Taxi fries in Holland. How to arrange luxury shopping in Amsterdam with Tax Free? De Bijenkorf Amsterdam opening hours

After the whirlwind of customs reforms in the EU, it is difficult to figure out what can be brought into the Netherlands by plane, by sea and by land, and what is best left at home until better times. However, ignorance cannot be used as an excuse for wrongdoing.

So that the Dutch customs does not spoil your vacation, study the rules of the game in advance. Uniformed people don't care how many stores and shops you ran around in search of a confiscated rarity, what memories connect you with a confiscated souvenir, and how upset your aunt will be, not waiting for a present.

What can you bring into the Netherlands

When crossing the Dutch border by air or sea, citizens of countries located outside the Eurozone are entitled to duty-free import of goods worth up to 430 EUR. By land, it is allowed to carry hand luggage, estimated at no more than 300 EUR.

Personal belongings of tourists are not subject to duty, provided that the total cost of luggage does not exceed 175 EUR for adult tourists and 90 EUR for minors under 15 years of age. There are no restrictions on the import of funds, however, amounts over 10,000 EUR must be declared.

Upon reaching the age of 15, you can carry food and industrial products containing alcohol and stimulants intended for individual consumption as part of hand luggage:

• up to 500 grams of coffee;
• up to 100 grams of tea;
• perfume water - 250 ml;
• perfume - 50 ml.

Natives of non-Schengen countries over the age of 17 are allowed to import tobacco products into the Netherlands in limited quantities:

• up to 200 cigarettes;
• up to 100 cigarillos;
• up to 50 cigars;
• loose tobacco - up to 250 grams.

It is desirable to accompany medicines with a notarized prescription from a doctor.

Although Holland does not experience a shortage of strong drinks, many tourists are still concerned with the question of how much alcohol can be brought into the Netherlands as part of hand luggage. Look for the answer on the bottle label:

• alcohol stronger than 22 degrees - no more than a liter;
• fortified wines - up to 2 liters;
• still wines - up to 4 liters;
• beer - up to 16 liters.

What is prohibited to bring into the Netherlands

• drugs, precursors and pharmacological agents of narcotic action;
• firearms and ammunition;
• explosive substances;
• plants on the substrate and flower bulbs without documents;
• industrial goods and souvenirs containing biomaterial of protected animal species;
• dairy and meat products, except for infant formula and diet food in sealed packaging with a total weight of up to 2 kg.

Transportation of a pet is allowed if there is a vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate issued 10 working days before the trip.

Caution: export ban!

It is strictly forbidden to import into the Netherlands and export from the Kingdom of historical relics and works of art. When buying tulip bulbs, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate from the Phytopathological Service of the Netherlands for the customs service.

Do not neglect the opportunity to save up to 21% on shopping and up to 6% on food products due to the VAT refund by the Dutch customs service under the Tax Free system. Stores that provide tax free receipts can be easily identified by the Global Blue sign in the window. To participate in the program, the purchase price must be at least 50 EUR.

When paying, the seller will give you a Tax Free form, which you need to fill out in block Latin letters. Before crossing the border, purchases cannot be unpacked, otherwise the tax refund will be denied.

For a VAT refund at the airport, go to the counter marked Global Blue with your sales receipts, unpacked purchases, and completed Tax Free receipts ready. As a rule, funds are transferred to the tourist's bank card, but if desired, you can receive tax compensation in cash with deduction of the application processing fee.

If long queues at the counters bother you, the completed Tax Free form with a customs stamp can be mailed to the processing center. The Tax Free receipt is valid for 90 days after issuance.

If you live outside the European Union and make a purchase in Holland, you are entitled to a VAT refund in many cases. The conditions are that the item purchased is for personal use and that you export it, unused and in your cabin baggage, to your own country within three months following the month in which it was purchased. The minimum amount specified on the invoice is €50 in Holland.

• Ask for a tax refund.
• Shop till you drop.
• Save what you buy.

