Malaysia Duty Free Shopping Guides

Duty-free shopping in Malaysia provides a tax exemption on various goods, making them more affordable for travelers. Langkawi, Tioman, and Labuan are notable duty-free islands known for this advantage. Tourists can purchase items such as alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, chocolates, and electronics without the usual tax burden, making it an attractive shopping option.

Langkawi, in particular, offers an extensive range of duty-free outlets, attracting visitors seeking value for their purchases. It's an opportunity for travelers to indulge in shopping sprees and take advantage of lower prices compared to regular retail outlets elsewhere in Malaysia. There is a wide range of electronics, leather goods, chocolates and liquor, while fabric, clothes, shoes and accessories are especially popular among ladies.

Malaysia Duty Free Allowance

Duty free allowance rules are different based on the country of residence, duration of stay abroad and duration of stay in the country and a few other factors.

Malaysia Duty Free Guides

Travellers Exempted (Residents & Non-residents):

Conditions

• Non residents having intention to visit Malaysia for not less than 72 hours.
• Residents returning after an absence from Malaysia of not less than 72 hours (for Labuan is 24 hours and for Langkawi or Tioman is 48 hours)

Goods Exempted

• Wine / spirit / malt / liquor not exceeding 1 liter.
• ~~Tobacco not exceeding 225 grams (equal to 200 sticks of cigarettes).~~
• New wearing apparels up to 3 pieces.
• 1 pair of new footwear.
• Portable electrical or battery operated appliances for personal care and hygiene not exceeding 1 unit each.
• Foods preparations up to total value of not exceeding RM150.
• All other goods including gifts and souvenirs other than alcoholic beverages, spirits, tyres, tubes, tobacco, cigarettes and motor vehicles, valued not exceeding RM1000 ( goods from Langkawi, Pulau Tioman and Labuan, not exceeding RM1000).

If the travellers bring in excess quantity of goods exempted, he shall be liable to duty on the excess only. Subject to Customs Duties Order, travellers should pay only a customs duty at a flat rate of 30% ad valorem. In the case of alcoholic beverages, tyres, spirits, tobacco, cigarettes and motor vehicles, the rate of duty will be based on prevailing Customs Duties Order.

Some airport duty free FAQs

What is duty free?
Duty free shopping allows international shoppers to browse and shop from a wide variety of high end international brands at incredibly low prices, thanks to the exemption from several local and national taxes and duties on these products.

This is because the merchant who imports these products is exempt from paying these taxes as they are selling them to customers who are leaving the country. Thus, the merchant is able to pass on the cost savings to the customer. This gives savvy shoppers the opportunity to grab fantastic merchandise at bargain prices and take advantage of numerous offers on these already low prices.

Who is eligible to shop duty free?
As per Customs regulations, only passengers who have an international boarding pass and valid passport are eligible to shop duty free.

Are there any restricted items for departure or arrival?
Although you can purchase all product categories available at duty free shops, including liquors, chocolates, perfumes and cosmetics, tobacco, fashion accessories and electronics while arriving and departing at any International Airports in Malaysia. However, some restricted items such as liquors and tobacco, you are subject to local Customs regulations.

Shopping in Malaysia