Myriad malls, tax-free purchases make Dubai a shopper’s destination

Part of the appeal of shopping in Dubai is taxes: There aren’t any. So if you’re trying to decide about those 18-karat-gold earrings or that swanky black cocktail dress, remember that the price is the price, unlike most places in the U.S. and often Europe, where the total often includes tax.

In fact, the only limits on what you buy are your airline’s baggage restrictions (increasingly, airlines are charging for overweight bags) and the customs duty you may need to pay coming back into the U.S. Duties generally apply to purchases exceeding $800; it’s wise to save your receipts for U.S. Customs.

For more information on allowances, go to www.cbp.gov and click on “Travel” and “Know Before You Go.”

Because shopping is a pastime in Dubai, the malls tend to have extended hours. The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City, Deira City Centre and BurJuman Centre are open until midnight Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For information on mall hours, locations and types of stores, go to www.dubaicityguide.com/shop.