At a Duty-Free Shop

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At a Duty-Free Shop

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

duty-free shop

Noun

ˈdjuːtɪˈfrɪ ʃɒp

a shop that sells goods without tax

Mr. Tanaka is at a duty-free shop, enjoying his shopping.

liquor

Noun

ˈlɪkər

alcoholic drink, usually very strong

The liquor store across the street is open late.

Excuse me, I'd like to ask you about this liquor.

wrap

Verb

ræp

to put cloth, paper, etc. around something

The store did a beautiful job of wrapping the gift.

In Muslim countries, it is common for women to wrap scarves around their heads.

They wrapped the baby in a soft blanket.

The piece of sushi is wrapped with seaweed.

Could you wrap this gift in paper?

Make sure this present is nicely wrapped.

Could you wrap this?

ribbon

Noun

ˈrɪbən

a colorful, long and narrow strip of material used for decoration

She tied the present with red ribbon.

traveler's check

Noun

ˈtræv.əl.əz ˌtʃek

a piece of paper that tourists can buy from a travel agency or a bank, and then use as money

Do you accept traveler's checks?

Exercise 2

Useful Expressions

Could you wrap them separately?

Will you pay in cash or by credit card?

Could you put your signature here?

We provide shipping all over the world.

How long would it take to ship it to Japan?

Do you want me to wrap it?

Would you like a ribbon on this?

Can I pay by traveler’s check?

Exercise 3

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your tutor.

Mr. Adachi is at a duty-free shop.
	Akio Adachi Excuse me, I’d like to ask you about this liquor.
	Clerk Sure. What would you like to know?
	Akio Adachi Is it popular as a souvenir?
	Clerk Yes, very popular. It is produced in a traditional way and it has a very mild and soft taste. For example, this one.
The clerk points to a bottle.
	Clerk This one is as sweet as a soft drink, but it contains a rather high alcohol percentage.
	Akio Adachi I see. I'll take three bottles, then.
	Clerk Very well, sir.
	Akio Adachi Could you wrap them separately if possible?
	Clerk Sure, no problem. Will you pay in cash or by credit card?
	Akio Adachi Do you accept international credit cards?
	Clerk Of course. Could you put your signature here?
	Akio Adachi Alright.
	Clerk Thank you. Would you like to pay in Japanese yen or dollars? You can choose.
	Akio Adachi In that case, I'd like to pay in yen, please.
	Clerk Certainly. Here you are. Thank you for shopping with us, and have a safe trip!
	Akio Adachi Thanks.

Exercise 4

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.

Alejandro is at a duty-free shop.
	Shop Clerk Good evening! Are you (1) for something specific? Can I help you, perhaps?
	Alejandro Oh, yes. I’m thinking of buying this vase as a (2), but it might be a bit difficult to carry, as it's quite big and heavy.
	Shop Clerk We provide shipping all over the world. Perhaps that would be easier.
	Alejandro Oh, really? How long would it take to ship it to Mexico?
	Shop Clerk It would take no longer than two weeks.
	Alejandro Fine. Then, I'd like to (3) this bowl, too.
	Shop Clerk Sure. Do you want me to wrap it?
	Alejandro Yes, please. But, could you wrap them (4)?
	Shop Clerk Certainly. Would you like a ribbon on this?
	Alejandro That’d be perfect.
	Shop Clerk No problem, sir. Do you (5) anything else?
	Alejandro No, that’s all.
	Shop Clerk Okay. Just a (6), I’ll have it wrapped. Will you pay in cash or (7)?
	Alejandro Can I pay by traveler’s check?
	Shop Clerk Of course, sir. Could you just put your (8) here? Thank you!

Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 8

Answer Pool (Questions 1-8)

looking
take
want
souvenir
moment
signature
separately
by credit card

Exercise 5

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your tutor.

Situation

You are at a duty-free shop and you want to buy some food and drinks as souvenirs. You also notice a beautiful vase, but it seems to be a bit large to carry. Talk to the shop clerk (teacher).

Exercise 6

Discussion

Have you ever bought something at a duty-free shop abroad?

What do you think about the prices in duty-free shops?

Do you usually buy souvenirs during your trip or just before you go back home?

What is your opinion about spending a lot of money on souvenirs?

Have you ever used a traveler’s check? If so, where and why did you use it?