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You are not likely to find major shopping malls in Leiden. Rather, shops and stores are typically situated in buildings along the major streets in the city centre. The ''best'' shops are often to be found in one of the smaller side streets.
The main shopping street is Haarlemmerstraat where you can find every thing you need. The old historic centre has many unique shops that are privately owned by locals and each one has its own special character. Also, every Wednesday and Saturday a large general market is held along the banks of the Rhine, a market that has existed for over 900 years!
In general shops are open Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Note that most shops in Leiden open on Mondays only at noon. On Sundays most shops are closed except for koopzondagen (Sunday Opening Days), which are held once a month from 12 am to 5 pm. Leiden’s late opening evening (koopavond) is every Thursday. Method of payment: Credit cards – Although credit cards are widely used, not all shops will accept them. So be sure to inquire first (if you do not see your credit card sticker in the window or by the counter). Most restaurants, hotels and department stores accept credit cards. Cash – Dutch shops will only accept Euros. In general, payments in cash are rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents.
The VAT of 19% can be reclaimed by visitors from outside the EU as long as the purchase exceeds €50 and was purchased at one store on the same day. In order to do that you have to ask in the store for a Global Refund Cheque by the time of purchase. At the airport your purchased items need to be taken to the customs clearance where the customs official will provide a tax stamp. The completely filled in and stamped cheque can then be cashed at one of the branches of ABN AMRO Bank and GWK (Global Refund) or at the Communication Centre in Lounge Central (Easy Tax Free and Cashback).
Customs Information Line: +31 (0)20 - 316 4700.
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