What is duty-free shopping? You may have passed a duty-free store in the International Terminals of SFO, but you might not be sure what duty-free shopping offers. In fact, SFO has over 10 duty-free shops and luxury stores to choose from. Duty-free shopping is being able to purchase items without paying import, sales, value-added, or other taxes. For many travelers, it’s an enticing perk of frequent international travel.
Let’s dive deeper into this airport shopping experience.
How Duty-Free Works
The term “duty” refers to taxes and fees you pay for bringing a purchase across international borders. If you purchase a bottle of perfume worth several hundred dollars while touring Italy, for instance, you might have to pay tax twice: once at the time of purchase, and again when bringing it back into the US.
Duty-free means you don’t pay taxes in the country where you make the purchase. You buy it duty-free at the time of purchase, then only need to meet the requirements of the country you’re bringing it into.
At an airport, duty-free shopping is typically located inside an international terminal after you go through security. Duty-free shopping is exclusively for people who are traveling internationally. If you are traveling domestically, or if you are an airport employee, you won’t be able to take advantage of duty-free shopping. You must show your boarding pass before completing the transaction.
US Customs duty-free shopping is subject to different rules. View specific information regarding US duty-free rules. at the US Customs and Border Protection website.
What Can You Buy Through Duty-Free Shopping?
Duty-free shopping offers a range of products that travelers can purchase at reduced prices due to exemptions from certain taxes and duties. Duty-free stores at SFO include DFS Duty Free Galleria, DFS Sunglasses and Watches, luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Hermes, among others located in the International A and G terminals. You’ll find these categories available for duty-free shopping at SFO:
Perfumes and cosmetics: Luxury perfumes, colognes, makeup, skincare products, and other beauty items
Alcoholic beverages: Wine, champagne, whiskey, vodka, and other spirits
Tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco-related products
Fashion and accessories: Clothing, handbags, sunglasses, high-end watches, fine jewelry, and other fashion accessories
Confectionery and snacks: Chocolates, candies, gourmet foods, and snacks
Gifts, souvenirs and local goods: Local souvenirs and specialty items representing San Francisco and the Bay Area
Shoppers can also order online for in-store pick up at DFS Duty Free Galleria. View our Shopping at SFO page for details on store locations.
Get Ready for Deals
Take advantage of the variety of items and unexpected perks of shopping duty-free. One benefit is that you can save money on products you might not find at your local market and save money on taxes. It also gives you a chance to splurge. Want a keepsake? Buy that luxury perfume to take with you as a long-lasting souvenir.
It’s just one more way we’re giving you a chance to enjoy your travel experience from the moment you enter the airport. Hope to see you before or after your next flight.Plan your next trip to SFO.
