Oberpollinger
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Oberpollinger in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Oberpollinger stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Oberpollinger
Opened on March 14, 1905, by Hanseatic merchant family M. J. Emden & Sons, Oberpollinger takes its name from a brewery owned by Christoph Pollinger since 1584—Munich residents differentiated between the "lower" and "upper" Pollinger locations. The Neo-Renaissance building designed by Max Littmann is a protected historical monument. In 1927, Rudolph Karstadt AG acquired the store but deliberately retained the traditional Oberpollinger name. After several years of renovations beginning in 2016 (designed by architect John Pawson), the store reopened with a dramatically elevated luxury offering. Now owned by Central Group (via KaDeWe Group), Oberpollinger is the largest department store in Southern Germany, with a ground-floor luxury boulevard featuring Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Celine, and Dior.
Signature Products & Prices
Louis Vuitton (Luxury Boulevard)
€1,500–€8,000
Gucci bags & ready-to-wear
€800–€6,000
Prada fashion & accessories
€600–€4,500
YSL beauty & fashion
€400–€3,500
Alexander McQueen (2nd floor)
€800–€4,000
Why Shop Oberpollinger in Europe?
Oberpollinger offers Germany's €50 VAT minimum with 15% refunds and Munich's largest concentration of luxury brands. The John Pawson-designed interiors rival Paris and Milan flagships, while the Central Group ownership ensures impeccable service standards.
Best Cities to Shop Oberpollinger
Munich
Largest department store in Southern Germany, luxury boulevard flagship
Why Shop Oberpollinger with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Oberpollinger Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Oberpollinger Store Locations in Europe
Munich
Oberpollinger Munich
Neuhauser Straße 18, 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 Oberpollinger, 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 Oberpollinger 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 Oberpollinger 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 Oberpollinger Shoppers
- →Ground floor luxury boulevard features Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Celine, and Dior in-store boutiques—Munich's highest luxury concentration
- →2nd floor (opened 2019) features Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Maison Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and Off-White
- →Beauty department carries Chanel, Dior, and niche brands like Byredo and Aesop for fragrance connoisseurs
- →Germany's €50 VAT minimum with 15% refund makes Oberpollinger ideal for luxury shopping
- →Located on Neuhauser Straße, Munich's main shopping street—walk from Marienplatz in 3 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Oberpollinger 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 Oberpollinger 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 Oberpollinger shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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