Flying to Dubai from JFK, I went to a shop with only $14 left so I decided to spend it. Then the tax was added on afterwards. I thought all shops in the international lounge were duty free world wide.
Also there seamed to be local flights from the same terminal 4 building at JFK.
Do duty free shops differ from country to country?
Why are some shops duty free and not others at JFK international airport?
I was always under the impression that international departure lounge was international territory so taxes didn't apply, similar to when I bought something at the United Nations in New York.
I find it strange that some shops are allowed to be duty free and compete with shops that have to pay sales tax.