CRU Creative Hub
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at CRU Creative Hub in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find CRU Creative Hub stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About CRU Creative Hub
CRU Creative Hub was created in 2012 in Porto's art district (Miguel Bombarda) at Rua do Rosário 211, combining a multifaceted space for Porto's creative community. In their 400 m² facilities, CRU merges a coworking space focused on creative activities, an art gallery, photography and audio recording studios, a coffee bar, a specialty coffee roastery, and a designers' shop. The CRU Store showcases products from 50 selected Portuguese designers in categories like fashion, jewelry, botanics, illustrations, homeware, and stationery. They privilege high quality, coherence, and originality within the Portuguese design panorama, representing the best creators and brands of the moment. The Miguel Bombarda neighborhood's concentration of concept stores and vintage shops creates the perfect artistic atmosphere for CRU's mission: supporting and showcasing Portuguese creativity from handmade jewelry to locally designed and crafted shoes.
Signature Products & Prices
Portuguese Designer Jewelry
€30–€150
Locally Designed Shoes
€80–€200
Handmade Homeware
€20–€100
Specialty Coffee (Roasted On-Site)
€8–€15
Portuguese Illustration Prints
€15–€60
Why Shop CRU Creative Hub in Europe?
CRU Creative Hub exists exclusively in Porto as a showcase for Portuguese design talent. Shopping here means accessing 50 emerging Portuguese brands (jewelry, fashion, homeware, illustrations) unavailable internationally. Portugal's 15.5% VAT refund on purchases over €70.01 makes supporting local creators even more affordable. The multifaceted space (gallery + coffee + shop + studios) embodies Porto's creative renaissance better than anywhere else.
Best Cities to Shop CRU Creative Hub
Porto
Only location since 2012, Miguel Bombarda art district, 50 Portuguese brands
Why Shop CRU Creative Hub with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 CRU Creative Hub Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
CRU Creative Hub Store Locations in Europe
Porto
CRU Creative Hub
Rua de Cedofeita, 4050-180 Porto, Portugal
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 CRU Creative Hub, 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 CRU Creative Hub 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 CRU Creative Hub purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €61.50 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: 23% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for CRU Creative Hub Shoppers
- →Portugal has €70.01 VAT minimum with up to 15.5% refunds—bundle multiple Portuguese designer items
- →CRU represents 50 Portuguese brands—one-stop shopping for authentic Porto design
- →Miguel Bombarda art district perfect for gallery hopping combined with CRU shopping
- →Specialty coffee roasted on-site makes CRU ideal for extended browsing sessions
- →Coworking members get discounts—ask about day passes if spending extended time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on CRU Creative Hub 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 CRU Creative Hub 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 CRU Creative Hub shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.