Bargain break: Some products are 55% cheaper in New York than London


It may come as a surprise to anyone who has just exchanged their pounds for US dollars but Britons should head to the Big Apple for big bargains on Christmas shopping.

Many items such as jeans, toys and toiletries are up to 55 per cent cheaper in New York than in London, according to a new survey.

A Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear toy, costing £50 in London, is just £24.27 in New York, while a pair of Levi's 501s set Londoners back £50 but are just £22.29 in New York.

The poll by the Post Office also found that a 50ml Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream costing £23 in London would be £11.79 in New York.

Bargain-hunters are helped by the fact that the duty-free allowance for UK citizens travelling from the USA to the UK rose earlier this year from £340 to £390.

But the survey also showed that, while fashion items are invariably cheaper in New York than in London, prices for perfumes and beauty products are often higher.

The Post Office's head of travel money, Sarah Munro, said: 'The duty-free allowances now mean holidaymakers can bring back higher-priced gifts like the Apple iPad.

'Remember too that additional savings can be made by shopping in stores like Bloomingdales and Macys, which offer a 10 per cent discount to UK visitors to offset the 8.8 per cent New York sales tax.'

She went on: 'There are great savings to be made in New York provided that shoppers have done their homework in advance and don't assume that everything will be cheaper.

'Although most items are cheaper, the savings vary and we did find examples of popular Christmas gifts that were more expensive in New York. So it will pay to check carefully before splashing the cash.'

source: dailymail