Airports in many countries sell at the same price as outside, so why do they sell at sky-high prices in the country?

Regarding the story of rice and pho being sold at sky-high prices at Vietnamese airports, many readers shared their experiences with food services at airports in other countries.

The lowest burger combo at Burger King at Tan Son Nhat airport is 191,000 - 212,000 VND, the higher-end one is up to 301,000 VND/meal - Photo: CONG TRUNG

The issue of high prices at domestic airports that Tuoi Tre Online reported attracted many opinions from readers at home and abroad.

While most passengers commented that goods at domestic airports are sold at "sky-high" prices, many times higher than outside prices, some foreign readers also said that some items are sold at "normal, affordable" prices.

Airports in many countries sell at the same price as outside, customers eat and drink busily

Reader Manh Tien cited a real-life example: "I went to Singapore, a plate of chicken rice was sold for 6 Singapore dollars outside the airport, and 7 dollars inside the airport. Maybe they sell it without profit, or the airport lends the space for free?"

Having also experienced Singapore airport, reader Anh Tuan V continued: "My colleagues invited me to eat in the airport area, I tried to stop them, saying that the prices there were very expensive because I thought it was the same as my place. They opened their eyes in surprise and said the prices were normal like outside and it was true."

"Singapore's Changi Airport has a Food Court that sells food at affordable prices like those in the city. The same goes for the airport in Bangkok, Thailand," reader Dang Tho provided more information.

At Narita Airport in Japan, reader Chien Nguyen said that mineral water bottles are sold the same as outside, food is a bit more expensive, some dishes are the same as outside.

"That's how people promote their country's cuisine," this reader commented.

Similarly, reader Vinh shared: Very impressed with Japan's reasonable prices and consistent prices from the airport to small grocery stores.

"Chengdu Tianfu Airport, Sichuan, China is ranked 4F, the highest ranking assigned to an airport. But the price of a bowl of instant noodles and a bottle of mineral water at the isolation area at the waiting area to get off the plane is only 1-2 yuan more expensive than outside. Many people in our group were surprised by that price," reader Minh Hien said.

Reader ĐMP_86 said, "Although I haven't had the chance to go to many airports, during my time studying in Russia, I found that prices at airports were similar to outside. I often went to fast food restaurants to eat while waiting to leave the country.

But when I got to Tan Son Nhat, I didn't dare buy anything. When I was thirsty, I brought a bottle of water to a public water dispenser to drink while waiting for immigration.

According to reader Mr. On, airports in other countries from Europe to Asia and Africa that you have been to have many convenience stores selling fast food at the same price as outside. There are food courts that sell a variety of dishes, reasonable prices, spacious and neat spaces, so they are always crowded. Sometimes you have to wait in line for a while to wait for food or a table because there are so many customers.

Most recently, on February 16, reader Vu Le said that he bought a 0.5-liter bottle of cold water for $4.90 at a domestic airport from the US, equivalent to VND121,000. While transiting in Hong Kong (China), he also bought a bottle of fruit juice for only $2.50, only half the domestic price.

"I have bought bottles of mineral water at airports in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan (China), all of which are equivalent to 10,000 VND. We even pre-ordered meals at Suvarnabhumi Airport when we arrived here because the prices were the same as outside," reader Phan Tan Phong said.

According to reader Tran Diep, at New York and Changi airports, there are many bustling eateries. New York in particular looks like a food street, with food prices not expensive. Buying bread and drinks is cheaper than outside.

Foreign visitors, some say they were "ripped off", others say the prices are reasonable.

Commenting on the prices of goods at the airport, many foreign readers emphasized that this situation does not only occur in Vietnam, but is a common problem at airports around the world.

Reader Kaptin Sinnindebauchery, from New York (USA), shared: "Goods at the airport are always expensive, no matter which country. In North America, an item you buy on the street for $1 will cost $3 or more at the airport."

Steve Jory, from New South Wales (Australia), said he once had to pay $22 for a beer at Sydney airport.

However, there are exceptions. "But food and drinks at Cat Bi airport, Hai Phong, in my opinion, are reasonably priced," Kaptin commented.

This opinion received a lot of sympathy. Many readers who travel frequently feel that the prices of goods at Vietnamese airports are quite "normal".

Phu Nguyen, a Vietnamese reader living in the US, said: "Compared to airports in the US, prices at Vietnamese airports are quite reasonable. I spent $7 for a meal at Phu Quoc airport, while in Seattle, I would have to pay $20."

Hanno Stamm, working in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), also compared beer prices at UAE airports with those in Vietnam, and commented that prices in Vietnam are still more affordable.

Will Cullinane, from the UK, echoed: "I think prices at Vietnamese airports are completely reasonable compared to the rest of the world, food and souvenirs are still cheap there."

However, some people think this is an issue that needs attention. Reader Gustavo Miranda expressed his dissatisfaction with the price difference between inside and outside the airport.

Reader Michael Schifilliti was upset: "I was "ripped off" at a food stall at the airport. They only accepted payment in USD, not Vietnamese currency... 50 USD for 2 meals, never going back to Vietnam again, I'm going to the Philippines".

Not unfamiliar with this issue, Erik Laudzevics (Australia) commented that airport prices may be due to high rental costs, leading to increased selling prices.

Matthew CF Keenan, from New York, agrees: "Stores have to pay high rent, have limited space for products, higher costs for delivery to the airport, customers waiting at the airport are not convenient to go anywhere else, additional costs for staff... In short, prices are higher because they have to spend more."

Many people also suggest that those who go to the airport should not shop there if not necessary.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/san-bay-nhieu-nuoc-ban-bang-gia-ben-ngoai-sao-trong-nuoc-cu-ban-gia-tren-troi-20250228101619282.htm