Duty Free Help

SIGNS: Signs can be confusing, duty free and tax free are basically the same. Both mean you are getting goods at a retail price without the sales or value-added tax (VAT). Prices at travel value shops do include taxes, though some items are discounted.

ALCOHOL and TOBACCO: These are almost guaranteed to be the best deals. They usually carry heavy taxes as well as the VAT, without them, the discount is well over other products.

 

FOOD: Don't be fooled by stamps that suggest products are approved for entry into the United States. Anna Cherry,public affairs specialist for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, says that only the Department of Agriculture has the authority to certify foods for import. More important, she adds she has seen many food products-especially processed meats such as salami and bologna-with "USDA Approved" lables that were fake. check the USDA Web site (www.aphis.usda.gov) to be sure.

SOUVENIRS: Airports are a convenient place to shop for gifts, but you'll typically find better value and selection outide the airport. Remember too that fine art (including paintings, sculptures,and even sketches from street artists) is always duty-free.

LUXURY GOODS: Luxury items can be a good deal when the exchange rate is in your favor. Remember though U.S. import-duty rates on luxury items can be especially high. The steepest are on high-end leather handbags, certain watches, and fine jewelry. Check your local library for the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 2000, a complete listing of duty rates.

DUTY ALLOWANCE: Just because you're not paying duty to a European government doesn't mean you're exempt from paying U.S. duty on goods you carry home. You can bring back purchases worth up to $400 without paying duty, and you get an allowance of 100 cigars, 200 cigaretts, and one liter of alcohol. Anything in excess of that is taxed at 10% for the first $1000 of merchandise and thereafter at whatever rates apply. For more information see the U.S. Customs Web site at www.customs.ustres.gov