just to share
not that I really shopped
but I took part and helped others to
Duty Free shopping
on top of the usual duty-free shopping
at the departure halls
there are duty-free stores in town
the most “infamous” one being
Lotte Duty Free located at
level 9-11 of Lotte Department Store
at the other end of Myeong Dong
the moment I stepped out from the elevator
it was a total contrast from the non-duty free areas
like really really packed, noisy and
may I use the term, happening?
you would have guessed
the Chinese tourists who
are swiping across retail outlets
around the globe including this one
sales assistants who speak perfect Mandarin
probably they are fellow Chinese too
interpreter’s service is also provided
in case the brand doesn’t have one
paying with Chinese cards
is highly encouraged
like they offer exclusive deals for
those who pay with an China UnionPay card
or issued by a certain Chinese bank
the Agricultural Bank of China, I think
and WeChat promo campaign
not forgetting
Chinese spokeperson or
at least the faces familiar to
the Chinese market
e.g. Shila is having
Angelababy Wang as theirs
however just like the one in the airport
shoppers who shop here
have to flash their passport and flight ticket
I didn’t have both therefore
I bought the items at
Lotte Duty Free in the airport after all
p.s.
prices are quoted in USD
may choose to pay in
USD / Won / Euro / RMB
For ordinary purchase at stores with
Tax Refund logo
such as those Korean cosmetic stores
and Lotte Mart (their hypermarket line)
tax refund is available for
purchase above 30,000 Won
upon payment
remember to collect the
official tax-refund receipt
either directly from the cashier or
at designated counter
for Lotte Mart at Seoul station
it is at the other end
away from the entrance
quietly hidden
it comes with an envelope-like
Global Blue tax refund instruction guide
it already sounds a bit ridiculous
in the guide, it mentioned that
you should not pack your items
for the tax refund purchase
into your luggage
hand carry it instead as
you have to show them to the custom
before you are given the stamp
before the tax refund takes place
that’s kinda funny
in case you have liquid products
which is quite common for
cosmetic and beauty care products
how to you expect us to
hand carry those and
pass the security check
basically no worries about it
as long as you have the
official tax refund receipt
issued by the store
in the departure hall
proceed to the self tax refund areas
located in between Gate 26 – 27
that’s for Incheon Airport
and scan your passport and the receipts
in a blink of eye, there you go
your refund is ready for collection
forget about the hand-carry rule and
custom’s stamp
*self refund service is available for
refund amount below 50,000 won
tax refund counters are also available downtown
including in Lotte Department Store itself
been going endlessly about
Lotte, Lotte and Lotte
I know right
In summary
Duty-Free shopping
- Downtown / Airport
- 3rd option: order online, airport pickup
- Price quoted in USD
- Flash your passport AND flight ticket
- Lotte / Shilla
Tax Refundable Shopping
- Purchase above 30,000
- Claim your official tax refund receipt
- Tax refund at the airport / downtown
- Flash your passport
The Complete Seoul Random Series
01: Direction to Hyundai Residence
04: Foodie as a Dummy (Like Me)
05: 11 Reasons to Book Hyundai Residence
06: Constantly Reminded of Siwon-LiuWen 石榴夫婦