Schiphol is a great airport if everything runs smoothly. This is my home airport, and I fly from Schiphol often. I always ensure I am early at the airport when I travel.
This way, you have ample time in case there is a hiccup. And when everything does run smoothly, you’re in for a treat. Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free is a shoppers’ paradise. I love to do this after I clear security before the airline lounge.
Of course, you can expect all the classics, like liquors, tobacco, and perfumes. And there will be oversized candy because what Airport doesn’t have them? But there are also more specialized stores, and great souvenirs stores, with higher quality products.
First, I will pick up an Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free Catalog. This is where the best deals are promoted.
The deals are always for a specific time window, so picking up the catalog at the airport is best. You can find it everywhere! In stores and the general walking areas.
Prices here are called “Tax-Free,” but they are often the same on the high street (regular stores outside the airport), so being price aware is a good thing here. Or just be okay with the fact even though you might not save money, it’s still convenient.
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The Best Way To Save On Schiphol Duty-Free Prices
Pick up the See Buy Fly Schiphol Duty-Free Catalog when you arrive at the airport. You’ll find them everywhere, especially after you’ve passed security. Every month, the airport publishes a catalog called the “See Buy Fly folder” in Dutch, full of great deals and savings!
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The Different Tax-Free shopping areas at Schiphol Airport
There are four discount Tax-Free shopping areas at Schiphol Airport. All areas behind security (and passport control) are called Lounges. Don’t confuse it with airline lounges for premium passengers. The shopping areas lounges: Lounge 1, Lounge 2, Lounge 3, and Lounge 4.
Lounge 1
Lounge 1 is located in the so-called Schengen, the passport-free area in the EU where you can travel without Passport Control. If your flight is heading to Spain or Sweden, or any of the other Schengen countries, your flight most likely will leave from here. The Amsterdam Duty-Free shopping area here is huge, spacious, and pleasant. It can be busy, though!
Besides the great shopping, this is also where you find the outside park (upstairs), many restaurants, and more.
You’ll use this lounge if you fly from the “A, B, C, or D (D59 and up) gates.
Lounge 2
This is the area where many flights to the UK and the US depart from. You will likely enter this area if you check-in with KLM. Again a vast shopping area filled with the same tax-free shops as in Lounge 1.
Officially you’d use this area if you fly from the D (lower numbers, D57 and below) or the E gates. But all other lounges (3 and 4) are connected. If you make a left, you can walk from Lounge 2 to Lounge 3 to Lounge 4 and back without any issue. It would be a 20-minute walk from one end to the other.
Lounge 2, 3, and 4 have more restaurant options than Lounge 1. I personally never eat here since I have full lounge access with KLM, which serves amazing food. But you’ll find anything here, from fast-food places like Burger King and Starbucks to fancy restaurants.
Between Lounge 2 and 3 you’ll find cool kids’ playground, relaxing seating, and baggage lockers (great if you have a long layover, and want to store bags you don’t want to take through security) after you’re done with your Duty-Free shopping.
If you want to move between Lounge 1 (Schengen departures) and the other lounges. You have to pass passport control. Which here can take a long time! Never do that last-minute. Let’s say you arrive Non-Schengen, for example from the UK, or the US and you transfer to a Schengen destination flight, then pass passport control first, before you shop. And vice versa.
Lounge 3 & Lounge 4
Lounges 3 and 4 offer the same shops again but are not as large as Lounge 2.
Map to Navigate Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free
Here is a handy interactive map to find your way around the airport. The more you zoom in the more details you get to see.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free
Is Amsterdam Duty-Free available for all customers?
Yes, it doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling inside or outside the EU. If you have a valid boarding pass, you can purchase it in all shops, including liquor and tobacco. But there are different limits to how much you can buy some products like alcohol or cigarettes depending on your destination, and some prices are different too. These are clearly signposted near the products.
Are Duty-Free purchased liquids sealed, and can I safely take them?
Yes, all restricted items can be sealed at the payment desk. However, many parts of the world have different rules about liquids in hand luggage. Sealed or not. So my advice is this: if the flight you’re taking from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is for your last flight you have nothing to worry about. If you have another transfer to make, wait till you get to that airport to make your purchases. If you travel to the USA and have an onward flight you’re safe purchasing at Schiphol. You collect your luggage once landed in the US. You can check your liquids in your hold luggage and then pass security again for your next flight without your liquids.
What are the opening hours for the See Buy Fly Schiphol?
Tax-Free shops, at least the main ones, must be open before every flight. No matter how early, or late you depart, the main shops will be open at least one hour before departure. And they won’t close until the last flight. However, only one liquor store is usually open, not all of them. So you might need to walk, for example, from lounge 4 or lounge 2, or the other way around. Also, some smaller outlets and restaurants might still be closed. However, you will find that most products are still available at one of the outlets that do open, no matter the departure time of your flight.
What currency is accepted in the Duty-Free shops at Schiphol Airport?
The main currency for payment is Euro (EUR). All major cards are accepted for payment. TIP: if pay by card make sure you never say yes to charges in your own currency. Let’s say you’re from the USA. The machine or cashier could ask if you would like to pay in dollars (USD). It’s best to decline that offer, and be charged in euro. The exchange rate will always be better. If you want to pay cash in a currency other than Euro, you are most likely denied and referred to a currency exchange desk. But whether the store accepts your currency or the currency desk, you will get an awful deal on the exchange rate. It’s the worst thing you could do. Pay by card instead, or use your leftover cash Euros.
Can I find local Dutch products in the Duty-Free shops at Schiphol?
Yes, it’s actually one thing they’re quite known for, like cheese, candy, Miffy, flower bulbs, and cookies, to name a few. They will have a large selection, including items not always available in regular stores. It makes for great souvenirs without the need to haul them around from the city. But prices tend to be a bit higher than at city shops. So it’s really a choice between convenience versus savings.
Are there any Duty-Free shops available at Schiphol before the security check?
There is a large shopping area before security called Schiphol Plaza. It’s located on the arrivals level. Shops are open from 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week. These are, however, not Duty-Free stores. These are regular stores available to the general public. It includes all kinds of stores and places. Whether you need a fully stocked supermarket, a drug store, perfumes, clothing, or a restaurant, you’ll all find it at Schiphol Plaza. Another benefit is if you purchase here, you can still add these items to your checked luggage.
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Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this tax-free shopping at Schiphol Airport guide. Enjoy your time at the airport. Make sure to be on time to so you’ll have enough time to enjoy this airport’s many great facilities including the duty free shops. Safe travels!
Gerrit, just loved all that you’ve written. Shall definitely get in touch with you when we visited Amsterdam for which we have plans in the future. This time we’re flying in from Atlanta USA to Amsterdam by KLM flight 624 and leave for Bangalore in india by KLM 879. So was wondering whether it’s worthwhile to shop liquor in the duty free shops at the airport. Would the prices be cheaper than USA?
Hi Partha, I’m not sure if prices are higher or lower than US prices. They’re not particularly cheap in Amsterdam. If other readers know more about Duty Prices in the US and Amsterdam please jump in the conversation.