Duty-Free Liquor Shopping In Vienna, Austria: What To Know

Vienna International Airport has a number of duty-free shops, including Heinemann, which offer a range of spirits and alcoholic beverages. However, there are regulations and restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be imported duty-free into Austria. For travellers from non-EU countries, the duty-free allowance for alcohol is 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 litres of fortified wine or spirits up to 22% ABV, or a proportional mix of these products. For travellers from EU countries, the regulations differ, and there is no specific mention of duty-free alcohol purchases upon arrival.

Alcohol allowance for travellers from non-EU countries

If you are entering Austria from a non-EU country, you can bring in alcohol duty-free, provided it is for your own consumption and not for resale. Travellers must be 17 years of age or older to import alcohol. The duty-free alcohol allowance when entering Austria from a non-EU country is as follows:

• 2 litres of spirits/appetisers with 22% vol. alcohol content or less
• 1 litre of spirits/appetisers with more than 22% vol. alcohol content
• 2 litres of champagne/prosecco/sparkling wine/liqueur wine
• Or a proportional composition of these goods

In addition to the above, travellers can also bring in:

• 4 litres of still wine
• 1 litre of spirits over 22% vol. (such as vodka or gin)
• 1 litre of undenatured alcohol (ethyl alcohol) of 80% vol. or over
• 2 litres of fortified (for example, sherry or port) or sparkling wine

The above allowances represent the total allowance in each category of alcoholic drinks, which can be split according to preference. For example, a traveller can bring 4 litres of still wine, 16 litres of beer, half a litre of spirits, and 1 litre of fortified wine, or 4 litres of still wine, 16 litres of beer, and 2 litres of sparkling wine.

The duty-free allowance for other goods (e.g. clothing) for personal use is up to €430 per person for airline travellers and €300 for all other travellers. For travellers under 15 years of age, this allowance is generally reduced to €150.

Alcohol allowance for travellers from EU countries

If you are travelling to Vienna, Austria from another EU country, you can bring in alcohol duty-free, provided it is for your own personal use and not for resale. This is because excise duties must be paid in the country where the alcohol is consumed.

However, EU customs authorities may investigate whether the alcohol you are bringing in is for your own personal use. They will look at several factors, including whether you own or work for a commercial business, how the goods are packaged and transported, and the quantity of products.

Each EU country can set its own guideline values for the quantities of alcohol that you can bring in. These values may not be lower than the following:

• 90 litres of wine (of which only 60 litres can be sparkling)
• Spirits (e.g. whiskey or gin)
• Fortified wine (e.g. sherry or port)

If you are bringing in quantities above the guideline values, you may be asked to prove that the alcohol is for your own personal use. If you cannot provide sufficient evidence, you might have to pay excise duties or your products could be confiscated.

In addition, Austria has its own duty-free allowances for alcohol brought into the country. For travellers from another EU country, the following allowances apply:

• Alcoholic beverages (traveller must be 17 years of age or older)
• Alcohol, distilled beverages and spirits, except non-sparkling wines and beer, with an alcohol content exceeding 22% vol. (volume percent), undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol. and over
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, except non-sparkling wines and beer, with an alcohol content not exceeding 22% vol.
• A proportional combination of these goods
• Non-sparkling wines
• Amounts consistent with your personal needs during the trip

These allowances are per person and the goods must be transported in personal baggage.

Where to find duty-free shops at Vienna Airport

Vienna Airport has a number of duty-free shops visited by thousands of airline passengers every day. The shops offer an extensive range of first-class beauty products, perfumes, spirits, regional and international delicacies, games, gifts, and souvenirs.

The duty-free shops at Vienna Airport are located at the Plaza and at the gates. The Plaza shop is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Terminal 3 shops are open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Gate F) and 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Gate G).

Passengers can also pre-order their desired products online up to 24 hours before departure and then pick them up at one of the many duty-free shops at the airport. Additionally, passengers can shop at the airport and leave their purchases there until their return.

