Balenciaga
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Balenciaga in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Balenciaga stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Balenciaga
Founded in San Sebastián, Spain in 1919 by couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, the house relocated to Paris in 1937 due to the Spanish Civil War. Balenciaga was a master of silhouette, pioneering the cocoon dress (1947) and iconic sack dress (1957) that revolutionized 20th-century fashion. Now part of Kering Group and helmed by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli (effective July 2025), Balenciaga remains at the forefront of avant-garde luxury. The brand is known for deconstructed shapes, bold proportions, and streetwear-meets-couture aesthetics—from the viral Triple S sneakers to oversized hoodies that redefine luxury fashion.
Signature Products & Prices
Triple S Sneakers
€950–€1,050
Hourglass Bag
€2,100–€2,800
Le City Bag
€1,800–€2,200
Knife Boots
€1,200–€1,550
Neo Classic Bag
€1,600–€2,400
Why Shop Balenciaga in Europe?
As a Spanish-born Parisian house, Balenciaga's European boutiques offer the most authentic shopping experience with earlier access to collections and exclusive colorways. With 12-20% VAT refunds, the Le City bag becomes €1,440-€1,584 after refund vs $2,050 US—saving $300-$500. European flagships also offer bespoke services unavailable elsewhere.
Best Cities to Shop Balenciaga
Paris
Avenue Montaigne flagship, Parisian heritage since 1937
Madrid
Spanish birthplace, celebrates Balenciaga's Basque roots
Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia boutique, full collections
Why Shop Balenciaga with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
10 Balenciaga Locations
Across 9 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Balenciaga Store Locations in Europe
Barcelona
Balenciaga Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia, 101, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
📞 +34 930 39 09 49
Opening Hours:
monday: 11:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 11:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 11:00 - 20:00
thursday: 11:00 - 20:00
friday: 11:00 - 20:00
saturday: 11:00 - 20:00
sunday: Closed
Madrid
Balenciaga José Ortega y Gasset
Calle José Ortega y Gasset, 10, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours:
monday: 11:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 11:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 11:00 - 19:00
thursday: 11:00 - 19:00
friday: 11:00 - 19:00
saturday: 11:00 - 19:00
sunday: Closed
Balenciaga Lagasca
Calle Lagasca, 75, 28006 Madrid, Spain
📞 +34 914 19 99 00
Opening Hours:
monday: 11:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 11:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 11:00 - 19:00
thursday: 11:00 - 19:00
friday: 11:00 - 19:00
saturday: 11:00 - 19:00
sunday: Closed
Amsterdam
Balenciaga Amsterdam
P.C. Hooftstraat, 99, 1017AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
📞 +31 20 718 26 20
Opening Hours:
monday: 11:00 - 17:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
friday: 10:00 - 17:00
saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
sunday: Closed
Berlin
Balenciaga Kurfürstendamm
Kurfürstendamm, 193-194, 10707 Berlin, Germany
📞 +49 30 2215 24300
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
sunday: Closed
Florence
Balenciaga Via Tornabuoni
Via de' Tornabuoni, 43-45, 50123 Firenze, Italy
📞 +39 055 904 00 90
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
Milan
Balenciaga Via Montenapoleone
Via Monte Napoleone, 23, 20121 Milano, Italy
📞 +39 02 36 01 82 50
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
Munich
Balenciaga München
Maximilianstraße, 10, 80539 München, Germany
📞 +49 89 203 01 06 00
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
sunday: Closed
Paris
Balenciaga Saint-Honoré
336 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 76 77 37 00
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Rome
Balenciaga Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna, 67, 00187 Roma, Italy
📞 +39 06 87 50 22 60
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
friday: 10:00 - 19:00
saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
sunday: 10:00 - 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 Balenciaga, 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 Balenciaga 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 Balenciaga purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: No minimum 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: 21% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Balenciaga Shoppers
- →European prices are 10-15% lower than US before VAT refunds (Triple S: €950 vs $1,050 US)
- →Paris Avenue Montaigne flagship offers widest selection and exclusive collaborations
- →Spain (Madrid, Barcelona) stocks full collections and celebrates brand's Spanish heritage
- →Balenciaga fragrance collection (2025 launch) available in select European boutiques at €320 (100mL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Balenciaga 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 Balenciaga 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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