One of the best things you can do to pass the time at Amsterdam airport is spend some time shopping at the Duty Free.
This airport is a shopper's paradise.
On site, you can expect all the classics, such as liqueurs, tobacco and perfumes.
I'll tell you all about it in the following lines.
Here we go!
Duty Free in Amsterdam: article summary
Duty Free in Amsterdam: knowing the different zones
There are four Duty Free areas at Schiphol airport. All areas behind security are called lounges. You'll find :
- Le lounge 1
- Le lounge 2
- Le lounge 3
- The lounge 4.
Be careful, even if it can be confusing, don't confuse Duty Free lounges with airline lounges.
What will you find in lounge 1?
Lounge 1 is located in the Schengen zone, the EU's passport-free zone, where you can travel without passport control.
So if you're flying to France, Spain or Italy, your flight will probably leave from here.
Amsterdam's Duty-Free shopping zone is huge, spacious and pleasant.
As well as superb shopping, this is also where you'll find :
- Outdoor park (upstairs)
- Authentic Dutch coffee
- Numerous restaurants
Lounge 2 for flights to other destinations
Many flights to the UK and USA depart from this area. You're sure to enter this zone if you check in with KLM.
Once again, it's a vast commercial zone filled with the same duty-free stores as in Lounge 1.
Lounges 3 and 4
Salons 3 and 4 again offer the same stores, but are not as large as Salon 2.
You can get from one lounge to the other with no problem - just walk! following the long, store-filled corridor.
Is Duty-Free available to all travelers?
It doesn't matter whether you're traveling inside or outside the EU. If you have a valid boarding pass, you can store in any store, including alcohol and tobacco.
However, there are different limits on the amount you can buy for certain products, such as alcohol or cigarettes, depending on your destination.
Are the liquids sealed and safe to take with me?
All restricted items can be sealed at the payment office. However, many parts of the world apply different rules concerning liquids in hand luggage.
If you're going to France, or any other European country, you shouldn't have any problems. However, I advise you to ask the seller if you have any doubts.
What are the opening hours for Duty Free in Amsterdam?
Duty-free stores must be open before each flight. Whatever time you leave, the main stores will be open at least one hour before departure. They won't close until the last flight.
However, only one liquor store is usually open. So you may have to walk, for example, from Salon 4 to Salon 2, or vice versa.
In addition, some small stores and restaurants may still be closed. However, you'll find that most products are still available at any of the outlets that are open, regardless of your flight's departure time.
Find local products in Duty-Free stores
When it comes to shopping, I advise you to turn to local products. In fact, you'll be able to find :
- Cheese
- Sweets
- Flower bulbs
- Cookies
On-site establishments usually offer a wide selection, including items not always available in regular stores.
However, prices are tending to be a little higher than in Amsterdam stores.
Are there any stores at Schiphol before the security check?
There is a large shopping area before security called Schiphol Plaza. It is located on the arrivals level.
Stores are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day. They are not, however, Duty Free stores. They are regular stores open to the general public.
On site, you'll find :
- a complete supermarket
- A pharmacy
- A perfumery
- clothing
- Restaurants
Another advantage is that if you buy something here, you can always add these items to your checked baggage. But again, this isn't Duty Free. And coupons won't apply here.
If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, you'll probably want to visit its Duty Free area. Here, you'll be able to make considerable savings and find the last souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
Leave a Reply