Duty free means that good are free from import tax, sales
tax and excise taxes.
But duty free shop operators must pay high rents to the shop
owner . Airport shop operators are paying about 32/33% of turnover to the
airport owner. They also must be staffed on a 24/7 basis , which is expensive
in its own right.
Border duty free stores in Uruguay for example tend to be cheaper
as rents are lower than in airports.
Excise taxes in Argentina are fairly low on booze and
tobacco.
Locally made tobacco is very cheap, even though it has
increased considerably over the last few years
Most imported spirits pay 20% import taxes and 21% VAT plus
a couple of alcohol related taxes.
What tends to happen with imported spirits is that importers
stock ahead when they feel there is a devaluation on the way – then they can decide
if they cost out at replacement cost or solely the historic cost. Most imported
spirits in the local market are now the cheapest they have been for several
years .
@JAN has pointed this out several times.
Personally , I think there will be price increases this year
and prices will rise considerably . Sales will fall as a result but then we
will see an increase of promotional activity and we will see lots of 2 x 1
offers and the second bottle at 70% or 80% off.
If you are a malt whisky fan, the best place to buy is the
Museo de Whisky in Coghlan . They have a great selection and their prices are
pretty decent as well.