How to avoid being ripped off by airport duty-free discount deals

Brits confused by Brexit tax rules could be paying extra for luxury goods they could pick up cheaper at supermarkets, high street stores or buying online

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Many Brits still believe duty-free shopping means guaranteed savings but since Brexit, it's not always the case and some travellers are being ripped off to the tune of £20, £30 or more.

Rebecca Bebbington, personal finance expert at NetVoucherCodes breaks down when duty free shopping is a good deal and the exact products Brits should be buying at the airport.

The confusion comes down to the new rules on tax-free purchases. Before Brexit, flying within the EU meant no big price swings, you paid the same VAT-inclusive prices as you would on the high street.

Now, technically, duty-free is back for travel outside the EU.

But if you're flying to EU destinations, the same VAT rules still apply, meaning so-called “duty-free” prices often are not any cheaper.

Genuine duty-free bargains (if travelling outside the EU):

Spiritsa litre of standard brands-eg Gordon's gin for £16, Johnnie Walker Black Label for £27-can undercut UK supermarket prices by £5-10 per bottle. This is because UK duty on spirits is high, so proper duty-free offers a genuine saving.