Planning a shopping trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets from abroad? You’re joining over 10 million annual visitors who make this outlet center one of the world’s premier shopping destinations. This guide covers everything international travelers need to know—from currency exchange to tax-free shopping rules.
Whether you’re visiting from Europe, Asia, South America, or anywhere else, this practical guide will help you navigate language services, payment options, shipping logistics, and money-saving strategies that are specific to international shoppers.
Quick Facts for International Visitors
- Location: 1 hour north of Manhattan, New York
- Size: 250+ stores across 800,000 square feet
- Languages supported: Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese
- Currency: USD (exchange available on-site)
- Tax benefit: Clothing under $110 is tax-free in New York
Before You Travel: Essential Planning
Do I Need a Visa?
Most international visitors entering the United States need either a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if traveling from a Visa Waiver Program country. Check the U.S. Department of State website well in advance of your trip to understand requirements for your nationality.
Best Time to Visit
International travelers should consider these factors when planning their visit:
- January: Post-holiday clearance sales + smallest crowds
- Memorial Day Weekend (late May): Major sales event
- Black Friday (late November): Biggest discounts but extremely crowded
- Avoid: July-August (hot weather + peak tourist season)
Pro tip: Visit Tuesday through Thursday mornings for the best experience with fewer crowds and easier parking.
Getting There from New York City
Woodbury Common is easily accessible from Manhattan, making it a perfect day trip during your New York visit.
Transportation Options
- Express Bus (Recommended): Short Line/Coach USA operates direct buses from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Journey takes 60-75 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Check more details about taking the bus to Woodbury.
- Private Shuttle Tours: Many companies offer all-inclusive tours from NYC hotels with guide services in multiple languages. Popular with Asian tour groups.
- Rental Car: Drive via I-87 North (New York State Thruway) to Exit 16. About 60 minutes from Manhattan. Free parking available. Full guide on transport to Woodbury Common.
- Metro North + Shuttle: Take Metro North Railroad to Harriman station, then weekend shuttle bus to outlets (seasonal service).
Important: Book transportation in advance during peak seasons. Buses can sell out on weekends and holidays.
Language Support & Interpreter Services
Woodbury Common recognizes its international appeal and provides comprehensive language support to make your shopping experience seamless.
Available Languages
Professional interpreters are available on-site for the following languages:
- Mandarin Chinese
- Japanese
- Korean
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Where to Find Help
Visit the Guest Services desk located in the Market Hall or Welcome Center. Check the outlet map for exact location. Staff members can:
- Connect you with interpreters
- Provide translated maps and directories
- Explain tax-free shopping rules
- Assist with international shipping questions
- Help with currency exchange information
Many luxury stores (Gucci, Prada, Burberry) also have multilingual staff, particularly Mandarin and Japanese speakers, due to the high volume of Asian visitors.
Currency Exchange & Payment Options
Currency Exchange Services
Currency exchange services are available on-site at Woodbury Common. However, exchange rates at tourist locations typically include higher fees than banks.
Better alternatives:
- Exchange money at your bank before traveling
- Withdraw USD from ATMs in New York City (check your bank’s foreign transaction fees)
- Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (best exchange rates)
Payment Methods Accepted
- ✅ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- ✅ Debit cards
- ✅ Cash (USD only)
- ✅ Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- ✅ Alipay and WeChat Pay (accepted at many stores due to Chinese tourism)
Important: Notify your bank before traveling to avoid having your card blocked for suspicious activity. Bring at least two different payment methods as backup.
Tipping Culture
If you use restaurants or cafes at Woodbury Common, tipping is expected in the United States. Standard tip is 15-20% of your bill before tax. No tipping is required for retail purchases.
Tax-Free Shopping Explained
Understanding New York’s sales tax exemption is crucial for maximizing your savings as an international visitor.
The $110 Tax-Free Rule
Here’s the most important money-saving rule: In New York State, clothing and footwear items priced under $110 per item are completely exempt from sales tax.
What this means:
- A $95 shirt = NO tax charged
- A $150 jacket = 8.125% tax applied to full amount
- Three $80 items = NO tax on any of them (each under $110)
Smart shopping strategy: When possible, buy multiple lower-priced items rather than one expensive item. For example, buying two $90 shirts (no tax) saves more than buying one $180 shirt (8.125% tax).
What Items Qualify?
