Duty-Free in Melbourne: Myth or Marvellous Shopping Spree?
So you've just landed in sunny Melbourne, emerged victorious from the clutches of customs, and your bags are practically begging to be filled with duty-free goodies. But hold your wanderlust-fueled horses! The land Down Under has its own unique quirks when it comes to duty-free shopping upon arrival. Don't worry, this isn't a "G'day mate, you can't buy a thing!" situation. We've got the lowdown on duty-free delights (or lack thereof) at Melbourne Airport.
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| Can I Buy Duty Free On Arrival In Melbourne |
The Truth Laid Bare (But Not Duty-Free)
Here's the not-so-surprising news: Melbourne Airport doesn't have a traditional duty-free shopping area upon arrival. Cue dramatic music. However, fear not, intrepid shopper! There's a glimmer of hope yet.
A Pre-Flight Loophole: The Click and Collect Caper
Melbourne Airport offers a nifty "Click and Collect" service with a company called Laneway. Here's the deal:
- Pre-Order Your Plunder: Before you even board your flight to Melbourne, you can browse a selection of duty-free goodies online and have them waiting for you upon arrival. Perfume, booze, souvenirs shaped like koalas – the choice is yours!
- Pick Up Your Stash: Once you've cleared customs, simply head to the designated collection point and claim your treasures. Easy as scoffing a Tim Tam (a famous Aussie biscuit).
But wait! There's a catch (isn't there always?): This service isn't available for everything. So be sure to check what you can and can't pre-order before getting your shopping heart set on a duty-free didgeridoo.
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The General Duty-Free Lowdown
If pre-ordering isn't your style, fret not! You can still snag duty-free goodies after you clear customs at Melbourne Airport's departure lounges. But remember, the usual duty-free allowances apply.
Travellers over 18: You can bring in AUD $900 worth of general goods duty-free. Stock up on souvenirs, clothes, or maybe even a fancy boomerang (though customs might raise an eyebrow at that one).
Under 18s: Sorry, youngsters, your duty-free limit is a more modest AUD $450.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Alcohol and Tobacco: There are separate allowances and restrictions for these, so be sure to check the Australian Border Force website for the latest details. We don't want you getting in trouble for trying to sneak in a suitcase full of duty-free Fosters (though that would be some feat).
Here's the official Australian Border Force website: [Australian Border Force duty free allowances]
Duty-Free FAQs for the Discerning Traveller:
How to Pre-Order Duty-Free Goods for Arrival in Melbourne?
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
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Check out the Laneway website for more information and to browse their selection: [Melbourne Airport duty free click and collect]
How Much Duty-Free Can I Bring into Melbourne?
It depends on your age! Travellers over 18 can bring in AUD $900 worth of general goods, while those under 18 are limited to AUD $450.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Can I Buy Duty-Free Alcohol Upon Arrival in Melbourne?
No, the duty-free shops are located in the departure lounges after you've cleared customs. There are separate allowances for alcohol, so be sure to check the Australian Border Force website.
What if I Forget to Pre-Order Duty-Free?
No worries! There are duty-free shops in the departure lounges after you clear customs.
Is There a Duty-Free Allowance for Koalas?
Sadly, no. Live koalas are definitely not on the duty-free list (and for good reason!). Stick to the koala-shaped souvenirs.
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