De Bijenkorf
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at De Bijenkorf in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find De Bijenkorf stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About De Bijenkorf
Founded in 1870 by Simon Philip Goudsmit as a small haberdashery shop at 132 Nieuwendijk (one of Amsterdam's oldest streets), De Bijenkorf ("The Beehive") is the oldest and most luxurious department store chain in the Netherlands. The flagship store moved to its current enviable location on Dam Square, where it now spans 5 floors and 21,000 m². The store is owned by Selfridges Group, which also owns Britain's Selfridges and Ireland's Brown Thomas and Arnotts. With seven stores across the Netherlands and e-commerce sites serving the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, and Austria, De Bijenkorf has been defining taste and setting trends since 1870—often compared to New York's Macy's and Paris's Galeries Lafayette.
Signature Products & Prices
Louis Vuitton exclusive boutique
€1,500–€8,000
Hermès bags & accessories
€8,000–€15,000
Gucci ready-to-wear
€800–€4,500
Chanel beauty & fashion
€500–€10,000
Longchamp & Céline bags
€400–€3,500
Why Shop De Bijenkorf in Europe?
De Bijenkorf offers the convenience of shopping Amsterdam's best luxury brands under one roof on Dam Square, with VAT refunds starting at just €50. The Netherlands' central location makes it easy to combine with other European shopping destinations.
Best Cities to Shop De Bijenkorf
Amsterdam
Historic flagship since 1870, prime Dam Square location
Why Shop De Bijenkorf with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 De Bijenkorf Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
De Bijenkorf Store Locations in Europe
Amsterdam
De Bijenkorf Amsterdam
Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours:
monday: 11:00 - 21:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
friday: 10:00 - 21:00
saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
sunday: 10:00 - 20:00
How Much Can You Save?
VAT Refund Examples
Purchase: €1,000 → Get back €120-150 (standard refund) or up to €180 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €5,000 → Get back €600-750 (standard refund) or up to €900 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €10,000 → Get back €1,200-1,500 (standard refund) or up to €1,800 (TravelMoney)
How to Get Your VAT Refund: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before making a purchase
Request Custom Invoice
When checking out at De Bijenkorf, request the invoice to be made out to "Travel Money" with our Paris address. This is critical for maximizing your refund.
Step 2: When making a purchase
Pay in Local Currency
Always choose to pay in euros (€) instead of your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates and maximize savings.
Step 3: After shopping
Upload Invoice & Receipt
Immediately upload your De Bijenkorf invoice and receipt in the TravelMoney app. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
Step 4: When leaving the EU
Scan Barcode at Point of Departure
At the airport, port, or train station, scan the barcode on your TravelMoney app at customs. Bring your De Bijenkorf purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €50 in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate at point of departure + 6 months to claim refund
- VAT Rate: 21% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for De Bijenkorf Shoppers
- →The Dam Square flagship location is unbeatable—right in Amsterdam's historic center between the Royal Palace and canals
- →De Bijenkorf carries exclusive brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Chanel, alongside Nike and Levi's for all budgets
- →Netherlands offers VAT refunds starting at €50 minimum spend—one of the lower thresholds in Europe
- →Visit all 5 floors for a complete luxury experience, mixing high fashion with contemporary streetwear
- →The store's elegantly designed interiors rival any European luxury department store
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on De Bijenkorf online purchases?
No. VAT refunds are only available for in-store purchases made in Europe. Online orders shipped internationally are already VAT-exempt.
Do I need to show my De Bijenkorf purchase at customs?
High-value items (typically over €1,000) may require physical inspection at customs. Keep your purchase in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What if I'm connecting through a non-EU airport?
You must validate your VAT refund at your last EU point of departure, not your final destination. For example, if flying Paris → London → New York, validate in Paris.
How long does it take to get my refund?
With TravelMoney, refunds are processed instantly once validated at customs. Standard tax-free services can take 4-12 weeks.
For Shoppers
Get up to 100% VAT refunds on your De Bijenkorf shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.