When you hear “duty free shop,” what comes to mind first? Probably an airport, check in lines, departure lounges, and bright storefronts filled with perfumes, alcohol, and chocolate. But what if we told you that the opportunity to shop without paying duty and VAT is not limited to air travelers?
In fact, such shops are often located at land borders between countries as well. The principle of duty free trade works the same way regardless of how you cross the border, because you are in a transit zone between two customs territories. This is where border shops come in duty free stores designed for those traveling abroad by bus, private car, train, or even ferry. They operate just like airport duty free stores. So for anyone crossing the border, it is a great opportunity to purchase products at attractive prices.
These can range from small shops with a basic selection to full scale retail centers offering a wide variety of products from traditional alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cosmetics, sweets, and souvenirs to branded accessories and electronics.
In this article, we will talk about the key advantages of shopping at duty free stores and how to make your shopping even more convenient with the Mydutyfree pre-order service.
Advantages of border shops
- Tax savings - the main advantage of duty free is already reflected in the name free of duty. Products in these stores are sold without added customs duties and VAT, which usually make up a significant part of the retail price.
- Wide selection - modern border shops offer a well structured assortment of the most popular product categories from globally recognized and trusted brands.
- Guaranteed quality - all products in official border shops are original and certified.
- Convenient payment - border shops usually accept the currencies of both countries as well as all major payment cards, making the purchasing process fast and hassle free.
Waiting time = shopping time
Border shops are typically located directly within the customs control area, so you stay close to the queue and will not miss your turn. Many stores offer clear navigation and quick service, allowing you to shop even if you are short on time.
Next, we will explain how to save time by making an online pre-order to further simplify and speed up your duty free shopping experience.
Main product categories in duty free
- Alcoholic beverages - from popular brands of whisky, cognac, and vodka to local specialties of the country you are leaving or traveling to. Border shops often feature special editions of alcohol created specifically for duty free trade.
- Perfumes and cosmetics - a wide selection of luxury and premium brands at prices lower than in regular stores. An ideal option for a quick gift purchase or for adding to your personal fragrance collection.
- Confectionery - famous Swiss and Belgian chocolates, gift boxed sweets, cookies, and other treats.
- Fashion accessories - sunglasses from well known brands, leather wallets, bags, and belts.
- Electronics: headphones, power banks, chargers, and more.
- Children’s products - toys for young travelers including popular LEGO sets and high quality soft toys made from safe materials.
- Souvenirs and travel goods - from magnets and local delicacies to snacks, beverages, and travel accessories that will come in handy during your trip.
Mydutyfree online pre-order service for duty free products
Mydutyfree is an online platform that allows you to select goods from the duty free stores in advance on website or mobile app with special discounts. It is important to understand that this is not a standalone retail outlet but a pre-order service based on the online catalog a click and collect service. Payment and pickup take place directly at the border shop after you pass passport control on the day of your trip.
How to use the Mydutyfree pre-order service
- Open the Mydutyfree website or mobile app.
- Select the checkpoint where you will be crossing the border.
- Browse the online catalog of the border shop at your chosen location.
- Add the desired items to your cart and complete the order.
- Wait for the booking confirmation sent to your email or in the app.
- After passing customs, pay with a 5% discount and collect your purchases at the store checkout.
Advantages of Mydutyfree
- Time saving and comfortable duty free shopping - your shopping is planned in advance in a calm atmosphere. There is no need to wander around the store, make rushed purchases, and regret impulsive decisions.
- Additional benefit in the form of a discount of 5% or more when making a pre-order.
- Payment is made exclusively in the store upon pickup ensuring full financial security.
- User friendly interface with a convenient online catalog.
- Flexibility in decision making - you can refuse certain items or add new ones directly in the store.
Where does the Mydutyfree service operate
At the Ukrainian border, the service is available at the following checkpoints
- With Romania: Porubne, Diakove, Solotvyno
- With Hungary: Chop Tysa, Luzhanka, Kosyno, Vylok
- With Slovakia: Uzhhorod, Malyi Bereznyi
- With Poland: Yahodyn
Georgian border shops
When crossing the Georgian border by land with Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, pre-order is available at the following checkpoints
Armenian border shop
When crossing the Armenian-Georgian border from the Sadakhlo side:
Now you know that duty free is not only about airports but also about convenient border shops at land crossings. Waiting time at customs can be turned into pleasant and rewarding shopping, and with the Mydutyfree service you can make it even more comfortable and cost effective.
May every journey bring you not only new experiences but also great deals!