Zurich Airport Duty Free

• Pricimo Score
  Tourist Trap

Skip the “savings” that cost you more

Zurich Airport Duty Free shops are located throughout the airport terminals, promising tax-free deals that rarely deliver. Switzerland’s domestic VAT is just 7.7%—among Europe’s lowest—making the entire concept of duty-free shopping nearly meaningless here.

The numbers don’t lie: a bottle of JP Chenet wine costs CHF 11.90 at duty-free versus CHF 6.95 at Coop or just CHF 3.45 at Denner during sales. Chocolate runs approximately 19–31% higher than supermarket prices. Multiple travelers report Swatch watches priced higher than London high streets. Even a duty-free employee admitted to a visitor that they couldn’t compete with supermarket bulk purchasing power.

WHY AVOID: Prices often match or exceed city stores, with limited selection and captive-audience pricing. The only potential savings: tobacco (~CHF 30) and some perfumes (~CHF 30 per bottle). PRICE RANGE: Premium pricing across all categories.

Better alternative: Hit Migros, Coop, or Denner before your flight. The Lindt factory outlet in Kilchberg sells the same chocolate at 25% of airport prices. Your wallet will thank you.

Categories

• Shop Local

Regions

• Zürich

Location