Planning to shop at Van Cleef & Arpels in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Van Cleef & Arpels stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Van Cleef & Arpels
Formed in 1895 following the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, the house opened its first boutique on Place Vendôme in 1906—where it remains today as their oldest location. The iconic Alhambra collection, launched in 1968, was inspired by Jacques Arpels' habit of picking four-leaf clovers in his backyard and gifting them to employees as lucky charms. The collection's name pays homage to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, with its quatrefoil motif drawing from Moorish geometric designs. The first Alhambra long necklace featured 20 clover-shaped motifs in creased yellow gold trimmed with gold beads, achieving immediate success. Nearly 60 years later, the collection remains Van Cleef & Arpels' most recognizable design, with the 2025 "Delicate Metamorphoses" introducing five transformable pieces.
Signature Products & Prices
Vintage Alhambra Necklace (10 motifs)
€3,800–€8,500
Vintage Alhambra Bracelet (5 motifs)
€2,800–€6,200
Magic Alhambra Necklace (Long)
€15,000–€35,000
Frivole Earrings
€4,500–€12,000
Perlée Bracelet
€3,200–€9,800
Why Shop Van Cleef & Arpels in Europe?
Van Cleef & Arpels prices are identical across all European countries, but VAT refunds of 12-14% (France) to 15.5% (Italy) make Europe significantly cheaper than the US. Paris offers the best combination of stock availability, historic boutique experience, and competitive refund rates.
Best Cities to Shop Van Cleef & Arpels
Paris
Historic Place Vendôme flagship since 1906, best stock availability
Milan
Slightly higher 22% VAT refund rate vs France's 20%
Why Shop Van Cleef & Arpels with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Van Cleef & Arpels Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Van Cleef & Arpels Store Locations in Europe
Paris
Van Cleef & Arpels Place Vendôme
22 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:30 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:30 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:30 - 19:00
thursday: 10:30 - 19:00
friday: 10:30 - 19:00
saturday: 11:00 - 19:00
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 Van Cleef & Arpels, 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 Van Cleef & Arpels 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 Van Cleef & Arpels 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 Van Cleef & Arpels Shoppers
- →April 2025 saw a 5.1% average price increase in Europe, with Alhambra pieces jumping 0.9-10.8% (malachite and mother-of-pearl sharpest increases)
- →Frivole and Perlée collections saw minimal changes in Europe—best value compared to other collections post-April 2025 increase
- →Place Vendôme flagship in Paris offers superior stock availability and the historic brand experience since 1906
- →Italy offers slightly higher VAT refunds (22%) compared to France (20%), but prices are identical across Europe
- →American travelers qualify for VAT refunds on purchases over €500, typically 12-14% back on your credit card
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Van Cleef & Arpels 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 Van Cleef & Arpels 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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