Exchange pricing parity ensures consistency worldwide Published March 31, 2014 By Jusika Martinez Army & Air Force Exchange Service Corporate Communications EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Whether stationed here at Edwards Air Force Base or abroad, servicemembers can expect to find the same, or very similar, prices at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide. Known as pricing parity, this practice ensures Exchange prices are established centrally. "While there may be some slight price differentiations that occur with items purchased locally overseas, per Department of Defense policy the Exchange doesn't increase prices in order to cover shipping or other higher operational costs," said Edwards Air Force Base Exchange General Manager Mike Wiles. "No matter where they are called to serve, it is our goal to bring Airman and their families the same products, at the same cost." Despite the Exchange's efforts to price consistently, a few exceptions can occur. "There may be some price differences between locations in the continental United States and overseas for categories such as gasoline, alcohol and tobacco," said Wiles. "These prices are set based on Department of Energy benchmarks, or local surveys, established by DoD directives." Additionally, prices for some convenience and frequently purchased items may be lower at different locations based on local promotions or surveys. To ensure prices on these same items overseas are consistent with those servicemembers would expect to see at home, overseas prices are set at the average surveyed CONUS price. Airman and their families worldwide can learn more about Exchange policies by visiting http://www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService/.