Once again, MIA shopping outlets give Malta a bad name because they charge silly prices on the way out of the country.

For instance, Twistees cost 40c in most supermarkets. So 45c at the shop in the departure hall is not too bad. Compare this with 70c at the stationery shop in the departure lounge. That’s no saving! It’s a rip-off!

Now, given that the whole idea of duty free is to provide lower prices than one would pay in the shops, how can this near 100 per cent hike be justified?

Travellers would do well to remember that, when landing in the UK, there are often duty free shops upon arrival just after clearing Customs. In my experience, these have consistently provided better prices than those ex-Malta.

Duty free is a bit of a joke anyway if you are moving between EU countries, but there are lower prices available.

Malta International Airport has always been a place where people have been forced to pay silly prices, such as for local bottled water, especially due to the restrictions placed on the carrying of liquids.

Do bear this in mind: on the whole you do have a choice. So why not use it?