Cancun International Airport (CUN) has plenty of shops for last-minute gifts, duty-free spirits and perfume, Mexican crafts and travel basics. Scheduled flights use Terminals 2, 3 and 4 (Terminal 1 is being rebuilt and is expected to reopen at the end of 2026), and almost all the shopping is in the departure lounges after security. Below is what you can buy and where, based on the airport operator’s (ASUR) store directory, checked in October 2026.

At a glance

  • Where: mainly after security in the departure lounges of Terminals 2, 3 and 4; very little in the arrivals halls.
  • Duty free: Cancún Duty Free, run by Dufry (now part of the Avolta group), in all three terminals: spirits, perfume, food, tobacco and accessories.
  • Mexican crafts and design: Los Cinco Soles, ¡Ay Güey!, Pineda Covalin and others.
  • Payment: Mexican pesos, US dollars and cards are widely accepted; paying by card in pesos usually gives the best rate.
  • Allowances: duty-free limits depend on the country you fly to – check them before you buy.

Before vs after security

Most stores are past the security checkpoint, in the gate areas (the A and B gates in Terminal 2, the C gates in Terminal 3 and gates 53–66 in Terminal 4). The check-in halls have only a few outlets, so the best plan is to check in, clear security and then shop. You will need your boarding pass to buy duty-free goods.

On arrival there is little to buy: the ASUR directory lists a duty-free store in the Terminal 3 arrivals area, but otherwise you walk straight from customs to the exit. Buy sunscreen, snacks and other basics in town if you forget them.

What to buy and where, by terminal

Locations below come from the ASUR directory. Stores open, close and move, so treat them as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Terminal 2

  • Duty free and perfume: Cancún Duty Free and Cancún Duty Paid (perfume and cosmetics) in the A and B gate areas.
  • Mexican crafts and design: Los Cinco Soles (A and B), ¡Ay Güey! (A and B), Pineda Covalin (B), Wayan Natural Wear (A).
  • Fashion, bags and accessories: Victoria’s Secret, Tumi, Tous, Pandora, Oakley, New Era and Miniso (B gates); Sunglass Hut and Ray-Ban near the security area; Pier 27 and Corona Shop (A gates).
  • Pharmacy: in the A gates, near the food court.

Terminal 3

  • Duty free: Cancún Duty Free in the C departure gates (plus the arrivals store mentioned above).
  • Mexican crafts and design: Los Cinco Soles (lobby and C gates), ¡Ay Güey! (C10/C16), Pineda Covalin (C7/C16).
  • Accessories: Sunglass Hut and Ray-Ban (by the food court, C7), Corona Shop, Mumuso and Bloomish (C11).
  • Pharmacy: near gates C10 and C15–C16.

Terminal 4

  • Duty free and perfume: Cancún Duty Free in departures and Cancún Duty Paid in the main corridor and by gate 56.
  • Mexican crafts and design: Los Cinco Soles (main corridor, gates 53 and 63), ¡Ay Güey! (gate 56), Pineda Covalin (gate 59), Wayan Natural Wear (gates 54 and 64), Roger Boots leather goods (gate 60).
  • Fashion and accessories: Victoria’s Secret and Miniso (main corridor), Tous (gate 57), Pandora (gate 66), Sunglass Hut and Ray-Ban (several gate areas), New Era and Earth (gate 61).

Not sure which terminal you fly from? See our Cancun Airport terminals guide and the airport map.

Tequila, mezcal and Mexican souvenirs

The duty-free stores carry a wide range of spirits, including tequila and mezcal, plus Mexican coffee liqueur, chocolate and other food gifts. Prices are not always lower than in town – supermarkets in Cancun often sell the same tequila for less – but buying at the airport saves carrying bottles through your trip.

For souvenirs with a local feel, look at Los Cinco Soles (handicrafts and jewelry), ¡Ay Güey! (playful Mexican-made designs and T-shirts), Pineda Covalin (silk scarves, ties and accessories with Mexican motifs) and Wayan Natural Wear (resort clothing). Hats, T-shirts and small gifts are also sold in the general stores.

Duty-free allowances for the trip home

What you can bring home tax-free is set by the country you fly to, not by Mexico. Two common examples (always check the official customs site before you travel):

  • United States: returning residents generally have a USD 800 personal exemption for goods they carry, which can include 1 liter of alcohol duty-free if you are 21 or older (more is allowed, but duty is charged).
  • Canada: after 48 hours or more abroad, CAD 800 in goods, including up to 1.14 L of spirits or 1.5 L of wine (minimum age depends on the province).

Other countries have their own limits. Most also restrict fresh fruit, meat and plants. Arriving in Mexico? See our Cancun customs guide.

Connecting flights: liquids bought after security are packed in a sealed bag with the receipt. If you have to clear security again at a connecting airport, keep the bag sealed and the receipt with it, and check that country’s liquid rules – or pack bottles in checked luggage if you travel with a stopover.

Paying: pesos, dollars or card

  • Cards: widely accepted. When the terminal asks, choose to pay in Mexican pesos and let your bank convert – the shop’s own conversion is usually worse.
  • US dollars: commonly accepted, but the exchange rate used is often unfavorable and change may come in pesos.
  • Pesos: use up leftover cash here. ATMs and exchange booths are in every terminal – see currency exchange in Cancun.

Tips

  • Shop after security, once you know your gate and how much time you have.
  • Compare prices: perfume and spirits are not always cheaper than at home.
  • Keep receipts for customs and for any connection.
  • Leave enough time – check-in and security lines can be long in high season.

FAQ

Is there duty-free shopping at Cancun Airport?

Yes. Cancún Duty Free stores (run by Dufry) are in the departure areas of Terminals 2, 3 and 4, selling spirits, perfume, food, tobacco and accessories.

Are the shops before or after security?

Almost all of them are after security, near the gates. The check-in halls and arrivals areas have very few shops.

Can I pay in US dollars?

Usually yes, but the rate is often poor. Paying by card in Mexican pesos generally works out cheaper.

How much alcohol can I take home?

It depends on your destination. Returning US residents can generally include 1 liter of alcohol in their USD 800 exemption (age 21+); Canadians can bring 1.14 L of spirits or 1.5 L of wine after 48 hours away. Check your country’s customs rules.

Where can I buy Mexican souvenirs at the airport?

Los Cinco Soles, ¡Ay Güey! and Pineda Covalin have stores in all three terminals, according to the airport operator’s directory.

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