An airport is not just a transit hub where you languish waiting for a flight, hypnotizing the departure board. It's a huge temptation. It seems that as soon as you cross the threshold of the security zone, money starts to evaporate on its own: first on 'that very' coffee, then on water at the price of elite wine, and then Duty Free beckons with bright lights.

Many still live by myths from the nineties, believing that everything in the airport is a priori cheaper because 'there are no taxes.' We hasten to disappoint: capitalism has reached even the sterile zones. Renting a square meter here costs an arm and a leg, and these expenses are factored into every price tag. However, you can still find a bargain if you know where to look and what to compare. Let's figure out what you can save on, and what you should walk past with your head held high.

The main rule of the game: the magic of duty-free trade

The Duty Free system works simply: goods are not subject to customs duties, excises, and VAT. This sounds like a fairy tale, but the devil is in the details. In some countries, VAT is 20%, and duties on tobacco and alcohol can reach 50% or more. Theoretically, the price should be lower by this amount.

In practice, however, airports set a markup that often negates the entire discount. Therefore, the first rule of an experienced traveler is: compare prices here and now. Check the cost of the item in a large chain store in your city. If the difference is less than 10%, it's not worth it – you'll just pay for a fancy bag.

What's really worth spending money on

Travel sets and beauty exclusives. This is probably the most justified purchase. Brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, or Lancôme release special sets (Travel Retail Exclusive) that you won't find in a regular 'Rive Gauche' or 'L'Etoile'.

• What's the benefit: a set might include three lipsticks for the price of two, or a complete skincare set in miniatures of 15-30 ml. This is ideal for those who travel frequently and don't want to carry full-sized containers.

• Quality: the chance of encountering a counterfeit in a large Duty Free is zero. There is strict batch control here, which is sometimes lacking in city stores.

Perfumes (new releases and large volumes).If you decide to buy tickets to Dubai on Kupi.com, be sure to check out the local perfume section. New fragrances often appear in airports a couple of months earlier than in general retail. It's also advantageous to buy bottles of 100 or 150 ml. Per milliliter, the price is significantly more appealing than in the city.

Strong alcohol and tobacco. Here, the savings are most evident due to high excise taxes in the 'ordinary' world. A liter bottle of quality whiskey or gin at the airport often costs the same as a 0.7-liter bottle in a supermarket near home.

• Nuance: if you have booked tickets for the Saint Petersburg – Istanbul route, remember the import regulations. You can bring up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22%) or 2 liters of wine into Turkey. Don't be greedy to avoid paying a fine at customs.

Local specialties 'at the last minute'. Sometimes at the airport, you can find local delicacies that are difficult to transport from the city. For example, Swiss chocolate, Italian Parmesan, or Turkish delight in high-quality sealed packaging. Yes, the price will be slightly higher than in a supermarket in the center of Rome, but you get a guarantee of freshness and convenient packaging that won't tear in your hand luggage.

What's best to avoid

• Electronics and accessories. Forgot your headphones or charger? Be prepared to overpay 2, or even 3 times. Prices for electronics at airports are designed for the 'forgetful and desperate.' A power bank bought in the waiting lounge will be your most expensive and saddest purchase.

• Souvenirs. Magnets for 5–10 euros and 'I love Paris' t-shirts for 30 euros are classic airport rip-offs. Buy souvenirs in the city; they are more authentic and much cheaper there.

• Sunglasses. At airports in resort destinations, the markup on Ray-Ban and Gucci can be enormous. It's better to take care of your eyewear in advance.

Loopholes for the savvy

1. Pre-order is power. Many large Duty Free chains (e.g., Heinemann) have websites. You can select items 24 hours before your flight and get an additional 5-10% discount for self-pickup. Plus, your order will already be packed.

2. Currency matter. Always choose to pay in the local currency of the country where the airport is located. Bank card conversion is usually more favorable than the store's internal exchange rate.

3. Receipts and packaging. Never open sealed bags with liquids until you reach your final destination, especially if you have a layover. If the bag is opened, its contents may be confiscated during a secondary inspection.

A journey doesn't start with the hotel, but the moment you enter the terminal. Spend money wisely so you have as much as possible left for the actual vacation. After all, experiences are worth far more than another box of chocolates, no matter how beautiful.