Duty-Free Shopping Guide

Duty-free shopping at Montreal-Trudeau offers tax and duty savings, but not all items are worth buying.

Best Duty-Free Purchases

Alcoholic beverages: Significant savings on liquor, wine, and spirits. Cigarettes: Substantial tax savings (if you smoke). Perfume: 15-30% savings on designer fragrances. Electronics: Modest discounts on some items.

Items Not Worth Buying

Regular grocery items: No savings despite duty-free status. Fast fashion: Similar prices to regular retail. Airport-specific merchandise: Marked up significantly. Branded items marked "duty free" only at airports.

Tax & Duty Savings

Canadian duty-free is limited compared to other countries due to NAFTA. Average savings on alcohol: 20-25%. Average savings on perfume: 15-25%. Limited savings on most other items.

Shopping Tips

Compare prices to downtown stores using your phone. Calculate total savings after currency conversion for international shopping. Don't buy just because it's duty-free. Check expiration dates on perishables.

Restrictions & Limits

Limited to duty-free quantities. Liquid restrictions apply (must be in sealed duty-free bags). Some items restricted for checked vs. carry-on luggage. International customs limits apply.

Popular Items

Designer perfumes from Estée Lauder, Chanel, and Dior. Scotch and Irish whiskey. Quebec-made products like maple syrup in decorative bottles. Canadian souvenir items.