Buying Tip : Buying digital cameras duty free in Australia

We're often asked if we sell our cameras 'duty free'. There are two schemes within Australia that allow tourists and temporary visitors to this country to purchase their goods duty or GST free.

The first is by shopping at dedicated duty free outlets. These are licensed to sell goods without the GST component, but are subject to limitations. The goods are provided sealed and cannot be used or even opened until you have passed through customs at the airport or sea port that you're travelling from.

The second and much more popular option is with the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), applicable to purchases totalling more than $300, which can be derived from more than one item. Using this service, you pay full price at the time of purchase and claim the GST component back at a special desk at the airport/seaport. In order to receive the GST paid back you must present the goods and the invoice at the desk within 30 days of purchase, which means you MUST take the goods in your hand luggage - the desk is after customs and therefore after your hold luggage has been checked in.

Using the TRS method offers much more convenience as you are able to use the goods purchased (your new digital camera) either whilst you are on holiday in Australia, or before you travel overseas, and do not need to take the packaging with you when you go.

For more information, please visit the official Tourist Refund Scheme website, provided by the Australian Customs Service.