KaDeWe
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at KaDeWe in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find KaDeWe stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About KaDeWe
Kaufhaus des Westens ("Department Store of the West") opened in 1907 by businessman Adolf Jandorf, bringing Parisian fashion and exotic foods to Berlin. After World War II, KaDeWe became a powerful symbol of West Germany's Wirtschaftswunder economic boom and the material prosperity of West Berlin versus the East. With over 60,000 square meters of retail space and 380,000 articles, it is the second-largest department store in Europe after Harrods, attracting 40,000-50,000 visitors daily. In 2015, Bangkok-based Central Group acquired KaDeWe, and in recent years the store has shifted heavily toward luxury, considerably increasing designer goods while reducing accessible brands. The famous 6th and 7th floor food halls span "two football fields," with 110 cooks and 40 bakers supplying 35 gourmet counters.
Signature Products & Prices
Hermès bags (Luxury Boulevard)
€8,000–€15,000
Chanel ready-to-wear
€2,500–€8,000
Dior beauty & fashion
€500–€5,000
Gourmet food hall delicacies
€20–€500
Rare wines & spirits (6th floor)
€50–€5,000
Why Shop KaDeWe in Europe?
KaDeWe offers Germany's €50 VAT minimum with 15% refunds, making it good for luxury shopping. The store's shift toward ultra-luxury brands means shopping here rivals Paris and Milan quality. For the lowest threshold in Europe, shop in Spain (no minimum).
Best Cities to Shop KaDeWe
Berlin
Historic flagship since 1907, 2nd largest department store in Europe
Why Shop KaDeWe with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 KaDeWe Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
KaDeWe Store Locations in Europe
Berlin
KaDeWe Berlin
Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany
📞 +49 30 21210
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 KaDeWe, 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 KaDeWe 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 KaDeWe 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 KaDeWe Shoppers
- →Ground floor "Luxury Boulevard" features Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and Tiffany—Berlin's highest concentration of luxury brands
- →The 6th floor food hall is legendary—truffle cheeses, fresh seafood, rare wines, and handcrafted chocolates described as "out of this world"
- →Germany offers a €50 VAT minimum with 15% refund—making KaDeWe ideal for multiple smaller luxury purchases
- →Visit the Monaco Cafe with stunning views, or book services like the wedding gift service, personal tailoring, or beauty lounges
- →Fashion floors: Men (1st), Women (2nd), Children & Women's Shoes (3rd), Home & Toys (4th), Electronics & Books (5th)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on KaDeWe 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 KaDeWe 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 KaDeWe shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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