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Shopping Guide for Mexico City Airport (AICM)
The Mexico City Airport offers a wide range of stores, from the duty-free giant Dufry to souvenir boutiques like Britt Shop and pharmacies. However, the shopping experience can be a minefield of inflated prices, poor service, and questionable practices. This guide, based on the analysis of hundreds of traveler experiences, will serve as a defensive manual for smart shopping and avoiding the most common problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopping at AICM
Do you really save money at Duty-Free stores (Dufry)?
Generally, no. Despite the name, many travelers report that prices at Dufry are the same or even higher than outside the airport. There have been cases of products overpriced by more than 150% compared to their market value. The perception is that the "savings" are more of a myth than a reality.
Is it safe to buy alcohol or liquids if I have a connecting flight?
It is extremely risky. Dufry has a recurring and highly criticized history of not using the internationally required sealed security bags (STEBs). Instead, they use simple bags with plastic ties that are rejected by security at other airports (Europe, USA, Canada), resulting in the confiscation of your purchases. Don't risk it.
Are there stores with excessively high prices?
Yes, Britt Shop is the most cited. Travelers consistently report exorbitant prices and a lack of visible price tags on products, leading to very unpleasant surprises at the checkout. Always ask for the cost before deciding to buy anything there.
Are the pharmacies open 24 hours?
Although they are advertised as 24-hour, user experience indicates that this is not reliable. Farmacias Benavides, for example, is frequently reported for closing its doors with a chain during the night, despite having staff inside.
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Traveler's Manual: Critical Shopping Points
Dufry and the Connection Packaging Trap
This is the most serious and costly problem for travelers. Dufry's systematic failure to use approved security bags has caused countless passengers to lose hundreds of dollars in tequila, mezcal, and other liquids confiscated at their connecting airports. Your strategy: if you have a connection, the safest recommendation is not to buy liquids at Dufry. If you decide to risk it, demand to see the sealed security bag before paying. If it is not an official STEB bag, do not complete the purchase.
The Hidden Prices Tactic
The lack of visible prices, especially in souvenir shops like Britt Shop, is a tactic that puts the consumer in a vulnerable position. This can lead to abusive charges that are only discovered at the time of payment. Your strategy: never take a product to the checkout without knowing its price. Ask for the cost of each item clearly and directly. If the price seems unreasonable, do not hesitate to leave the product.
The Pushy Salesperson and Poor Service
From staff who follow you around the store to secure their commission to rude or uninformed employees, the quality of customer service is a constant complaint. Your strategy: don't let yourself be pressured. Take your time to decide and compare. If you receive poor treatment, remember that you have no obligation to buy. In convenience stores, always check your change.
Analysis of Main Stores
Dufry (Duty-Free)
User experience:
The perception of Dufry is overwhelmingly negative. Travelers describe it as an expensive store with poor customer service and, most seriously, negligent packaging practices that cause the loss of merchandise on connecting flights. The general feeling is one of mistrust and frustration.
✅ Pros:
- Wide selection of spirits, perfumes, and chocolates.
- Some specific brand ambassadors inside the store can be professional and friendly.
❌ Cons:
- Incorrect packaging and confiscation of products: The most reported and serious problem.
- High prices: Often more expensive than in regular stores outside the airport.
- Terrible customer service: Pushy, rude, and unhelpful staff.
- Invasive practices: They scan passports for minor purchases, and there have been reports of lost documents.
- Defective products: There have been reports of products sold empty or in poor condition.
Britt Shop
User experience:
Britt Shop generates polarized opinions. On one hand, it is harshly criticized for its exorbitant and non-transparent prices. On the other, it is surprisingly praised for the human quality of many of its employees, who offer exceptional service that contrasts with the company's pricing policy.
✅ Pros:
- Excellent service from certain employees: Numerous travelers highlight staff members by name for being extremely friendly, patient, and helpful.
- Good variety of souvenirs: They offer a wide selection of typical products, coffee, and gifts.
❌ Cons:
- Extremely high prices: This is the main complaint. Products lack price tags, leading to abusive charges.
- Opaque charges and disputes: There have been reports of incorrect charges and a no-return policy.
- Non-local products: Some souvenirs, like chocolates, may not be of Mexican origin.
Convenience Stores and Pharmacies (7-Eleven, Oxxo, Farmacias Benavides)
User experience:
Although necessary, these stores are a source of frustration due to their poor service and unreliability. They are useful for a last-minute purchase, but don't expect a pleasant experience.
✅ Pros:
- They offer basic products, snacks, and drinks at lower prices than restaurants.
❌ Cons:
- Slow and rude service: Common complaints about inattentive, slow, and bad-attitude staff.
- Unreliable hours: Pharmacies advertise 24-hour service that they do not adhere to, closing at night.
- Payment issues: Recurring difficulties with a lack of change or payment terminals that "don't work."
List of Other Stores by Terminal
Other notable stores in Terminal 1
- B Fashion → Apparel and accessories.
- Distroller → Colorful toys and souvenirs.
- Michel Domit → Footwear and leather goods.
- Farmacias Benavides → Health and personal care products.
- Educal → Bookstore with a selection of literature and magazines.
Other notable stores in Terminal 2
- MAP Store (Museum of Popular Art): Highly recommended for buying authentic, quality Mexican crafts.
- Fondo de Cultura Económico → Bookstore with a great selection of reading material.
- Luxury brand boutiques → Perfumes, clothing, and accessories.
- Convenience stores → Snacks and travel items.