Melo Villareal
It’s now more fun to shop at Duty Free Philippines in NAIA Terminal 1 and 3
A few days ago, I was invited by one of my PR friends to visit Duty Free Philippines (DFP) FiestaMall and the new Duty Free Outlets in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. I already saw the newly renovated Duty Free shops at NAIA Terminal 3 before but I havent look closely at the products they are selling.
Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall
I came to the said place, and joined up with my fellow bloggers. Before we visited the said Duty Free shops, we were briefed shortly in the executive lounge located behind FiestaMall. Some members of the press were also there aside from us bloggers, and the officers answered questions regarding the plans of DFP, its innovations, and more.
Duty Free Shop in NAIA T3
The Travelite Program
The Travelite Program was mentioned during the press briefing. According to Lorenzo Formoso, COO of Duty Free Philippines, The Travelite program is an existing and ongoing project by DFP, which aims to give frequent travelers the convenience they deserve when shopping for Duty Free Products.
Chocolates are cheaper in Duty Free Shops
We all know that travelling can be a pain when we have too much baggage to look after. Aside from that, extra luggage means extra luggage fee, and we don’t want that. Now, DFP’s Travelite Program helps frequent, tight-scheduled travelers, to experience convenience by allowing them to purchase items before their departure time, and to claim the items upon their return to the country. Aside from that, there’s also a 7% discount on selected items. This program truly makes travelling ‘lite’—light without the extra luggage, and light without the added baggage fee.
Duty Free Shop in NAIA Terminal 1
Imagine you buying chocolates in Duty Free shops in SG, only to find out that you can also buy the same goods upon your arrival here in PH at the same price… It’s not only convenient, its also cheaper since you will be given additional 7% discount if you avail of the Travelite Program.
Duty Free Shop in NAIA Terminal 1
It was mentioned in the briefing that international travelers who have departure tickets and are returning to the Philippines within 30 days can apply for DFP’s Travelite Program. NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 3, Centennial Airport Terminal 2, and Mactan Internation Airport, have Departure Stores that employ the Travelite Program. One can apply for the program through the website http://www.dfp.com.ph.
More Chocolates at Duty Free Philippines
Exploring and Window Shopping at DFP in NAIA Terminal 3
We were given an hour to window shop in the newly-rennovated DFP at NAIA Terminal 3. There were a lot of brand options to choose from, so the allotted time was hardly enough. Despite that, I was able to find interesting things to buy and most of them are travel accessories.
NAIA T1 Departure Area Duty Free Shops
The recently DFP shops renovated in NAIA Terminal 3 were developed by Sounda Design Inc. Sounda Design Inc. is led by French architect Frederic Chevassus and designer Philippe Larosse. The shops now have very elegant yet modern exteriors, which I’m sure would more or less draw people’s attention to that place.
Perfume Collections at Duty Free NAIA T3
It was also evident that the shops now made efforts in catering to the needs of not only travelers and tourists, but also to balikbayans (Filipino citizens returning to the country) as well.
International brands Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Bulgari, Christian Doir, Clinique, Clarins, L’Occitane, La Praire, SK-II, and Lacoste were present, which would save travelers the time of going to the heart of the city to satisfy their fashion, cosmetic, and perfume needs.
Terminal 1 Departure Area Duty Free Shops
Other shops of these kinds that are located at the Terminals include Kiehl, Coach, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp, and Chloe. Watch stores Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Skagen, Cerruti, and Armani, were also open. I was also informed that jewelry shop Pandora is also expected to open and join the other well-known shops.
NAIA T3 Departure Cosmetics Section
And of course, if there were clothes, fashion accessories, and whatnot, everyone’s favorite chocolate stores were also abound. These include Cadbury, Toblerone, Hershey’s, M&M’s, and Nestle. And for late-night traveler’s comfort, Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Jack Daniels, Hennessy, Ballantines, Remy Martin, and Macallan, were also there to satisfy one’s cravings for a bottle or two to bring home after a long time away from the country.
Wines and Spirits Shop in T3
After visiting the Duty Free Shops at NAIA Terminal 3, we headed back to Duty Free FiestaMall to do some shopping. I didn’t stop by all of the shops (of course), but I was able to buy some chocolates, perfume, a passport wallet, a rim of cigarette, liquid soaps, and a pair of sandals. The prices were a lot more affordable than those in certain mall outlets, so I’m sure travelers and non-travelers alike would want to shop here as well. Combined with the Travelite Program, I don’t see why anyone should complain about the extra convenience that DFP extends to its loyal customers.
At Duty Free Philippines you can be assured that all items are authentic
Duty Free Philippines has also recently opened at Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Negros Occidental. Although the brand selection is not as wide as NAIA Terminal 3’s yet, there’s no doubt that DFP in Negros Province will also expand very soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are entitled to shop at Duty Free Philippines? Until When Can I shop Upon my Arrival?
All tourists arriving from abroad can avail of the privilege within forty-eight (48) hours from date of arrival, upon presentation of valid passport, flight ticket and boarding pass. Overseas Filipino Workers and Balikbayans have 15 calendar days to shop from the date of arrival.
What are the Limits to Duty Free Privileges?
Limits as to amount:
- Balikbayans: 18 years old & above = US$2,000; Minors (below 18 years) = US$250.
- All other Passengers: 18 years old & above = US$1,000; Minors (below 18 years) = US$250.
Limits as to quantity:
- Cigarettes: two (2) reams
- Tobacco: two (2) tins
- Liquor and/or wine: two (2) bottles
- Non-consumable items of each kind whose value exceeds US$200.00: only one (1)
Source: Customs.gov.ph
Duty Free Philippines, is, after all, an organization under the country’s Department of Tourism (DoT), which aims to boost the tourism sector. DFP is also the Philippine’s only tax-and-duty-free travel retailer, so let’s expect a lot more from them in the future and lets support them as well.
