Edited August 3, 201510 yr by stoneyboy

Double post.

Edited.

Edited August 3, 201510 yr by stoneyboy

There was an article on BBC News yesterday or day before about how much of a con the so called duty free at Heathrow is.

Many items much cheaper when purchased elsewhere. Especially online.

If hes flying from Thailand then buy Alcohol or Cigarettes at Swampy, considerably cheaper that Heathrow.