Question about duty free
 

I am taking Continental airline from YYZ to HKG via EWR tomorrow. I would like to know if I need to buy duty free liquor, where should I buy it, at YYZ, EWR or in-flight?

I don't think I should buy at YYZ because then I may have trouble passing through EWR security. However I heard it is hard to find a duty free store in EWR. Anyone know where exactly it locates? Or should I buy it in flight, will it be more expensive?

You'll pre-clear US Customs at YYZ so you'll arrive at EWR as if you were a domestic passenger. You should be able to stay airside at EWR, i.e. you shouldn't have to pass TSA security. so you could buy your duty free at YYZ or you could also buy it at EWR or onboard your EWR-HKG flight. I think the EWR Duty Free should be marked on the terminal maps.

I guess it comes down to three issues:
How long are you willing to carry the duty free purchase with you?
Are you buying a standard item that you can buy anywhere?
What are the prices at each location?

Before you leave see if you can find an online copy of COs onboard duty free catalogue. It will then give you some price and selection benchmarks.

mpc1

I don't know the security level right now. Last time (which was 4 months ago) when I travelled to EWR, they set up addition security check counters, I had to go through again even I was just walking to the gate to catch my next flight. I spent like 30 mins to go through the security check, then I realized I forgot to buy duty free, then I walked out again. I couldn't find DF shop last time, but I had to spend another 30 mins to pass through security again!

Might be cheaper if you just buy it in HKG as all of HKG is duty free.

oh right, they are now duty free! ^^^

Thanks for reminding me!

HKG street prices are cheaper than duty free in US or Canada.