Planning to shop at Coin in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Coin stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Coin
Founded in 1916 by Vittorio Coìn in Pianiga (province of Venice), Coin began as a street vendor license selling fabrics and haberdashery. In 1927, Coìn opened a shop in Mirano selling fabrics, yarns, and linen. The first multi-story department store opened in Trieste in 1957, followed by the Milan flagship at Piazza 5 Giornate in 1962. Coin became Italy's first retailer to introduce a loyalty card program in 1986. In 2016, the company launched Coin Excelsior, a premium concept with its first location on Rome's Via Cola di Rienzo. However, the company has faced significant financial struggles, with COVID-19 aggravating pre-existing debt (approximately €80 million). As of 2025, eight stores are closing, including locations in Rome, Milan, and near Florence and Venice.
Signature Products & Prices
Italian fashion brands
€50–€500
Home decor & textiles
€30–€400
Beauty & cosmetics
€20–€200
Accessories & handbags
€40–€300
Coin Excelsior premium lines
€100–€800
Why Shop Coin in Europe?
Despite financial challenges, Coin remains a destination for affordable Italian fashion with VAT refunds up to 15.5%. The stores offer a more accessible alternative to luxury department stores while maintaining quality Italian design and craftsmanship.
Best Cities to Shop Coin
Rome
Coin Excelsior on Via Cola di Rienzo, premium concept flagship
Milan
Historic flagship at Piazza 5 Giornate since 1962
Why Shop Coin with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
2 Coin Locations
Across 2 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Coin Store Locations in Europe
Florence
Coin Firenze
Via dei Calzaiuoli 56/R, 50122 Florence, Italy
Naples
Coin Vomero
Via Alessandro Scarlatti, 98, 80129 Naples, 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 Coin, 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 Coin 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 Coin purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €70.01 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: 22% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Coin Shoppers
- →Visit remaining flagship stores in Rome (Via Cola di Rienzo), Milan (Piazza 5 Giornate), Florence, and Verona before further closures
- →Coin Excelsior in Rome offers a more premium experience focusing on upmarket apparel and home decorations
- →Italy offers VAT refunds starting at €70.01 with up to 15.5% back—one of Europe's higher refund rates
- →The store specializes in Italian brands and emerging designers not widely available elsewhere
- →Check for clearance sales given the company's financial restructuring—potential for significant discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Coin 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 Coin 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 Coin shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.