Shopping in Germany
Düsseldorf is a shopping mecca and boasts one of Germany’s busiest shopping streets, Königsallee (one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, lined with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes).By clicking on the titles or the triangles on the left you can expand or collapse the topics. Expand all Collapse all
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Opening hours
Generally, shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00-18:30h (9 am to 6:30 pm).However, there are some exceptions:- Larger stores and shopping centres often stay open until 20h (8 pm).
- Thursdays are known as “long shopping nights” in many German cities, including Düsseldorf.
Shops often stay open until 21h (9 pm), or even later during such a night.
Taxes
Taxes (VAT) will be charged on all purchases (7 or 19 %, depending on what you buy). All prices you see do already include taxes.Tax-free Shopping
As a non-EU resident visiting Germany you can be exempted from sales tax when shopping in Germany. Your nationality is irrelevant – what matters is your place of residence.The following conditions must be met:- Non-EU resident (to be proven with passport or ID card).
- You do not have a residence permit that entitles you to reside in Germany for longer than 3 months.
- You export the goods yourself in your personal luggage within 3 months (you could even pre-order something online – it is only important that you take it home with you in person and present it to customs, i.e. no mail order delivery).
- The total value of the delivery including VAT must exceed 50 Euros.
- The trader has been granted a VAT exemption, which he could then pass on to clients.
- Leave the original packaging of the goods intact for German customs inspection!
- Pay thy full price upfront: Ask if the seller offers tax-free shopping. If not, it might be worth checking for the item at a store that does. You pay the entire price, including taxes, at the store.
- Get a tax refund form: Request an “Ausfuhr- und Abnehmerbescheinigung” (“Export and procurer certificate for turnover tax purposes in the context of non-commercial travel”) form from the store.
Alternatively, you can download the form here. - Complete the form: The store usually fills out the form with purchase details.
- Customs stamp and refund when not travelling by air:
Present filled in form and all items mentioned to customs when leaving Germany. Send the stamped form to the store or a designated company to receive the tax refund. Some tax-free service providers offer online refunds. Please inquire with the store from which you received the form. - Customs stamp and refund at Düsseldorf airport (process might vary slightly at other airports):
On the day of your flight home, make sure you have enough time for the entire process described below!
- Please go to the Check-in desk of your airline first.
- Let the staff know in which bag(s) you have tax-free items.
- Your luggage will be weighed and get a bag-tag as usual.
- Immediately take the bags with the tax-free articles to the customs next to check-in counter 190. All other bags stay with the airline.
- Show your form, receipts and your tax-free items to the customs. Once you have obtained the customs stamp, your luggage is automatically routed to your flight.
- Submit the stamped tax-free-voucher at one of the Change Group desks and receive your refund.
- Valuable tax-free articles in your hand luggage can only be submitted to customs in the security area “Gates B”.
- After obtaining the required customs stamp there, you can receive your refund in any of the airside Change Group desks.
German Flea Markets: A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
German flea markets (“Flohmärkte” or “Trödelmärkte”) are a delightful way to spend a leisurely day, often on weekends. You can find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to household items and delicious food. A visit to a German flea market is a cultural experience as well as a shopping opportunity. You might discover hidden treasures, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and even practice your German bargaining skills.Düsseldorf Flea MarketsDüsseldorf offers a vibrant flea market scene.A calendar of upcoming flea markets in Düsseldorf is available on Rausgegangen.de.The most famous ones are:- Radschlägermarkt: This is one of the largest and most popular flea markets in Düsseldorf. You’ll find a wide variety of goods, from antiques to clothing, usually on the second Sunday of a month from 11 am to 4 pm, throughout the year.
Address: Ulmenstraße 275, 40468 Düsseldorf
By public transport: Tram 715 or 707, stop “Großmarkt” or bus lines 722,729, 756, 834, stop “Nordfriedhof”
Web site - P1 Trödelmarkt: Known for its size (up to more than 1000 sellers) and diverse offerings, P1 is another great choice for flea market enthusiasts. Open usually Sundays from 11am to 4pm
Address: Messe Düsseldorf, parking lot P1, Am Staad
By public transport: Underground line U78, stop “Messe/Arena”, from there shuttle buses to the market grounds
Web site - Aachener Platz Trödelmarkt: This market offers a more traditional flea market experience with a focus on second-hand goods. They also have a big tent for antiques, so this might even be an option in the case of rain. Opens every Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Address: Ulenbergstraße 10, 40223 Düsseldorf
For public transport check their online guide
Web site.
- Bargaining: While not as common as in some other countries, a gentle price negotiation can sometimes lead to a good deal. Usually, payment is in cash.
- Variety: German flea markets offer a wide range of items, from old books and records to vintage fashion and collectibles.
- Food: Many flea markets have food stalls offering delicious treats like sausages, pretzels, and sweet treats.
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Germany: Fun Facts - Important - Currency - Electrical - Shopping - Mobile - Emergencies