Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free: What You Need To Know

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands and is located 20 minutes (4.9 NM (9.1 km; 5.6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. The airport has vast duty-free shopping areas located along all three of its terminals, with the biggest shops located in the Departures Lounge 2 area.

The shops offer a range of products, including cosmetics, alcohol, electronics, flowers, clothing, luggage, traditional Dutch food, chocolate, toys, books, films, and music. The airport also has a unique pricing system, with one price for all destinations, unlike many other airports, which have different prices depending on whether the flight is within or outside the European Union.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport's duty-free shopping areas

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has vast duty-free shopping areas located across its three terminals, with the biggest shops found in the Departures Lounge 2 area. The airport offers a wide range of top brands, unique products, and great duty-free deals.

The shops are open daily, with most opening at least an hour before the first plane's departure and closing 30 minutes before the last flight's departure. The airport's duty-free shops apply one price to all destinations, and the prices are, on average, 10% lower than in any major European city, with special offers going as low as 35% off.

The duty-free shopping areas are located after security, and a boarding card is required to shop there. The airport offers a variety of products, including cosmetics, alcohol, electronics, flowers, clothing, luggage, traditional Dutch food, chocolates, toys, books, films, and music.

There is also a large shopping area before security called Schiphol Plaza, located on the arrivals level. Shops in this area are open from 7 am to 7 pm daily and include a supermarket, drug store, perfume shops, clothing stores, and restaurants. However, these shops are not duty-free, and discount vouchers do not apply.

The airport's one-terminal concept

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is known for its single-terminal concept, which offers a seamless travel experience with a wide range of amenities and services. The airport is considered one of the busiest and most efficient airports in Europe, handling over 14 million travellers a year.

The single terminal is divided into three main sections called departure halls: Departure Halls 1, 2, and 3. Each hall has its own set of piers and concourses, allowing passengers to walk between different areas of the terminal. However, it is important to note that border control separates the Schengen and non-Schengen areas, so passengers may need to pass through security checks when moving between these zones.

The Schiphol Plaza is located in the central hub of the terminal, connecting all three departure halls. It houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, including the Schiphol Library and an annex of the Rijksmuseum. The Schiphol Plaza is pre-security and is accessible to both travellers and general visitors.

The one-terminal concept provides several benefits to passengers. Firstly, it makes the airport easy to navigate, with short walking distances between gates. Secondly, it offers a wide range of facilities under one roof, including duty-free shopping areas, lounges, and dining options. The terminal's design prioritises functionality, user overview, and attention to detail, creating a pleasant and efficient travel experience for passengers.

The airport is constantly optimising and expanding to keep up with passenger traffic. There are plans to add an extra pier and another departure hall while maintaining the single-terminal configuration. This expansion will help strengthen the competitive position of Mainport Schiphol and accommodate the growing number of travellers.

The airport's VAT and tax-free purchases

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has vast duty-free shopping areas located across its three terminals, with the biggest shops in the Departures Lounge 2 area. The airport offers a wide range of products, from cosmetics, alcohol, and electronics to flowers, clothing, luggage, traditional Dutch food, chocolate, toys, books, films, and music.

The prices at Amsterdam Airport are, on average, 10% lower than in any major European city, with special offers going up to 35% off. All major world currencies are accepted, but change is given in euros. Credit cards, PIN Maestro, and traveller's cheques are also accepted.

The airport has a unique pricing system where the same prices are charged for both EU and non-EU destinations, meaning that all passengers can enjoy the same shopping opportunities. This is in contrast to many other airports, which have different prices depending on the destination. However, it's important to note that tobacco products have two different price levels: the local price for EU destinations and a tax-free, cheaper price for non-EU destinations. Additionally, all travellers pay VAT on books, magazines, flowers, and bulbs, regardless of their destination.

For those flying within the EU, retailers provide a compensation in the retail price to account for the VAT paid on purchases. This means that EU passengers still benefit from competitive prices at Schiphol, even though tax-free shopping was abolished for travellers within the EU in 1999.

If you are flying within the EU and then continuing on to a non-EU country, you don't have to pay tax or duty on liquor and tobacco. Simply state this at the cash desk. On the other hand, if you are returning to the Netherlands from a non-EU country, you should follow the rules for importing goods from non-European countries, which include tax-free limitations. The Customs at Schiphol can provide assistance with this.

For those residing outside the EU, VAT can be reclaimed on all purchases made in the Netherlands, including at Amsterdam Airport. Specific conditions apply, and more information can be obtained by contacting Customs at Schiphol.

The Schiphol Plaza shopping centre

Schiphol Plaza is a shopping centre located before passport control in the central hall of Schiphol Airport. It is accessible to everyone, whether you're catching a flight, meeting someone, or dropping someone off. Most stores are open from 7 am to 10 pm, with a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants, and services. You can find anything from a supermarket and drug store to clothing and restaurants.

Schiphol Plaza is a great place to unwind, shop, or enjoy the lively atmosphere. It offers practical services such as a hairdresser and ATMs, as well as a variety of food and beverage outlets. It is just a few minutes' walk from the workplace at WTC Schiphol.

While Schiphol Plaza offers a range of options, it is important to note that the shops here are not duty-free. For duty-free shopping, you will need to go to the shops located after security, where you can find top brands and unique products. These shops offer tax-free prices for travellers outside the EU, and competitive prices for those travelling within the EU.

The airport's facilities and attractions

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a shoppers' paradise, with vast duty-free shopping areas located along all three of its terminals. The biggest shops are located in the Departures Lounge 2 area.

The airport offers a wide range of products, including cosmetics, alcohol, electronics, flowers, upmarket clothing, luggage, traditional Dutch food, chocolate, toys, books, films, and music. Schiphol Plaza is the shopping centre before customs, used by both travellers and non-travelling visitors.

The airport also offers a range of other facilities and attractions to keep travellers occupied during layovers or waiting times. These include:

• Medical care centres
• ATMs
• Currency exchange offices
• Postal services
• Lounges for those seeking a more luxurious experience
• Two railway stations, one located directly underneath the terminal building and the other nearby, allowing access to destinations across mainland Europe and further parts of the country
• Plenty of parking spaces
• A fleet of electric buses and shuttles running between terminals and parking lots

In addition, Schiphol has its own mortuary and wedding ceremony facilities. A new state-of-the-art Hilton Hotel with 433 rooms is also currently under construction.

For those interested in art and culture, the airport offers a unique experience with an annex of the Rijksmuseum, providing a small overview of classical and contemporary art, as well as the Schiphol Airport Library, which offers a collection of books by Dutch authors and translations in multiple languages.

Frequently asked questions