What the Ultra-Rich Buy Abroad: The World’s Most Exclusive Travel Purchases
When one achieves a certain level of income, shopping overseas is much more than just gifts. Traveling abroad gives rich individuals the chance to buy unique, location-specific items, such as fine art, rare wines, and hard-to-find luxury goods.
A January 2026 report by MyCross analyzed the purchases made by the ultra-rich when traveling overseas and how prestige, exclusivity, and unique craftsmanship influence luxury shopping worldwide.
Here are the top exclusive purchases of the wealthy travelers and where to find them:
Custom-Made Jewelry
Personalized jewelry is among the most frequently purchased items, with New York City being among the most visited places, where they get custom-made diamond jewelry from famous studios such as Spinelli Kilcollin and Lorraine Schwartz. For a more contemporary, everyday-wearable style, they are visiting Dubai, known for Messika and the Gold Souk.
- Price range—$5,000 to $50,000
- Most Purchased Items: Statement Earrings and Rings, Messika’s “Move” Collection, High-Karat Gold and Diamond Jewelry
Limited-Edition Handbags
Paris is the prime destination for wealthy travelers looking for a Hermès Birkin, due to the consistent yet limited supply at flagship boutiques. Milan attracts those in search of exclusive Gucci and Prada editions, while Tokyo is favored by LVMH enthusiasts for Japan-only collections released ahead of global launches.
- Price range—$1,500 to over $150,000
- Most Purchased Items: Hermès Birkin, Gucci Dionysus, Custom Tailored Suits, Prada Galleria, LV’s famous Keepall
High-End Watches
Rich travelers’ other must-have purchase is an expensive and classic watch, especially a Swiss one. Geneva is connected with iconic names like Rolex and Patek Philippe, whilst Zurich is known for top brands like Audemars Piguet and IWC.
- Price range—$5,000 to several million dollars
- Most Purchased Items: Rolex Submariner, Rolex Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Rare Collectibles
Antiques and collectibles are heavily purchased through well-known auction houses and established dealer networks. Paris and Vienna are chosen for the furniture and European period-piece markets, whereas Rome and London have a reputation for Christian antiques, which are primarily sold by dealers in this category.
- Price range—$10,000 to $500 million
- Most purchased items: Post‑Impressionist Works, Roman Glassware, Georgian & Victorian Furniture, Antique Musical Instruments
Exclusive Gourmet Ingredients
Among rich food lovers, Morocco, India, and Italy are generally the top picks for rare spices and gourmet ingredients. The souks of Marrakech, Morocco; the Kashmir region of India; and Italy, particularly Piedmont, are often flooded with the rich interested in the most fragrant spices.
- Price range—$50 to $1,000
- Most Purchased Items: Saffron, White Truffles, Black Perigord Truffles, Himalayan Pink Salt
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