Duty Free Goods, Gibraltar

Before visiting I had read in several websites and forums that Gibraltar is heaven for shopping due to taxes. Honestly, I didn't find it that great, probably because I visited in high season and the prices I checked don't change much from country to country: I was interested on the iPad and prices were similar to the ones I had recently seen in London (it wasn't available yet in Portugal in July 2010, when we visited Gibraltar).

Main Street is lined with shops selling mainly: perfumes (a bit cheaper than Portugal), sun-glasses, spirits, tobacco and electronics. The tobacco is in fact cheaper, but as we were travelling on a cruise, we found the ship's tobacco shop even cheaper. I bought myself Ray-Ban sunglasses, about the same price as they cost in Portugal just because I found one pair that I liked a lot. Notice that prices are in Sterling Pound and you should take into consideration the exchange rate, which back in July 2010 wasn't that good for the Euro.

What to buy: The price of the airport's Duty Free shop alcohol and tobacco, including cigarettes, cost about 1/3 cheaper than down-town Gibraltar on Main street.

What to pay: 1ltr spirits about £5.00 - rolling tobacco between £6 to £9 for 5 packs of tobacco. All dependant on brand, but SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than in town. Check it out when you arrive, you can buy your entitlement on the way out to save carrying it about.

There are plenty of liquor stores in Gibraltar's due to the VAT-free and duty free status the territory enjoys. There is a great selection of good quality wines as well as perfume, jewellery, electrical goods and cigars. Crystal and porcelain also are very well priced.

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Gibraltar is considered a free port so there is plenty of duty free shopping. I haven’t checked this but Spirits and Tobacco are supposed to be the cheapest here than anywhere else. British pounds can be used without any problem although Gibraltar has its own pound which is not in return, recognised in the UK. A lot of the stores will also accept Euros, even some will take US dollars but the exchange rate may not be the best.

Gibraltar is filled with duty free shops. So if you are looking for gifts or souveniers, this is a good place to do your shopping.

What to buy: Kaloz enjoys his cigars, and was pleased to find this tobacco shop (established 1492) to find a few smokes.

I was trying to buy 2 cameras fortunately I had priced things at home first. I could buy far cheaper at Dixons, Jessops, Argos you name it anywhere but Main St. I'm a good haggler, well quite good, and I couldn't get anyone to come down to anywhere near the price I could buy at home.
Make sure you know your prices ! Check the hotel internet if you haven't got that item priced up !
They rely on suckers - don't be one.
I've been to Gib a number of times and this aspect of it has changed for the worse.

What to buy: NOTHING

What to pay: Spend your money at home

The shop is right at the left side as you enter the Casemates Square. It is close to its own factory and produces varoius unique designs of handmade glasswares and crystals. You can see glass being made, blown by famous blowers in town. Take home with you a piece of Gibraltar Crystal. Don't miss the display centre. You'll also find a wide display of glass on offer to cater for everyone's taste and budget.

What to buy: Gibraltar crystals as trendy jewelries,

Just wanted to remind folks about duty free goods if you are flying directly from the UK to Gibraltar.

What to buy: Its important that visitors from the UK are aware that Gibraltar is not classified as part of the EU and therefore, international allowances apply for trips directly to/from Gibraltar, e.g. 200 ciggies, 2 bottles wine, 1 bottle spirits, etc. This applies when returning from Gibraltar directly to the UK.