How does it work?

When making your purchase, ask for a Tax Free form. Complete the form. If you do not enter all of the requested information on the form, you will not receive a refund. Collect all your sales receipts and completed forms.

When you leave Holland, make sure to request a stamp from Customs to prove that you exported the product you purchased. You will not receive a refund without a stamp.

Please note! A refund form must be stamped by Customs within 3 months following the month in which the purchase was made. For instance, any product purchased on 26 May must be exported in your personal baggage by 31 August at the latest.

Once validated by Customs, forms relating to a purchase in Holland are valid for an unlimited period of time.

It is easy to organize your tax refund when you get to the airport prior to leaving. You can do this at one of the tax-refund organizations. There is also a tax-free lounge at the exclusive De Bijenkorf department store on the Dam in Amsterdam. Here, visitors from outside the EU can apply for a tax refund for purchases made in De Bijenkorf.

Shopping in Holland

Many people like to fit in an afternoon of shopping during their stay in Holland. While one person likes fashion, shoes and jewelery, another loves art and design and yet another prefers literature and music. Fortunately Holland has countless special shops for each of them.

Outlet shopping and tax free

Holland has a number of outlet centers offering up to 70% discount on designer fashion and luxury products. Do you live outside the EU? Outlet shopping will be even better because in addition to the discounts, you can also apply for a tax refund. The outlet centers are located throughout the country.

Brief description of the tax-free process: when making a purchase in a store abroad, the tourist receives a special check, on which, when leaving the country (at customs), a special stamp must be put (it confirms that the goods have been exported). After that, the buyer has the right to return the VAT. Money can be received immediately after customs clearance or upon arrival home. The tax-free system operates in Europe and in about 20 countries outside of it. The procedure for returning tax-free is approximately the same, but the restrictions on the minimum value of the purchased and the validity of the check in each country are different.

Tax-free process diagram

Tax free systems

All work on the return of VAT is entrusted to private tax-free systems, which are intermediaries between tourists and the state. Each of them includes a network of partner stores and a number of refund offices. As a reward, the system withholds a small commission. Main systems:

Attention! If the product was purchased in an EU country, then it is necessary to stamp the tax-free check not when leaving this country where the product was purchased, but only when leaving the EU itself (Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not included in it). Additional hassle may arise if you leave the EU through a transit stop (more on this at the end of the article). EU members are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain, Croatia, Sweden and UK.

Refund amount

It should be noted that the return of tax-free does not mean that you will receive the amount of VAT paid in full. Part of the money will go to administrative costs and a commission to an intermediary (each country has its own rules). If you receive from a bank, you will have to pay for the acceptance of a check for collection and a percentage for issuing cash. In some rare cases, the amount of costs can reach up to half the amount of the refund. The Global Blue website has a handy calculator for a more or less accurate calculation.

Ways to return tax-free (cash checks):

• at the airport - the fastest way to get your money back;
• by mail - you need to send a tax-free check to the office of the tax-free system. The money will go to a card or bank account. Takes quite a lot of time (2 - 4 months);
• at any point of issue of tax-free - sounds like an option with a wide choice, but in practice it all comes down to getting a refund in the city of residence. Available only to residents of large cities.

Return (receipt) of taxi-free at the airport

The main mistake when getting tax-free at the airport is to check in the purchased goods as baggage when checking in for the flight, because you will need to demonstrate the purchase at customs. Sometimes a special tag can be attached to such baggage, but they are obliged to return it to you.

Try to simplify your life even before arriving at the airport, for which:

• find out exactly where in the departure area there is a customs window, in which stamps are affixed to tax-free checks, and where money is then issued (in the common hall of the airport or in the neutral zone after passport control). Usually the queues at these points are such that you don’t even dare to get up in them. Also, not all locations are open 24/7. The location of the points with the work schedule is on the website global-blue.com;
• do not cut off tags and labels from purchases. At the same time, stow the suitcase so that it is easy to present the acquisitions if the customs officer asks for it. And best of all, carry your purchases separately - hand luggage;
• be sure to fill out tax-free receipts (if the seller in the store did not do this) and keep the latter along with cashier's receipts, passport and tickets.

