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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).

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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.

Most shops and businesses are closed on Sundays and public holidays. There are exceptions for some small shops, especially in tourist areas, but these are rare.

Plan your shopping and activities accordingly. Also, opening hours vary in the different federal states, due to different federal laws (yes, that’s crazy).

Supermarkets open between 7 and 9h (7 and 9 am), and close between 18 and 22h (6 and 10pm). At some locations and depending on the size, they might be open until midnight. As the event hotel is close to the airport, you are lucky:

The REWE supermarket at the arrival area in terminal C opens at 5h (5 am) and closes at midnight – every day, woohoo! It might be slightly more expensive, of course. The full-service supermarket offers a comprehensive range of fresh food, beverages (also alcoholic) and everyday items.

Please note: These are general guidelines, and individual store hours might vary.

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!

What’s the process?
  • 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!

Procedure for tax-free items in your luggage when flying back home from Düsseldorf:
  1. Please go to the Check-in desk of your airline first.
  2. Let the staff know in which bag(s) you have tax-free items.
  3. Your luggage will be weighed and get a bag-tag as usual.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Submit the stamped tax-free-voucher at one of the Change Group desks and receive your refund.

Procedure for-tax free items in your hand luggage when flying back home from Düsseldorf:
  1. Valuable tax-free articles in your hand luggage can only be submitted to customs in the security area “Gates B”.
  2. After obtaining the required customs stamp there, you can receive your refund in any of the airside Change Group desks.

If you are travelling by air, you must have any hold luggage items confirmed by the customs office at your first airport of departure before you check them in at the check-in desk. The export of items in your hand luggage, though, will be confirmed by the customs at your last EU airport of departure.

Example: If you are beginning a journey to the USA in Düsseldorf and are changing planes in Paris, you must already have had your hold luggage items confirmed by a customs office in Düsseldorf. The export of items in your carry-on baggage will be confirmed in Paris.

Detailed information about the process of tax-free shopping in Germany and relevant forms can be found on this web site.

Detailed information about tax refund at Düsseldorf airport can be found here.

A Flyer (PDF) about tax refund at Düsseldorf airport, including map of offices can be downloaded here.

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 Markets

Düsseldorf 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.

What to Expect at a German Flea Market

  • 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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