Apple
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Apple in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Apple stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Apple
Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California, Apple revolutionized personal computing, music, phones, and wearables. The first Apple Store opened in 2001 in Virginia, pioneering the concept of experiential retail with Genius Bar support and product exploration. Apple's European retail expansion began with London Regent Street in 2004, followed by iconic flagships in Paris, Milan, and Rome. Today, Apple Stores are architectural landmarks—from Paris's Champs-Élysées with its underground courtyard to Milan's Piazza Liberty with its dramatic waterfall entrance. Each store offers hands-on product experiences, Today at Apple workshops, and Genius Bar technical support.
Signature Products & Prices
iPhone 16 Pro
€1,229–€1,609
MacBook Air M3 (13-inch)
€1,249–€1,849
iPad Pro M4 (11-inch)
€1,049–€1,649
AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
€279
Apple Watch Series 10
€449–€849
Why Shop Apple in Europe?
European Apple Stores offer exceptional VAT refund opportunities on high-ticket purchases. A €1,229 iPhone 16 Pro becomes €962-€1,081 after 12-22% VAT refund, and a €1,849 MacBook Air M3 becomes €1,443-€1,627 after refund—significant savings for international travelers. Beyond pricing, European flagships offer architectural experiences: Paris Opéra's preserved 19th-century interior with marble floors and wrought iron, Milan's underground amphitheater with waterfall entrance, Rome's Palazzo Marignoli restoration. Educational discounts and certified refurbished products provide additional savings opportunities.
Best Cities to Shop Apple
Paris
Champs-Élysées flagship with underground courtyard, Opéra store in historic 1880s building
Milan
Piazza Liberty flagship with waterfall entrance and outdoor amphitheater (opened 2018)
Rome
Via del Corso flagship in restored Palazzo Marignoli, one of Europe's most important stores
Why Shop Apple with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
8 Apple Locations
Across 7 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Apple Store Locations in Europe
Barcelona
Apple Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia, 1, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
📞 +34 932 950 500
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 22:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 22:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 22:00
thursday: 10:00 - 22:00
friday: 10:00 - 22:00
saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
sunday: Closed
Bordeaux
Apple Bordeaux
Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Lyon
Apple Part-Dieu
Centre Commercial Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Apple Confluence
112 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: Closed
Madrid
Apple Puerta del Sol
Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours:
monday: 09:30 - 21:30
tuesday: 09:30 - 21:30
wednesday: 09:30 - 21:30
thursday: 09:30 - 21:30
friday: 09:30 - 21:30
saturday: 09:30 - 21:30
sunday: 09:30 - 21:30
Marseille
Apple Les Terrasses du Port
9 Quai du Lazaret, 13002 Marseille, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Paris
Apple Champs-Élysées
114 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 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 - 21:00
Rome
Apple Via del Corso
Via del Corso, 180, 00186 Roma, Italy
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 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 - 21:00
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 Apple, 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 Apple 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 Apple purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €100.01 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: 20% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Apple Shoppers
- →VAT refunds available: 12-22% depending on country (€147-€270 refund on €1,229 iPhone 16 Pro)
- →Bring passport to store for VAT paperwork—cannot open box until customs stamp received
- →Educational pricing (student discounts) available at European Apple Stores with valid student ID
- →Refurbished Apple products offer 15% savings with full 1-year warranty
- →Apple Stores partner with Global Blue for VAT refunds—service available at most major airports
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Apple 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 Apple 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 Apple shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.