How to do tax-free VAT refund shopping in Dubai and get to outlet malls (like The Outlet Village)?
Based on 3 discussions with 6 participants · Last activity: 9 days ago
Based on 3 discussions with 6 participants · Last activity: 9 days ago
TL;DR
Complete your tax-free VAT refund stamping before checking in your bags — the items can then go into checked luggage. Many hotels run free shuttles to outlet malls like The Outlet Village, or you can combine metro + a connecting bus (search the outlet's name in Google Maps for the exact route).
As of July this year, the beige beach slippers that used to be included in the gift set with the bag were not available — the contents of gift-with-purchase sets can change season to season.
Some shoppers asked about buying a specific fragrance separately — it may not be listed on the brand's official site because it's an exclusive scent included only in the gift-with-purchase set.
Last year, the bag from the set was confirmed to be a free gift with purchase (not sold separately) — this appears to still be the rule this season.
You can reach The Outlet Village via a free shuttle from many Dubai hotels, or by metro plus a connecting bus from the station — search "The Village Outlet" in Google Maps for the exact route and public transport schedule.
For trips to farther-away malls and outlets to shop for brand-name bags, it's worth getting a local UAE driving license and renting a car — round-trip taxi fares can add up to a significant amount.
Complete the tax-free refund process before checking your luggage: first visit the tax refund desk to get it stamped/processed, then check in your suitcase.
Items processed through the tax-free system can be placed in checked baggage — you don't have to carry them in your hand luggage, as long as the refund has already been stamped/processed beforehand.