Tax-free under $110:
- ✅ Clothing (shirts, pants, dresses, jackets)
- ✅ Footwear (shoes, boots, sneakers)
Always taxed (no exemption):
- ❌ Handbags and accessories
- ❌ Jewelry
- ❌ Cosmetics and fragrances
- ❌ Sunglasses
- ❌ Electronics
- ❌ Home goods
VAT Refund for International Visitors?
Unlike many countries, the United States does NOT offer VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds for tourists. Any sales tax you pay cannot be refunded at the airport when leaving the country. This makes the under-$110 tax exemption even more valuable for international shoppers.
International Shipping Services
Don’t want to carry heavy shopping bags on your flight home? Woodbury Common offers international shipping services to make your life easier.
How It Works
- Shop and collect receipts from all your purchases throughout the day
- Visit the shipping desk at Guest Services before leaving
- Items are shipped directly to your home country
- Track your shipment online with provided tracking number
Important Considerations
- Customs duties: Your country may charge import duties on items shipped home. Check your country’s customs allowances.
- Shipping costs: International shipping fees vary by destination and package size/weight. Get a quote before committing.
- Delivery time: Typically 1-3 weeks depending on destination and service level selected.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for high-value luxury items.
Alternative option: Many individual stores (especially luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry, Prada) offer their own international shipping services. Ask in-store about their specific policies and rates.
Customs Declaration & Bringing Items Home
Before you shop, understand your home country’s customs allowances to avoid surprises at the airport.
Know Your Limits
Every country has duty-free allowances for returning residents. Common limits include:
- European Union: €430 per person by air
- United Kingdom: £390 per person
- China: ¥5,000 (approximately $700 USD)
- Japan: ¥200,000 (approximately $1,400 USD)
- Australia: AUD $900 per person
Check your specific country’s customs website before your trip. Exceeding these limits may result in duties and taxes upon arrival home.
Smart Packing Tips
- Keep all receipts organized in one folder
- Remove tags from clothing and wear new items (appears as personal use)
- Distribute purchases among all travelers in your group
- Leave luxury packaging at hotel if not needed
- Consider shipping high-value items instead of carrying them
Cultural Tips for International Shoppers
American Shopping Etiquette
- Prices are before tax: Listed prices don’t include sales tax (unlike Europe). Tax is added at checkout.
- Haggling is not expected: Prices at outlets are fixed. Asking for discounts is not part of American shopping culture.
- Returns are generous: Most stores accept returns within 30-90 days with receipt. Ask about return policies before purchasing.
- Personal space: Americans value personal space in shopping. Maintain comfortable distance when browsing.
- Queuing: Wait in line patiently. Cutting in line is considered very rude.
Communication Tips
- Sales associates typically greet customers with “How are you?” This is a friendly greeting, not a literal question. A simple “Good, thanks” is the expected response.
- If you need help, ask! Staff are generally friendly and happy to assist.
- Size conversions: US sizes differ from international standards. Always try items on or ask for size conversion charts.
Essential Apps & Resources
Download these apps before your visit to enhance your shopping experience:
- Woodbury Common App: Store directory, deals, digital coupons, GPS navigation within center.
- Google Translate: Real-time translation for signs and conversations
- XE Currency: Convert prices to your home currency instantly
- Google Maps: Navigation to the outlet center and back to NYC
- WeChat/WhatsApp: Free international messaging to stay connected with travel companions
Sample Shopping Itinerary for International Visitors
Here’s a suggested schedule to maximize your day trip from NYC:
- 8:00 AM: Depart NYC via bus or rental car
- 9:15 AM: Arrive at Woodbury Common, park near desired district
- 9:30 AM: Visit Guest Services for map, interpreter help, VIP coupon book
- 10:00 AM: Start shopping (stores open) – hit luxury stores first
- 11:30 AM: Early lunch to avoid crowds
- 12:30 PM: Continue shopping – contemporary brands
- 3:00 PM: Short break, organize purchases
- 3:30 PM: Final shopping round – any missed stores
- 5:00 PM: Arrange international shipping if needed
- 5:30 PM: Depart for NYC
- 6:45 PM: Return to Manhattan
Emergency Contacts & Useful Information
- Guest Services Phone: Available at the center for questions
- Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical): Dial 911 from any phone
- Lost & Found: Contact Guest Services immediately
- Medical Emergency: First aid available at Guest Services, nearest hospital is Garnet Health Medical Center (10 minutes away)
- Your Embassy/Consulate: Save your country’s NYC consulate contact in your phone before traveling
Frequently Asked Questions (International Visitors)
Quick answers to common questions from international shoppers:
