This Is What Actual Duty Free Prices Look Like on Alcohol

https://mailchi.mp/ababco/open-for-your-2-free-bottles-of-sc…

Diplomats living around the world don't usually need to pay a lot of the taxes that are charged by the country they are living, thanks to the Vienna Convention.

ABABCO is a company that caters to this demographic by shipping bulk orders of alcohol around the world that have no duty on them and a regular margin, like Dan's or 1st Choice. Normal duty free stores in airports also avoid similar taxes/duty but whack a massive margin on it so you barely save.

The result is something like a Glenmorangie that goes for $100 in Dan's for $57, Jura 10yo normally $85 for $40 and Lagavulin normally $115 ($85 on a good day at OzBargain) for $53. Heck you could treat yourself and get a Talisker 25yo normally $550 for $360.

Next time you go through duty free make sure you remember that a) their margins are massive and b) usually the whisky is specifically made for duty free by the distiller so you can't price check Dan's and realise you are saving nothing.

If you want actual duty free, get a job at DFAT, Dept. Immigration, AusTrade or the UN and live overseas!

Comments

  • Ok.

  • +3

    Or just cut the booze

    • Mate. Get out of Australia. RIGHT NOW! LEAVE!

  • +1

    I guess this company also has to pay retail rents in global airports? Or maybe their overheads are lower.

  • +3

    If you work overseas for DFAT, even better, not only do you get duty free wine delivered, but the wineries like you serving Australian wine at your dinner parties and to your overseas friends etc. So they provide it at wholesale price as well. You pay around 40% of Australian retail, delivered.

    Or at least that was how it used to work 10 years ago. Havent been on a posting since then (Im a 'tag along spouse' so dont keep up with the ins and outs of that world). Was for wine only.

    • +1

      So they provide it at wholesale price as well.

      I did some work for Qantas Flight Catering a while back, it was interesting seeing a 'nice' bottle of scotch would cost under $10 and retail for about $90.

      I guess the high prices do protect our livers somewhat.

  • Damn. Nice info but unfortunately I'm not sure anyone would be willing to haggle on the price of liquor to anywhere near these prices.

  • Thanks, good to know things like these do happen.

  • +1

    Or go to countries that don't put crap load of tax on alcohol.
    https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12998710_950…
    Took that one in a supermarket in Austria, so it is in Euros.

  • -1

    Your comment gave me (liver) cancer.

  • There are in-person stores in Canberra for foreign diplomatic staff, which occasionally end up in the media when misuse occurs. Good rundown here.

    Booze prices are said to be amazing (especially cask strength whiskies and over proof rums, which are taxed more) and tobacco unbelievably low.

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