Airport Deals
Airport Deals
October 2nd, 2008A duty free shopping comparison across the region.By BK, HK, SH and I-S editorial staff
Is duty free shopping really cheaper? Singapore’s Changi Airport seems to think so since they offer a “double the price difference refund guarantee” if you find an item sold in the airport to be cheaper in town. Our survey confirms this: when it comes to heavily taxed items like booze, perfume or cigarettes, duty free reigns supreme. But if you’re shopping for electronics, a little caution is in order. Bangkok’s King Power prices are no cheaper than stores in town. And if you have a foreign passport (or are traveling with a friend who does), you get an additional 7% VAT refund by purchasing your new gadget outside the airport.
Airport Tip
Singapore
Changi has really great facilities on the third level of the transit mall: swimming pool, free Internet and movie lounge. To find other services (even Botox!), pick up Changi Class magazine.
Bangkok
The food court in the basement of Suvarnabhumi is cheap and tasty. Only the cabin crew and airport staff seem to use it but it’s open for everyone. 
Hong Kong
If your flight gets delayed, head to the food court area to find some comfy couches where you can comfortably chill. And if you can’t get enough of Burger King, be sure to grab some at the airport because there are only three stores in Hong Kong, including that one.
Shanghai
In the arrivals hall at Pudong, there is a cell-phone charging station with adapters for all flavors of phones (B5/10 minutes of charging). Bus line number 2 is remarkably helpful, for B95 you can get to the central point of Jing’an Temple faster than most cabs. The only down side is they don’t speak English so make sure to pronounce the temple as “Jing An Suh.” If you’re hungry, head to Terminal 2 to Ajisen Ramen for some good cheap Japanese fast food. Or go to Terminal 1 to get free wireless in the café located on the gallery level.
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