Ludwig Beck
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Ludwig Beck in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Ludwig Beck stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Ludwig Beck
Established in 1861 as a button-maker and passementerie workshop, Ludwig Beck has been a Munich institution for over 150 years (celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2011). The store moved to its current Marienplatz location in 1954, where it has since become known as the "Bloomingdale's of Munich." Across seven floors, Ludwig Beck offers shopping worlds built around fashion, beauty, and lifestyle—but the store is perhaps most famous for carrying the largest selection of classical, jazz, and world music in Continental Europe. Two cafés inside the store (including Monaco Cafe with stunning Marienplatz views) allow shoppers to take breaks while enjoying one of Munich's most prime locations.
Signature Products & Prices
Luxury fashion collections
€200–€3,000
Exclusive leather goods
€300–€2,500
Premium beauty products
€50–€400
Classical & jazz music (largest in Europe)
€15–€150
Home decor & lifestyle
€30–€800
Why Shop Ludwig Beck in Europe?
Ludwig Beck offers Germany's €50 VAT minimum with 15% refunds. The store's unique focus on music alongside luxury fashion and beauty creates a shopping experience unlike any other. For lower thresholds, Spain has no VAT minimum.
Best Cities to Shop Ludwig Beck
Munich
Historic Marienplatz location since 1954, largest music selection in Europe
Why Shop Ludwig Beck with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Ludwig Beck Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Ludwig Beck Store Locations in Europe
Munich
Ludwig Beck am Rathauseck
Marienplatz 11, 80331 Munich, Germany
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
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 Ludwig Beck, 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 Ludwig Beck 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 Ludwig Beck purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €25 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: 19% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Ludwig Beck Shoppers
- →The music department is unmatched in Continental Europe—if you love classical, jazz, or world music, this is a must-visit
- →Monaco Cafe on the upper floor offers stunning views over Marienplatz—perfect for a shopping break
- →Germany's €50 VAT minimum makes Ludwig Beck ideal for fashion and beauty purchases with 15% refunds
- →The store is called "Kaufhaus der Sinne" (Department Store of the Senses)—experience all seven floors
- →Prime Marienplatz location means you're steps from Munich's historic center, Viktualienmarkt, and luxury shopping streets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Ludwig Beck 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 Ludwig Beck 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
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For Merchants
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