Yes, you can buy duty-free goods when you arrive back in Australia. However, there are some restrictions and conditions that you should be aware of.
Australia has certain regulations regarding duty-free allowances and the items that can be brought into the country without incurring additional duties or taxes. These allowances may vary depending on the length of your trip and whether you are a resident or a visitor.
The duty-free allowance for adults (18 years and older) entering Australia is as follows:
- General goods: AUD 900 in total of general goods
- Alcohol: Up to 2.25 liters (approximately 2.6 standard bottles) of alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco: Up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of cigars or tobacco products.
If you are under 18 however, duty-free applies to only general goods up to AUD 900; no alcohol and tobacco. General goods are gifts, souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment.
The duty-free allowance for a Crew member is as follows:
- General goods: AUD 450 in total of general goods
- Alcohol: Up to 2.25 liters (approximately 2.6 standard bottles) of alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco: Up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of cigars or tobacco products.
Families on the same flight or voyage going through Customs together can combine their allowance. For example, a family of two adults and two children would have a combined duty-free allowance of AUD2700 in total of general goods.
Duty free on international cruise ships
Travelling between Australian ports: You can’t buy most goods duty-free. On board your ship you can buy personal items for use like toiletries duty-free. You can also buy alcohol and tobacco duty-free for immediate consumption on board. You can’t bring any goods off the ship duty-free.
Travelling internationally: You can buy general goods duty-free up to your duty-free limits if you are returning to Australia. Duty-free concessions do not apply to commercial goods.
Note:
- If you go over the duty-free limits, you will pay duty and tax on all items of that type, not just the amount you went over.
- If you are over the limit, declare the goods and provide proof of purchase to us for the calculation of any duty and tax to be paid.
- If you do not declare your goods and their value, you can be fined, and prosecuted; and if you are not an Australian citizen, have your visa cancelled.
- Payment of Customs duty and/or other taxes is by:
-
- cash (Australian dollars)
- credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express) at an international airport
- by electronic funds transfer (EFTPOS) from an Australian bank account at an international airport.
- Merchant fees for credit/debit card payments are passed on. This fee is not subject to GST and is equal to the fee that we incur from our banker.
It’s important to keep in mind that certain items, such as prohibited or restricted goods, may not be eligible for duty-free purchase or may require additional permits or declarations. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and guidelines to avoid any issues when entering Australia.
Lastly, if you are purchasing duty-free items on your arrival, you will typically have to declare them to the customs authorities upon entry. Failure to declare goods that exceed the duty-free allowances or prohibited items can result in penalties and confiscation of the items.