Dubai Duty Free

[David John Long]

Hey, I am flying to New Zealand at the end of the year to go visit some family. I am flying via Dubai and would like to know if it is really worth it to hit the duty free shops there... or should I hang tight and wait to get to NZ to do a bit of shopping? Is there really a massive difference in prices between Dubai and NZ?

[Patricia Lotte]

It all depends on what you're looking for. DDF used to be a really great place to shop but prices have increased so much over the last few years that I personally don't buy at the duty free. Of course that's also because you can generally buy the same thing cheaper in town where you can bargain (not in shopping malls though). I've never been to New Zealand so can't say whether Dubai is cheaper or not, but I feel that Dubai is a bit slow in bringing out the latest in technology for example. So if that's the kind of thing you're looking for, then you might be better off in NZ.

[Rhona]

Be carefull if buying bottles; I don't know about Dubai and NZ but this side of the world you can't carry bottles of liquid on board if making connecting flights; when we flew to S.Africa last year, we bought 2 big bottles of whiskey to carry over - but couldn't board the plane in Heathrow, security wanted to take them off us but there was no way I was handing them over to airport security - I gave them to an irish guy who wasn't travelling any further; well it was either that or down the plug...........needless to say I got a huge and a hug  - best make enquiries before spending big bucks..........other than that have a wonderfull time and bring us back something nice 

[David John Long]

Looking at getting a new lens for my camera, but with the prices here I am looking at about R7000.00, from the online stores in NZ it is a little cheaper, but hoping Dubai will be like dirty cheap... I intend to bring back lots of pictures :) and maybe a kiwi... if i can smuggle it onto the plane 

[Rhona]

For me - it was way cheaper to buy a lens for my camera in Australia than in Ireland (half the price) - as for the kiwi; best bring a suit as you may have to marry it first..... 

[Bertie Horak]

@ David - and a few medicinal herb seeds in the soles of your shoes?  I pay well!

[David John Long]

@ Rhona, not talking about that kinda bird :)

@ Bertie, what kinda medicinal herbs we talking about???? 

[Bertie Horak]

No David, not that kind of herb    Won't let you get into trouble, even though it makes a great tincture for pain!!!.   
I have a long list of plants that I'm looking for, but don't know which ones are legal or not.  Had a bad experience with department of agriculture - lost about $300 of seeds (30 small packets of different medicinal herbs) which I ordered from America.  They didn't know the plants, so they simply burned it, because I didn't have the right permits.  I told them what you're saying - "hope you choke"! 

So, I wont expect you to go through any trouble, just now I have to come bail you out!  Enjoy your trip anyway and thanx for offering!

[Bertie Horak]

@ Rhona - I also thought he was talking about that kind of bird!!!!!

[David John Long]

@ Bertie, sounds like it is easy to get  into this country than the medicinal herbs you want 

[Bertie Horak]

Soooo right Dave, soooo right! 202

[Rhona]

Maybe it's best to pack that suit David - just incase you get your kiwis mixed up 

[David John Long]

@ Rhona.... come now I going on holiday, I can't pack that many suits.... plus it's a small Island 

[Rhona]

  You only need one suit

[David John Long]

Not for what I have in mind ;)