4 Items the Ultra-Rich Always Buy When Traveling Abroad
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Wealthy people may live their own version of frugality in their daily lives, but when it comes to traveling abroad, some may throw a little bit of financial caution to the wind, at least when it comes to shopping.
A January 2026 report by MyCross analyzed some purchases made by the ultra-wealthy when traveling overseas — and how much they tend to spend.
Also see five ways to travel like a millionaire without spending like one.
Exclusive Gourmet Ingredients
- Popular cities to shop in: Morocco, India and Italy
- Price range: $50 to $1,000
- Most purchased items: Saffron, white truffles, black Périgord truffles, Himalayan pink salt
Anyone who has had the privilege of traveling to another country knows that a big part of the experience is culinary. We may have access to American-style cuisine, but it’s the local foods and flavors that make the trip memorable. It’s common for wealthy travelers to stock up on the rare spices and gourmet ingredients that you can’t find back in the States.
Custom-Made Jewelry
- Popular cities to shop in: Dubai
- Price range: $5,000 to $50,000
- Most purchased items: Statement earrings and rings, high-karat gold and diamond pieces
Custom-made jewelry is something you can buy pretty much anywhere online, but in this case, we’re not talking about Etsy artisans. We’re talking about high-end jewelers who make one-of-a-kind pieces. The ultra-wealthy know to go to Dubai to get spectacular jewelry pieces, checking out contemporary jewelry houses Messika and the Gold Souk.
Limited-Edition Bags and Purses
- Popular cities to shop in: Paris, Milan and Tokyo
- Price range: $1,500 to $150,000-plus
- Most purchased items: Hermès Birkin, Gucci Dionysus, Prada Galleria, Louis Vuitton Keepall
When in Paris, the ultra-wealthy aren’t necessarily lining up with the masses to see the Eiffel Tower or board a tourist boat circling the Seine. They’re spending big bucks on big bags like the iconic Hermès Birkin. High rollers may check out Milan for exclusive Gucci and Prada bags, and then pop over to Tokyo for Japan-only Louis Vuitton collections.
High-End Watches
- Popular cities to shop in: Geneva and Zurich
- Price range: $5,000 to several million dollars
- Most purchased items: Rolex Submariner, Rolex Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Nothing says “high status” like a high-end watch, and nothing says “no, like really, really high status” like buying a high-end watch in its European city of origin. Wealthy travelers can hop over to Geneva for Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces and head to Zurich to nab a top-shelf Audemars Piguet or IWC.
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