Upon arrival at the airport, the first thing to do is to get in line to go through customs. At the control it will be necessary to present a tax-free check, a cash receipt, a passport and goods. If your purchases do not fit in your hand luggage, you will have to go through customs before checking in for a flight and checking in your suitcases. Therefore, spending time and money on pre-packing suitcases in this situation does not make sense.

You just need to get the money and go through passport control. In this order, because in some countries the VAT refund points are located in the common area. You can be left without money if you remember about them after you have already passed passport control, because you will not be allowed to go back to the common room. In countries where these points are beyond the passport control line, you will receive the money when you go to board the plane.

Receiving the money

After receiving a customs stamp, go to the tax-free return office (it can be called differently; sometimes this role is played by one of the cash desks of the Duty Free store). In order not to pay a commission for currency conversion (sometimes up to 5%), you must take a refund in local currency. Tip: if the refund point is located in front of passport control, then it’s worth waiting in line before going through customs.

Once you're done with the taxi-free, go through passport control. By the way, if less than 10 minutes are left before its end, you can go to the counter without a queue, or use the check-in window for late passengers, and check in your luggage at the Drop Off counter.

If you do not have time to get money at the airport and you know for sure that there is no tax-free pick-up point in the city of your residence, then the only option is the post office.

Tax-free return by mail (to a bank card)

To receive a tax-free refund on a credit/debit card, its details must be indicated on the customs-stamped tax-free receipt. You must put it in a special envelope and in a special tax-free mailbox at the airport. The envelope can be received in advance at the purchase store or already on the spot (at the tax-free system office at the airport). Of course, it is acceptable to use a standard envelope and a regular mailbox, but then you will need a postage stamp and the address of the recipient. And if you are sending a letter already from the country of residence (or any other), then an international stamp is required.

The return of tax-free mail is not only the longest (2-4 months), but also the most unreliable. Use it only if you do not have time to process a refund at the airport and you know that there are no taxi-free offices in your hometown. Be sure to scan or photograph your receipts before sending them - in case of problems, they will be the only, solid evidence of your right to a tax refund.

Tax-free return by mail (to a bank account)

This method repeats the previous one, with the only difference that if the details of the card account are not filled in the tax-free check sent by mail, then the tourist will receive an international bank check marked “to the recipient's account” at the specified address. Such a bank check can only be cashed at the bank where you have a current account. The check does not have a statute of limitations, but each bank decides to accept it or refuse it individually.

Tax-free refund upon transit departure

When traveling in Europe, it is necessary to put a customs seal on tax-free receipts in the last country of the European Union (Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not part of the EU). But what if the last country is only a transit stop for you? In this case, there may simply not be enough time for the tax-free procedure. Yes, there may not be a customs point in the transit zone. In addition, baggage is sent immediately to its destination, which makes it impossible to demonstrate it. Therefore, be sure to return the tax-free at the airport of the first departure. Show your ticket and say that you don't have much time to transfer.

Return of tax-free at the point of issue of any country

To receive a refund, you must have a tax-free check, a cash receipt, foreign and internal passports (for CIS countries) with you. Funds are paid out exclusively in national currency (the exchange rate is usually not favorable).

Tax-free refund when leaving the country by car, train, ship

The easiest way is to put a customs seal on tax-free checks for motorists. It's the only way it's hard to be late. When leaving the country by train / ship, you can get a customs stamp at the point of departure (station / port) or at the direct border crossing. The inconvenience of the first method is that the luggage will travel separately from you. The second method is not particularly reliable, since when crossing the border, customs officers may simply not have time for you. Be sure to find out in advance whether there will be customs officers on the train or on the ship, and whether you can get a stamp on the tax-free check.

