Is it true that perfumes are cheaper in France?

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janapickard1

Hi, I just returned from Paris two weeks ago and perfumes and cosmetics are more expensive in Paris. Your best option would be to buy Perfume in the duty free store at Charles de Gaulle airport. This way you will avoid paying tax and the price will be comparable to the cost in the U.S. You can carry this on board with you as long as you keep the bag sealed. Once you land in the United States you must check it in with your luggage at customs.

Dr. Cornwallis

No, they are actually more expensive because of the Euro to dollar rate. Paris is just plain more expensive with anything.

saas

I agree with Cornwallis because prices in Europe vs US depend on the exchange rate between dollar vs euro which reminds me of the good old days of 2001 when 0.82 euro = $1 US dollar. Paris was so reasonable then (not cheap either), but reasonable. But now at $1.32 U.S dollar = 1 euro, everything in Paris is so expensive, including perfumes and even coffee.

People told me that it is still a good idea to buy perfume in France because they use different chemicals/concentrations in perfumes that last longer. Whether this is true or not, I don't know. But I do notice that when I use it over there, it still smells after a couple of days. If I use an American version, the smell is gone after a couple of hours.

If you buy, you can check them in your luggage, it shouldn't be any problem. Only carry-on cannot have liquid.

Amy d

Better buy your perfume at home. I have bought perfume in both countries. Dollar to Euro conversion aside, it was still cheaper to buy it in the US. (85 euros in France; 65 dollars in US for Chanelle #5-same size)

Gem

If they are the ones made in France they are cheaper because they do not have to be imported.

MEW

It's true that even when the $$ was higher, stuff costs the same or more in the stores in Europe...HOWEVER, the reason it ends up cheaper is because upon exiting the country as a tourist you can get the VAT tax back that is automomatically added to your purchases (included in the price). This tax can be a substantial sum. This is what made the Duty Free shops at the airports a cheaper option for such items. This is true for all items you buy. However, there is paperwork involved if you buy the items in the city or outside of the "international zone" at the airport, and because of this it's only worth while to do it for items of significant cost. You should check with the TSA, but I think if you check the items into your luggage you can still bring them with you. Consider shipping it to yourself in the mail. Also, instead of just looking for "cheaper" perfume, look for perfumes you can't find in the US even if it costs more or the same...for a perfume freak this would make a very nice souvenir and something to remind you of your trip every time you wear it.

Senator D

Maybe.

bcre8iv

It should be since none of the women over there use it!

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