📖 Complete Guide: Read our comprehensive VAT refund guide for France with step-by-step instructions and insider tips.
VAT Refund Essentials
VAT Rate Breakdown
What you can (and can't) VAT refund
Shopping Cities in France
Paris
Iconic fashion capital with 25 luxury shopping districts
Marseille
Mediterranean shopping with 25 districts
Lyon
Elegant shopping in France's gastronomic capital
Bordeaux
Sophisticated shopping in the wine capital
Nice
Riviera luxury shopping from Carré d'Or to Avenue Jean Médecin
Cannes
Glamorous shopping on La Croisette and Rue d'Antibes
Lille
Flemish charm with Vieux-Lille boutiques and Euralille
Strasbourg
Alsatian elegance in Grande ÃŽle and Petite France
Toulouse
Pink City shopping from Capitole to Carmes district
Nantes
Atlantic elegance with Passage Pommeraye and Graslin
Iconic French Brands
Chanel
Timeless French elegance and iconic handbags
Louis Vuitton
Legendary luxury leather goods since 1854
Hermès
Ultimate craftsmanship with the Birkin & Kelly
Dior
Haute couture and the iconic Lady Dior bag
Cartier
French jewelry excellence and luxury watches
Yves Saint Laurent
Parisian chic and timeless sophistication
Where to validate your VAT Refund before leaving
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- PABLO machines located in all terminals near customs areas and departure halls
- Terminal 1: Near customs office in the departure area
- Terminal 2: Near customs areas in halls 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2F
- Follow signs for 'Tax Refund' or 'Détaxe' after check-in
- High-value electronics (MacBooks, cameras, iPhones) require manual customs officer validation
- Budget 30-45 minutes for the VAT refund process
Orly Airport (ORY)
- PABLO kiosks available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Located near customs areas in departure zones
- Look for 'Tax Refund' signs after passing through security
- Kiosks near customs office for quick validation
Gare du Nord (Eurostar)
- PABLO machines in departure lounge area
- Located after security and passport control in Eurostar terminal
- Just before boarding gates for your train
- For international departures to UK
Important: If purchases are in checked luggage, validate BEFORE checking your bags
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I actually get back with a VAT refund in France?
With France's 20% VAT rate, you can reclaim approximately 14-16% of your purchase price after service fees. For example, on a €1,000 shopping spree, you'd get back around €140-€160. The exact amount depends on the VAT refund operator's fees (typically 20-30% of the VAT amount).
What is the minimum purchase required for VAT refund in France?
In France, the official minimum is €100.01 per store, per day. However, with TravelMoney, you can combine purchases from multiple stores - as long as your total spending reaches €100.01 and you have invoices mentioning TravelMoney, you qualify for a refund. For example, you can buy 5 items from 5 different stores at €30 each (totaling €150) and still get your VAT refund, unlike traditional operators that require €100.01 per individual store.
Do I need to show my purchases at the airport for VAT refund?
Yes, customs officers need to verify you're taking the items out of the EU. Keep all purchases unused with original tags and packaging easily accessible. You must present them BEFORE checking your luggage. Customs may inspect high-value items like electronics and designer goods more thoroughly.
How long does it take to receive my VAT refund?
Cash refunds at airport desks are immediate but have higher fees. Credit card refunds typically take 4-8 weeks to process and appear on your statement. Some refunds can take up to 12 weeks depending on the operator. Always keep photos of your stamped forms as proof.
Can I get a VAT refund if I'm traveling to another EU country first?
Yes, but you must get customs validation at your FINAL exit point from the EU, not in France. For example, if you shop in France but fly home via Amsterdam, you validate your forms in Amsterdam. Keep all purchases unused throughout your EU travels.
What items are NOT eligible for VAT refund?
You cannot claim VAT refunds on services (hotels, restaurants, tours), consumables used during your trip (food, drinks), tobacco, alcohol, second-hand items, and commercial purchases. Only physical goods for personal use that you export from the EU qualify.
Do I need my passport to shop tax-free?
Yes, your passport is essential. Stores need your passport information to create tax-free forms, and customs officers require it at the airport for validation. A driver's license or photocopy won't work. Always bring your physical passport when shopping for VAT refund items.