Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cdninkorea]

I've noticed that whereas prices at duty free shops in other countries are in the local currency (or at least in Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines), duty free shops in Korea have prices listed in US dollars, not won. To my knowledge, no country outside of the US does this (correct me if I'm wrong).

I've asked several people who work at duty free shops, both at Incheon airport and at Lotte, and the best answer I got was "because most of our customers are foreign." When I said that most of the customers at duty free shops in Thailand, Japan, etc. are also foreign, but use local currency (yen, baht, etc), they shrugged and said they didn't know why.

I'm surprised Koreans, being very nationalistic, aren't upset about this, but that aside, does anyone know why Korean duty free lists prices in US dollars?

[kprrok]

It's actually quite simple...most of the goods are purchased from America. Thus, they keep the prices in USD to negate any moves by the currency. Instead of having to reprint and reprice every item with the movement of the USD/KRW rate, they just change the posted rate. It's easier and more convenient for them to change one price than hundreds of prices.

[hondaicivic]

[Mr. Peabody]

[northway]

Canada does in certain places. All the border crossings I've been to have had USD listed (though that's a bit more understandable), but I'm 90% sure that Dorval in Montreal does as well.

[cdninkorea]

Okay, I stand corrected. Thanks everyone!

[bobbyhanlon]

this isn't the reason why, but i'm sure they get an extra benefit from people who think in terms of $1=W1000, but actually pay about 10% more.

[northway]

[Triban]

Because USA is awesome blossom.

[nukeday]

probably do it just to appear more international and hopefully win another "best airport" award. i dont see why koreans would get upset about it though. and they obviously aren't. i mean duty frees in america could be priced in pesos for all i care. only suckers shop duty free. those goods might be slightly cheaper than purchasing in korea, but they're all average prices compared to most destinations you will be going to.

i only buy liquor at duty free, and that's only because of the stupid liquids restriction for carry ons. you cornered me there, duty free.

[rchristo10]

Hmm...which looks more enticing to a would-be buyer:

10

or


10,877.45
?

Perhaps Korea's doing something right in this case. Duty Free shops attract customers and fliers. Despite forgoing the benefits of taxation, governments have every reason to attract as many people to their airports as possible by supplying conveniences (e.g. smoking areas) and other incentives. If people aren't buying things from the duty free...then it doesn't look very good for the airport rankings.