VAT Refund France Guide 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Process

With France's standard VAT rate at 20%, tourists can typically recover 10-20% of their purchase amount on eligible goods over €100, potentially saving hundreds of euros on luxury shopping sprees in Paris, Lyon, or Nice, depending on the operator they choose to use. However, the VAT refund process involves strict eligibility requirements, specific documentation procedures, and precise timing that many travelers get wrong, resulting in denied claims or lost refunds. This comprehensive guide walks you through every essential step of the French VAT refund process, from requesting the correct invoice before you shop to successfully validating your tax forms at departure.

Before Shopping

Before you start your shopping spree in France, it's crucial to understand the VAT system and ensure you're eligible for refunds. This preparation phase can make the difference between a successful refund and a denied claim.

How Much is VAT in France

In France, VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax added to most goods and services. Known locally as TVA (Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée), this tax is already included in all displayed prices, unlike in countries like the US where tax is added at checkout.

Here's what you'll pay:

• Standard Rate (20%): Your main target. Applies to fashion, electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and luxury goods

• Reduced Rate (10%): Medicine and pharmaceuticals

• Super-Reduced (5.5%): Food and books

• Special Rate (2.1%): Newspapers and specific medications

For most visitors, the 20% standard rate is what you'll encounter on fashion, souvenirs, electronics, and luxury goods – making the potential VAT refund quite substantial on higher-value purchases.

Who Can Get a VAT Refund, and Are You Eligible?

You qualify if you:

• Live permanently outside the EU (including post-Brexit UK)

• Are at least 16 years old

• Stay in France for less than 6 months

• Spend over €100 per receipt (individual transactions, not combined purchases)

You don't qualify if you:

• Work for travel/transport companies during your visit

• Live in France or EU territories

• Are an EU resident

Note that if you live permanently outside the EU and are an EU resident, you can provide an official proof of residence in order to qualify for VAT refund.

What You Can (and Can't) Refund

Refund-eligible items: Clothing, accessories, cosmetics, leather goods, electronics, home décor, jewelry, watches, sports equipment

Not eligible: Second-hand items, airport duty-free purchases, hotel stays, food, restaurants, alcohol, tobacco, vehicles

Find the Right Shops

Before you start shopping, scout for stores displaying 'Tax-Free Shopping' or 'VAT Refund' signs. Look near entrances, checkout counters, or shop windows. Department stores, luxury boutiques, and international brands typically participate. When in doubt, ask directly (smaller shops often participate too) and build rapport with the staff for the next steps.

During Shopping

This is where many travelers make critical mistakes that can invalidate their entire refund claim. Follow these steps carefully during your shopping experience.

Requesting an Invoice

This step makes or breaks your refund process. Before paying, request that your invoice shows:

• Name: 'Travel Money' (not your personal name)

• Address: 14 rue Charles V 75004 Paris

Pro tip: Hand over any store membership cards after requesting the invoice details. Many point-of-sale systems automatically populate your personal info if they scan your card first, and most won't let staff change it afterward.

Don't feel awkward about this request - merchants have legal obligations to provide invoices when asked.

Right After Shopping

The moments immediately after your purchase are crucial for ensuring a successful VAT refund. Act quickly to avoid any complications.

Upload the Invoice and Receipt Immediately

Fire up the TravelMoney app and upload your invoices and receipts while the shopping high is still fresh:

• Take clear photos showing the entire documents

• Verify all details are legible (store name, amount, date)

• Edit any incorrect information directly in the app

Complete Your Profile

Your refund depends on having complete information:

• Upload your passport (edit details if needed)

• Enter your home address

• EU citizens living abroad: provide proof of non-EU residence

It is essential to have a complete profile for us to generate your tax-free forms and process your refund.

Before Leaving France (or the EU)

This is the most critical phase of the VAT refund process. Timing and preparation are everything.

End Your Trip in the App

Critical timing: End your trip in the TravelMoney app at least 2 hours before departure. This gives the system time to generate your tax forms.

The PABLO Kiosk Moment

Before security or check-in, find a PABLO kiosk and scan your tax form barcode:

Green checkmark = You're golden! Head to your gate.

Red cross = Visit the nearby customs officer for manual verification.

Where to Find PABLO Kiosks

Charles de Gaulle Airport:

• The PABLO machines are located in all terminals. They can be found near the customs areas and in the departure halls. Follow the signs for 'Tax Refund' or 'Détaxe' after check-in and security checks.

• Specific locations include Terminal 1, near the customs office in the departure area, and Terminal 2, near the customs areas in halls 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2F.

Orly Airport:

• At Orly, PABLO kiosks are also available in both terminals. In Terminal 1 and 2, the kiosks are near the customs areas and in the departure zones.

• Look for 'Tax Refund' signs after passing through security, and you will find the kiosks near the customs office.

In most train stations with international departures like the Gare du Nord (Eurostar) for instance:

• After passing through security and passport control in the Eurostar terminal, you will find the PABLO machines.

• The PABLO kiosks are situated in the departure lounge area, just before you proceed to the boarding gates for your train.

Keep Purchases Handy

Pack purchased items in carry-on luggage - customs may want to inspect them. Items must be unopened and unused. No exceptions.

Returning Home

Your VAT refund journey doesn't end when you leave France. Understanding your home country's rules is equally important.

Know Your Country's Rules

Different countries have different import duty thresholds. For example, US travelers face potential duties on goods over $800. Research your home country's regulations and declare purchases honestly to avoid fines.

By following these guidelines at the airport, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free VAT refund process with TravelMoney, allowing you to get up to a 75% bigger refund vs what typical stores offer.