San Ysidro Shopping

When I think of duty free, I think of the catelogue given out on the airplane just before landing in another country, I think of the shops in the airport and I think of the shops on the ferry going from Sweden to Denmark. I also think about how surprised I was to find out that at the duty free shop a bottle of French perfume was more expensive than at a boutique in San Diego!

However, I've seen lots of people buying duty free things and seeming to be very happy with their purchase. If you are a Duty Free junkie, there are several such stores on both sides of the border. Baja Duty Free is in Plaza Las Americas and there is another duty free store conveniently located for people walking across the border next to the gate.

If you want to know more about duty free shopping take a look at Baja Duty Free's web site, address below this tip. Also it may be useful to take a look at the US Customs web site, the last word regarding Duty Free purchases from the perspective of the USA.

What to buy: They sell cigarettes, alcohol, and imported perfume among other highly taxed items. What ever you choose to buy at one of these Duty Free shops, remember that you will be required to enter into Mexico immediately after making your purchase. They offer a guide to follow so they are assured that you do leave the USA with your tax free purchase.

Of course, you can immediately return to the USA, but why not do a bit of Tijuana Tourist Shopping while there?

What to pay: State tax in California is 7.25% (due to go up to 7.50% in 2013) for most items. However, cigarettes, alcohol, and perfume have hidden taxes which are incorporated in the base price--therefore hidden. A carton of cigarettesbought in a regular store would cost about $60.00, the same carton bought in a Duty Free shop would cost considerabley less. The inflated price of imported perfumes represents Import taxes that show up in the base price and State taxes would be added to that, except at Duty Free shops.