La Rinascente
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at La Rinascente in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find La Rinascente stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About La Rinascente
Founded in 1865 by brothers Luigi and Ferdinando Bocconi in Milan, La Rinascente was Italy's first store selling ready-to-wear clothing—a revolutionary concept. In 1917, Senator Borletti purchased the company and commissioned poet Gabriele D'Annunzio to rename it "Rinascente" (rebirth). After a devastating 1918 Christmas fire destroyed the Milan flagship, it reopened in 1921 with expanded services. La Rinascente pioneered Italian retail with innovative concepts like in-store restaurants and cultural exhibitions. In 2016, the Milan Piazza Duomo flagship was named "Best Department Store in the World" by IGDS. Today, La Rinascente operates 9 stores across Italy, with flagships in Milan and Rome offering rooftop dining with cathedral views.
Signature Products & Prices
Luxury Fashion (Gucci, Prada, Louboutin)
€100–€5,000+
Italian Design & Homeware
€30–€1,000
Beauty & Cosmetics
€20–€400
Rooftop Food Hall (Milan 7th floor)
€15–€80
Up Sunset Bar (Rome rooftop)
€12–€50
Why Shop La Rinascente in Europe?
La Rinascente combines luxury shopping with architectural experiences unique to Italy. The Milan flagship's rooftop terrace offers unobstructed Duomo views while dining—an experience you can't get anywhere else. The Rome Via del Tritone flagship's glass roof and 6th-floor restaurant make shopping feel like destination dining. La Rinascente was named "Best Department Store in the World" for its curation of Italian and international luxury brands, innovative design, and customer experience. VAT refunds (up to 22% in Italy) make high-end purchases significantly more accessible.
Best Cities to Shop La Rinascente
Milan
Piazza Duomo flagship, 10 floors, rooftop with Duomo views, "Best Department Store in the World" 2016
Rome
Via del Tritone flagship (opened 2017), Up Sunset Bar rooftop, 7 floors of luxury
Florence
Piazza della Repubblica location, Tuscan shopping destination
Why Shop La Rinascente with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
3 La Rinascente Locations
Across 3 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
La Rinascente Store Locations in Europe
Florence
La Rinascente Firenze
Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Florence, Italy
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 21:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
friday: 10:00 - 21:00
saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
sunday: 10:00 - 21:00
Milan
La Rinascente Piazza Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 20121 Milano, Italy
📞 +39 02 88521
Opening Hours:
monday: 09:30 - 22:00
tuesday: 09:30 - 22:00
wednesday: 09:30 - 22:00
thursday: 09:30 - 22:00
friday: 09:30 - 22:00
saturday: 09:30 - 22:00
sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
Rome
La Rinascente Via del Tritone
Via del Tritone, 61, 00187 Roma, Italy
📞 +39 06 879161
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 21:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
friday: 10:00 - 21:00
saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
sunday: 10:00 - 21:00
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 La Rinascente, 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 La Rinascente 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 La Rinascente purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €70.01 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: 22% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for La Rinascente Shoppers
- →Milan Piazza Duomo flagship offers 10 floors of shopping with rooftop terrace facing the Duomo
- →Rome Via del Tritone flagship (opened 2017) features Up Sunset Bar with panoramic city views
- →VAT refunds available—La Rinascente processes tax-free paperwork for international shoppers
- →Rooftop restaurants are destinations themselves—book ahead for terrace seating with views
- →Milan location houses Italy's best selection of luxury brands on ground floor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on La Rinascente 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 La Rinascente 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 La Rinascente shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.