Planning to shop at Decathlon in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Decathlon stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Decathlon
Founded in 1976 in Lille, France, Decathlon revolutionized sports retail with its vertically integrated model—designing, manufacturing, and selling its own brands at accessible prices. From humble beginnings with a single store, Decathlon has grown into Europe's largest sporting goods retailer, offering everything from hiking gear to swimming equipment across 80+ in-house brands like Quechua (hiking), Kipsta (football), and Domyos (fitness). The brand's mission is to make sports accessible to everyone, combining quality, innovation, and affordability.
Signature Products & Prices
Quechua Hiking Gear & Tents
€30–€300
Kipsta Football Equipment
€10–€80
Domyos Fitness Apparel
€15–€60
B'Twin Bicycles & Cycling Gear
€200–€1,500
Why Shop Decathlon in Europe?
Decathlon is a French brand with the best selection, pricing, and newest products in its home market. Europe offers access to all 80+ in-house brands and latest innovations before international rollout. France's 12% VAT refund (€100.01 minimum) makes quality sports equipment incredibly affordable—perfect for stocking up on technical outdoor gear at fraction of North American prices.
Best Cities to Shop Decathlon
Paris
French flagship locations, full brand range
Marseille
Mediterranean sports focus, water sports selection
Why Shop Decathlon with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
2 Decathlon Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Decathlon Store Locations in Europe
Marseille
Decathlon Plan de Campagne
Plan de Campagne, 13480 Cabriès, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 08:30 - 19:00
tuesday: 08:30 - 19:00
wednesday: 08:30 - 19:00
thursday: 08:30 - 19:00
friday: 08:30 - 19:00
saturday: 08:30 - 19:00
sunday: 08:30 - 19:00
Decathlon 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
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 Decathlon, 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 Decathlon 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 Decathlon 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 Decathlon Shoppers
- →France offers 12% VAT refund (€100.01 minimum)—stock up on sports gear for whole family
- →European prices significantly lower than international markets for Decathlon brands
- →Paris and other French locations have widest selection of all 80+ in-house brands
- →Look for seasonal clearance sales (January, July) with 30-50% discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Decathlon 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 Decathlon 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 Decathlon shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.