jackster747

My Wife is currently on Vacation in France. She called me 2 days ago from Albi. She needed sunscreen as it was a bright day. Well she said it cost her 24 Euros or about 30 US dollars for a small container (SPF 30). I could not believe it. I checked around and here it would be about 7 bucks....Oh she did later tell me it was hypoallergenic. I think she was ripped off.......I can't wait till she posts her trip report in about a month....stand by...

janisj

In the States one can get $4 sunscreens and $40 (or more) sunscreens. Unless you tell us the brand name there is no ay to tell if she was ripped off or not . . . .

annesherrod

It does seem very high. But, if she bought a high-end cosmetic brand it would certainly be that high here as well.
The $7 bottle works just fine as my dermatlogist says.

Hope she is having fun!!!

seetheworld

There are some things that are better kept secret from the dear husband...this is one of them, lol.

starrsville

I paid that much on the beach in Cannes. Location, location, location.

I also spent that much at a spa in South Florida. Ditto.

Didn't see "No-Ad" or equivalent in the South of France.

Don't sweat the small stuff (Ha! Pun intended)

tondalaya

If she goes to the pharmacist, she could buy something less expensive.

RonZ

Maybe the sunscreen cost included someone to rub it on.

Intrepid1

You can call it "location" or you can call it "famous" or anything else you want to "call it" but you are correct, it is a rip-off.

The fact that people actually pay that kind of money is a whole other conversation.

jody

Not a rip off at all, it was the brand she bought, CLinique sunscreen at my US dept store is $45.00 and is no better than the No-Ad $6.00 stuff according to my dermatoligist.

I'm still trying to figure out why my RX nasal spray costs me $65.00 here and I can buy it in any pharmacy in France or the UK for $12.00

jody

Not a rip off at all, it was the brand she bought, CLinique sunscreen at my US dept store is $45.00 and is no better than the No-Ad $6.00 stuff according to my dermatoligist.

I'm still trying to figure out why my RX nasal spray costs me $65.00 here and I can buy it in any pharmacy in France or the UK for $15.00

cocofromdijon

The best thing to do is buy them at the supermarkets like Carrefour Auchan, Cora, Intermarché..... Average price 10€ for good brand names.
24€ oh my god!#-o

logos999

This is a woman thing. Many are willing to pay anything for the "secret ingredient". Men can't understand this, so no need to tell your husband, just buy some more. ;-)

worldinabag

Hi

Maybe also because sunscreen is a "touristy' item that merchants can make a quick kill on. Check out the price of batteries, cans of Coke, bottled water etc. Same story. Mmmm, that gives me some ideas...>

Heimdall

Sunscreen is cheaper in the US. In Europe, the higher the SPF, the higher the price as well. €24 does seem too much, but without knowing size and brand, it's hard to make a comparison. Before my annual trips to Greece I stock up on Coppertone.

Kate

"In Europe, the higher the SPF, the higher the price as well."

Not in the UK. You can get 2 bottles for the price of one from Boots as well, so for anyone heading to London, head for Boots!

Grcxx3

Just put this one into the "cost of vacationing" category.

I've paid over $20 for bottles of sunscreen in Sicily and in Egypt - and that's about the price it is where we live now. I paid $30 for a simple beach hat in Sicily because I forgot mine.
I've paid outrageous amounts for film and for developing in many places (Hawaii was the worst). I've just learn to accept the fact that if I really need something - I get it and don't worry about the cost. Period!

We live overseas and I have the same problem on a daily basis because of the costs of imported items. If I want to treat my kids to a Red Baron frozen pizza - it's $13. If I want Eggo waffles - they're $8. If I want Oscar Meyer thin-sliced bacon - it's $12. Do I do it everyday? Of course not, but it's a nice treat every once in a while!

It just goes with the territory and you have to learn to accept it - doesn't do any good to moan and groan!

julies

When you're desperate you'll pay anything. I paid $8 for a box of 20 generic tampons in a small corner grocery (the only place open) in Saumur in the Loire Valley.

mauitammy

I would have to disagree that Clinique and NoAd are exactly the same. The SPF may be the same, but No Ad and other cheaper sunscreens cause me to break out horribly. Clinique, however, does not cause me to have an allergic reaction. It is worth the extra money not to be covered in a horrible red rash.

Tulips

You can buy cheaper sunscreen in supermarkets like Casino. I do think that generally cosmetics are much cheaper in the US. I bought a Shiseido Benefience cream in the US for less than 40 dollars. Here in Belgium it costs more than 60 EUROS. Same for Clinique.

StCirq

I buy sunscreen every summer in France at the local Intermarché for about 8€. She got ripped off, or purposely or innocently bought something special and especially expensive.