There is two UETA Duty Free stores right next to each other, in the same plaza as Las Americas…read moreShopping Mall.
I would like to assume that they are both the same business, even though they are separated by one store in between.
In the first store on the right side, we walked in and there were two ladies standing in the front, gossiping away. They stared at us and continued talking, they didn't bother to greet us until I personally said hello.
I wanted to check this place out because I recently heard about it through a friend, he told me that they usually have these stores only in the airports, but they had some here in San Ysidro, and they're known for discounted alcohol and other goods.
I browsed through the store,
which heavily showcased long walls stocked with empty liquor boxes (for the more expensive stuff), and actual liquor bottles (for the cheaper stuff).
For anything that says "For Export Only", means you can only purchase it if you cross the border, because there is no tax charged on the items. This rule goes for all liquor and tobacco.
But as for all other non-consumable items,
they also sell perfume, cologne, sunglasses, and purses,
which can be purchased directly in the store.
It's quite unfortunate that they have such a ridiculous rule of not being able to buy liquor or tobacco, without crossing the border due to no tax, if they gave the option to buy the goods with tax, I would do so, because in honesty, the prices on the products are exceptionally good.
The only other place that can compare such prices would be on the military base, which I may have to visit because I don't want to cross the border.
But let me just mention, that you can get a 3.0L bottle of Hennessy VSOP for only $209!!! Thats amazing.
I will be honest with you, the only items that are great deals, are only the high end liquors, the low end liquors are regular priced.
But the tobacco cartridges are a steal as well. Since tax on cigarettes have gone up and its about $10 a pack, when you can purchase a whole 12-pack here for about $35-$40.
P.S. Also went into the other store on the left side, and we were greeted, and i asked another lady questions and she was very friendly and informative.
But at both locations, the whole store is completely empty, and they follow you around like you're about to steal something.
Also, you're not allowed to take photos, which I didn't know until the end of my visit, but I will still post about my findings.
