Luxury Shopping in Australia v. US v. Paris

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VivianP

Member
Jun 25, 2018
18
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#1
Hello All - I figured this was the best place to post this question. i'm planning to go to Australia to celebrate my next milestone birthday. (Originally was going to go to Paris, but the "group" overruled me lol). Any who - as part of this milestone b-day I plan on purchasing some luxury goods and was wondering if anyone has any experience comparing prices in Australia v. US?

Originally, I wanted to purchase in Paris, because the savings could have likely paid for the trip (looking at Chanel necklace, espadrilles & handbag, Hermes Constance, and possibly Dior and LV handbags if I cannot get Constance) in comparison to US prices. However, there are VERY little resources/comparisons out there regarding Australia prices (minus VAT and taking into consideration exchange), so wondering if it's just worth it to shop at home rather than AU or try to get a Paris layover to purchase at the airport?

Thank you in advance!
 
#2
I believe prices will be cheaper in Australia than in the US due to the exchange rate and 10% GST refund (we have GST not VAT), that being said Paris is cheaper. The difficulty will be stock and where you are going in Australia. There is no where near as many luxury boutiques as in the US and stock is much more limited. You will not get a Constance, Hermes prioritise locals and locals require high spend to get offered a bag. Depending on what bags you are looking for in Chanel and LV they may or may not be available, classics are usually by wait list.
 
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#3
If you have have a layover in Paris, that will by far be your best option. Heathrow too if you have a layover there. Amsterdam is also an option, and it's really quick and easy to go to the city shop there.
 
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#4
this_is_rj said:
I believe prices will be cheaper in Australia than in the US due to the exchange rate and 10% GST refund (we have GST not VAT), that being said Paris is cheaper. The difficulty will be stock and where you are going in Australia. There is no where near as many luxury boutiques as in the US and stock is much more limited. You will not get a Constance, Hermes prioritise locals and locals require high spend to get offered a bag. Depending on what bags you are looking for in Chanel and LV they may or may not be available, classics are usually by wait list.
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Thank you! I know that anywhere I go a Constance will be difficult! Thanks for the update on Chanel and LV! At least it allows me to plan - I will be splitting my time in Melbourne and Sydney!
 
#7
It is chaper to buy in aus compare to usa for now.
But def cheaper by miles if you are buying in paris.
For example chanel classic flap medium roughly around 6700aud (inc. Vat return)
In aus it is 8010aud minus gst which is roughly around 7280aud
Usa is around 8280aud with current exchange rate.
 
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#8
n1a said:
It is chaper to buy in aus compare to usa for now.
But def cheaper by miles if you are buying in paris.
For example chanel classic flap medium roughly around 6700aud (inc. Vat return)
In aus it is 8010aud minus gst which is roughly around 7280aud
Usa is around 8280aud with current exchange rate.
Click to expand...

...and the US has sales tax which can add 4-10% depending on the state you purchase in (or live in if shipped to you). I am always looking up euro and gbp prices but didn't realize that these days there is decent savings in Australia too!
 
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