Quick answer
Arrack is sold in the duty-free shops at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, in the departure area after immigration. The range typically covers the main houses' pure coconut and premium aged arracks in 750 ml gift boxes, plus miniatures, priced in US dollars and payable by card or major currencies. Prices are similar to or slightly below town for premium bottles. The shops operate on poya days. Bottles are sealed in a security bag for the cabin, which can cause difficulties on connecting flights.
Key takeaways
- Duty-free shops in the departure area of Bandaranaike International Airport sell arrack after immigration.
- Airport arrack is priced in US dollars and can be paid for by card or in major foreign currencies.
- The airport range focuses on boxed pure coconut and premium arracks, with fewer everyday labels than in town.
- Airport duty-free shops sell alcohol on poya days, when shops in town are closed.
- Bandaranaike International Airport also has duty-free shops in the arrivals hall for incoming passengers.
Where to buy arrack at Colombo airport
Buying arrack at Colombo airport happens airside. After check-in and immigration, the departure concourse of Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake has a cluster of duty-free shops selling liquor, tobacco, tea, confectionery and souvenirs.
Colombo airport is unusual in also having duty-free shops in the arrivals hall, before baggage reclaim, which mainly serve returning residents buying imported spirits and appliances. Departing travellers use the shops upstairs.
What arrack the airport shops stock
The arrack range at Colombo airport is chosen for gift buyers. Expect the better-known premium labels and little of the everyday shelf.
- →Pure coconut arracks at around 40 per cent, usually boxed.
- →Aged and premium bottlings from the main distillers.
- →One-litre travel-retail sizes of some labels.
- →Miniature sets and gift packs.
- →Few or no extra special and old arracks.
Airport prices compared with town
Airport prices for arrack are free of local excise duty but carry a retail margin, so the saving is uneven. Premium bottles are generally similar to or slightly cheaper than in a Colombo wine store, typically roughly US$20 to US$55.
Everyday arrack is cheaper in town in absolute terms simply because the airport does not stock the lowest tier. If you want a specific bottle or the best price, buy in the city. If you want convenience, the airport is fine.
Paying, receipts and the sealed bag
Paying for arrack at Colombo airport is easy. Prices are in US dollars, and shops accept international cards and major currencies. Leftover local currency can be used, though the exchange rate applied may be poor, and it is usually better to spend the last of it in town before you reach the airport.
- →Show your boarding pass and passport at the till.
- →Bottles are placed in a sealed, tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible.
- →Do not open the bag until your final destination.
- →Keep the receipt for your home customs declaration.
The connecting-flight problem
The connecting-flight problem is the main reason to hesitate over airport arrack. If your journey home includes a transfer with a second security check, liquids over 100 ml may be taken from you even in a sealed bag, depending on that airport's rules.
Travellers flying direct, or connecting through airports that accept sealed duty-free bags, have no difficulty. Ask shop staff about your routing, and when in doubt buy in town and pack the bottle in your checked suitcase.
Airport or town: which to choose
Choosing between the airport and town depends on your flights, your dates and how particular you are about the bottle.
Lankan Stays & Trails drivers can stop at a large licensed shop in Negombo or Colombo on the way to the airport, roughly 15 to 60 minutes away, if you would like to buy and pack before check-in.
- →Choose town if you want the widest range or an everyday bottle.
- →Choose town if you have a connecting flight with a security re-check.
- →Choose the airport if your last day is a poya or you ran out of time.
- →Choose the airport if your suitcase is already at its weight limit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy arrack at Colombo airport?
Yes. Duty-free shops in the departure area of Bandaranaike International Airport sell arrack after immigration. The range concentrates on boxed pure coconut and premium arracks and miniatures, priced in US dollars.
Is arrack cheaper at the airport than in town?
Premium arracks are usually similar or slightly cheaper at the airport, typically roughly US$20 to US$55. Everyday arracks are cheaper in town, and often not sold at the airport at all. Town shops also offer a wider choice.
Can I buy alcohol at Colombo airport on a poya day?
Yes. Airport duty-free shops continue to sell alcohol to international passengers on poya days, when wine stores, supermarkets and bars elsewhere in Sri Lanka are closed for alcohol sales. It is the one reliable source on a dry day.
Is there duty free on arrival at Colombo airport?
Yes. Bandaranaike International Airport has duty-free shops in the arrivals hall where incoming passengers can buy spirits, wine and other goods within Sri Lanka's arrival allowance. Check the current allowance before buying, as it is revised from time to time.
What currency do Colombo airport shops take?
Duty-free prices are displayed in US dollars. Shops accept major international cards, US dollars, euros, pounds and other main currencies, as well as local currency. Change may be given in a different currency, so paying by card is simplest.
How early should I arrive to shop at Colombo airport?
Arrive roughly three hours before an international departure. Check-in, security and immigration can take over an hour at busy times, particularly late at night when many long-haul flights leave. That leaves a comfortable half hour for the shops.