Amsterdam Airport Duty-Free Can You Save Money?

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. These are clearly signs posted near the products.

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 the last (leg) for you? Then don’t worry about it. You can safely take these liquids home. If you have another transfer to make before you reach home, 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.

Tax-Free shops, at least the main ones, must be open before every flight. No matter how early you leave, 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 full supermarket, a drug store, perfumes, clothing, or a restaurant, you’ll all find it at Schiphol Plaza. It’s super convenient. Another benefit is if you purchase here, you can still add these items to your checked luggage. But again, this is not Duty-Free. And discount vouchers won’t apply here.