The subtleties of tax-free returns in different countries

• if you forgot to put a customs stamp on the tax-free check, then you can do this upon arrival home at the embassy / consulate of the country in which the purchase was made. This service is not cheap (at least 20 euros);
• for checks issued in Poland, the money is returned only in cash;
• when leaving Slovenia, you need to put two official stamps: the first - on the tax-free form, the second - on the check;
• in Iceland, a stamp is not required to receive tax refunds on wool purchases;
• in Israel, VAT refunds are carried out according to the tax (VAT) scheme, which has its own characteristics;
• Croatia, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark have their own national stamps. This means that checks from these countries may not be accepted in other European countries. This is especially true for Croatia and Norway, as they are not members of the EU. Therefore, if you have a direct flight to your homeland, you need to get taxi-free immediately at the airport. In the case of a flight or travel through other countries, you can only issue a refund at home;
• in Norway, the stamp must be put not at customs, but at the office of the tax-free system. This is the only country in which food products are returned (more than 285 kroons), but, like all other purchases, they must be presented at customs, therefore, they cannot be consumed before departure;
• It is impossible to issue a tax-free in the USA, since there is no value added tax in this country. However, in large department stores, non-residents can receive an 11% discount. To do this, you need to find a Customer Service employee and show him your passport, after which you will be given a special card that you will need to present at the checkout;
• at German airports, you must first register and then go to the customs officers. In this case, when registering, you need to say that you will issue a taxi-free: the luggage will be checked in and returned to you. After issuing checks, it will need to be handed over in another place (customs officers will explain where).
• In the Netherlands, you can return VAT by making a purchase in any store, even if it is not included in the tax free shopping system, but for this you need to return to the country. Conditions: if you buy goods worth more than 300 guilders, then put a customs stamp on a regular cash receipt. When you come to Holland again, go to the store where the purchase was made. There you will be able to receive the full amount of VAT without deducting commissions. For comparison: on a tax-free check when leaving the Netherlands, you will be refunded only 10% of the cost of the goods, and in the store - all 17%.

Useful resources for tourists

roomguru.ru and hotellook.ru - hotel search engines, search through different booking systems and compare results, helping to find the best deal

aviasales.ru and skyscanner.ru - air ticket search engines, free from the need to view the site of each airline separately

booking.com is a world leader in hotel booking, distinguished by high quality of services, transparent prices and prompt support service

Yesterday, on a plane from Minsk, I considered that it was my 15th flight this year. In total, I managed to visit Schiphol Airport as a passenger 7 times. Many stages of registration and preparation for the trip are already on autopilot :) Although there are surprises, for example, when checking in luggage. So I decided to collect tips - my own and posted by you in the comments - that will help save time and nerves when flying from Schiphol.

check-in

1. It is better to check in for a flight online. You will say "Thank you, Captain Obvious." But for 2.5 years I could not check-in online on the Belavia website, and only then did I find out that it can be done on the KLM website. Plus, some airlines open check-in long before the flight (TUI - 3 weeks in advance). And at the last moment, there may simply be no good places - we didn’t even fly close by. Here is a list of all airlines represented in Schiphol. The airline card has links to online check-in and information on how much before departure it can be done.

2. It is better to check in at the airport on the ground floor. If you arrived at Schiphol without a boarding pass, do not rush straight to the second floor to the Departures area. Look out for the blue or yellow self check-in machines on the ground floor. Here, as a rule, there are no queues, while there is usually a crowd near the vending machines directly in the Departures zone.

• Read also:

11. It is better to go to the toilet at the airport before you buy large goods in duty free :) Especially if you are traveling alone.

12. You can get clean drinking water in Schiphol. Seeing the passengers fill the stored plastic bottles directly from the tap in the ladies' room, I must admit, I was in a slight shock. And then I found out that tap water in Holland is drinkable everywhere. So, if you wish, you can adopt such an experience.