The duty-free shops at Vienna Airport include the Worldshop Airport Store, where passengers can redeem their Miles & More miles. The store offers a range of products, including suitcases, electronics, and jewellery. It is located in the Arrivals Hall (Level 0, Terminal 3).

What else can you buy at Vienna Airport duty-free?

Vienna Airport has a number of duty-free shops, offering a wide range of products to thousands of airline passengers every day.

For those with a sweet tooth, there is an extensive selection of fine chocolates and other international delicacies. If you're looking for a tipple, you can choose from a variety of spirits, including whisky, rum, gin, and cognac, as well as wine and champagne.

If you're looking for a gift, you can find first-class beauty products, perfumes, games, souvenirs, and even toys. You can also browse exclusive fashion pieces by international designers.

The airport's duty-free shops also offer special promotions and discounts for loyal customers. For instance, you can become a "Heinemann & Me" member for free and receive a 10% introductory discount on your first purchase, a birthday voucher, loyalty points, and the chance for further discounts.

With the pre-order service, you can pre-order your desired products online up to 24 hours before your departure and then simply pick them up at one of the many duty-free shops.

How to get a VAT refund on duty-free items

In Vienna, Austria, there are several duty-free shops at the airport, which sell a range of products, including liquor, that are exempt from taxes. These shops are a great way to purchase items at a discounted price, as the total price of goods in your home country includes import, sales, and value-added taxes.

Now, here's a detailed guide on how to get a VAT refund on duty-free items:

Understanding VAT and Duty-Free Shopping

VAT, or Value-Added Tax, is a sales tax applied to goods and services in many countries, including those in the European Union (EU). When you purchase items in duty-free shops, you are exempt from paying certain taxes, such as import, sales, or value-added taxes. This makes duty-free shopping an attractive option for travellers looking to save money.

Know the Rules and Requirements

It's important to understand the rules and requirements for duty-free shopping. Firstly, duty-free items are typically intended for personal use or as gifts and must be taken out of the country. Additionally, duty-free regulations can vary depending on your country of residence, travel destination, and length of stay. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the country you are visiting.

Shop at Participating Stores

Not all stores offer VAT refunds, so it's important to ask the shop if they participate in VAT refunds before making your purchase. Larger department stores and boutiques may have a VAT office to assist you with the necessary paperwork. It's also a good idea to inquire about any purchase amount thresholds that may apply for VAT refunds.

Obtain and Complete the Necessary Paperwork

When making a purchase, ask for the necessary paperwork from the sales assistant or cashier. This may include forms, receipts, or other documentation. Ensure that you have your passport with you, as proof of your visitor status may be required. Some stores may also offer instant refunds, so be sure to inquire about this option.

Keep Items Unused and Well-Documented

To qualify for a VAT refund, your items should generally be unused and in their original packaging. Additionally, it's important to keep your items and paperwork together in a safe place, as you will need to present them when declaring your goods.

Declare Your Goods and Present Paperwork

When leaving the country or EU region, head to a VAT counter at the airport and declare your goods. Present your completed forms, paperwork, passport, and boarding pass to the official. For more expensive items, you may need to present the goods and obtain a customs stamp. The employee will then stamp your documents and either mail them or hand them to you to drop into a mailbox.

Choose Your Refund Delivery Method

You can choose to receive your VAT refund in cash or as a credit on your credit card. Cash refunds are typically faster but may incur higher fees, while credit card refunds can take longer but usually result in a higher refund amount. Keep in mind that processing fees will be deducted from your final refund amount.

Be Mindful of Time Constraints

VAT refunds must be claimed within a certain timeframe, typically within three months of leaving the European Union. Additionally, when declaring your goods at the airport, allow for extra time, as this process can add a few hours to your travel time.

Declare Goods Upon Returning Home

When returning to your home country, remember to declare any goods purchased abroad that are over the duty-free exemption amount. In the United States, for example, you must fill out a U.S. Customs form and provide receipts for your purchases. You may owe duties or taxes on these items if they exceed the duty-free exemption.

Frequently asked questions