• Read also:

13. If Amsterdam is your transit stop and you want to sleep at the airport, you can book number for the day(from 09:00 or 10:00 to 16:00 or 17:00) on Dayrooms.com. When booking through Booking.com or directly on the hotel's website, as a rule, you can only check-in from 14:00 - 16:00. If you want to relax in the morning and / or afternoon, book a hotel in Schipol via Dayrooms.com >>

Surely you also have tips and stories that other travelers to Schiphol may find useful. Tell them in the comments!

And stay connected! Ahead - a lot of interesting things!

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Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol) is the most important international airport in the Netherlands, which has been operating since 1916. It is located 10 km southwest of Amsterdam city center in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. During its history, it has been awarded the title of "Best Airport in the World" 5 times and from 1988 to 2003 was considered the best airport in Europe. The code Schiphol Airport according to IATA - AMS.

Currently Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ranks fifth in Europe in terms of passenger traffic and third in freight traffic. runways in Schiphol Airport five, and there is a separate lane for small aircraft flights. More than 50 million people a year use the services of this terminal. It is used as the base for Transavia.com, Martinair and KLM airlines.

The airport is constantly being improved. So for tonight in the building Schiphol there is a children's room, a spa center, a prayer hall and even a marriage registration department. In addition, there are cafes, restaurants, about a dozen hotels of different levels of service (from economy class to 5 stars), facilities providing personal services, and a library for those who wish. The comfortable seating area is equipped with TVs. The local shopping center allows you to buy everything you need, and connoisseurs of art will be interested in visiting the Rijksmuseum, a branch of the State Museum in the Netherlands. In the latter, painting exhibitions are regularly held, you can buy souvenirs and spend time with interest. Is in Schiphol Airport and free Wi-Fi (2 sessions of 30 minutes).

The easiest, but at the same time the most expensive, option to get from Schiphol Airport- It's a taxi. Until recently, an innovation in Schiphol were electric taxis powered by recharging electricity. This type of transport allows you to use the Internet even on the go, which is important for business people who do not want to waste a minute. You can book both an electric taxi and a regular one by going to the appropriate SchipholTravelTaxi section on the airport's official website. You can also order a transfer here - but no later than 4 hours. Taxis are delivered from Schiphol Airport to any locality in the Netherlands. To book it, you need to specify the exact date and time of arrival, the number of people and the amount of their luggage, and the destination. The price depends on the distance. For example, a taxi to the center of Zuidas costs 42 euros, to the station - 58 euros, and to the center Rotterdam already about 125 euros. The taxi rank is located opposite the Schiphol Plaza exit. If you need to order a taxi in Amsterdam, then look at the P-Taxi stands or call - 0207777777. The prices for taxi services are approximately the following: about 8 euros for landing and the first 2 km, after which payment is made by the meter - 2.30 for each kilometer of the route. If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands, then right in Schiphol Airport you can rent a car. Services are provided by companies such as Europcar, Thrifty, Sixt, Alamo, Zoom, AutoEurope. To do this, you need to have an international license issued at least a year ago, and be at least 21 years old.

Where to get tax-free at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

AT Schiphol Airport three points of issue tax-free and one customs office. First of all, you need to put customs stamps on your checks. This is done in the zone. Departure 3 either before passport control or immediately after it. The second option is preferable, since the office global blue located right in the next window with customs, which is very convenient (see diagram). Keep in mind that on the interactive diagram on the official website airport Schiphol(choose business, and then tax free refund) this counter is not marked, and the customs office is located elsewhere, however, I personally returned tax-free there in January 2013, Therefore, the information in my blog is more up-to-date. Offices are open global blue daily from 8:00 to 20:30. You can find up-to-date information. I draw your attention to the fact that in the Netherlands VAT is refunded when buying more than 50 euros in one store. The refund amount can be up to 16%. You can calculate the exact amount yourself in a special calculator.

Online scoreboard Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol)

Airlines & Destinations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol