Polène
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Polène in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Polène stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Polène
Founded in 2016 by siblings Elise and Mathieu Balzac, Polène emerged from a desire to create timeless leather goods at accessible prices without compromising on quality. Frustrated by the €2,000+ price tags of luxury bags, they launched a direct-to-consumer brand offering Italian leather craftsmanship at €200-€600. Their minimalist aesthetic—clean lines, refined hardware, no visible logos—resonated globally through Instagram, turning Polène into the "it bag" for discerning shoppers. In April 2025, the brand unveiled its 491m² flagship on the Champs-Élysées, cementing Paris as the heart of the Polène experience.
Signature Products & Prices
Numéro Un (N°1)
€290–€360
Numéro Dix (N°10)
€390–€460
Numéro Deux (N°2)
€320–€380
Numéro Huit (N°8)
€420–€490
Numéro Neuf (N°9)
€280–€340
Why Shop Polène in Europe?
Polène is exclusively available in Paris within Europe (plus London and Hamburg outside the database). Shopping in Paris with VAT refunds makes the N°1 bag €232-€288 after refund vs €290-€360 retail—a 20% savings. Paris boutiques also stock exclusive colors and limited editions not available online.
Best Cities to Shop Polène
Paris
3 locations including 491m² Champs-Élysées flagship, exclusive colors, full collection
Why Shop Polène with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
3 Polène Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Polène Store Locations in Europe
Paris
Polène Richelieu
69 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:30
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:30
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:30
thursday: 10:00 - 19:30
friday: 10:00 - 19:30
saturday: 10:00 - 19:30
sunday: 10:00 - 19:30
Polène Champs-Élysées Flagship
2 Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées Marcel-Dassault, 75008 Paris, France
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: 10:00 - 20:00
Polène at Le Bon Marché
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
📞 +33 1 44 39 80 00
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 19:45
tuesday: 10:00 - 19:45
wednesday: 10:00 - 19:45
thursday: 10:00 - 19:45
friday: 10:00 - 19:45
saturday: 10:00 - 19:45
sunday: 11:00 - 19:45
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 Polène, 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 Polène 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 Polène purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €100.01 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: 20% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Polène Shoppers
- →Champs-Élysées flagship (opened April 2025) is the largest Polène store worldwide—491m² across 2 floors with full collection
- →Le Bon Marché shop-in-shop (opened June 2025) is newest location, open Sundays when other Paris boutiques are closed
- →Polène bags run small—if between sizes, size up (especially for the N°1 and N°10)
- →Online drops sell out fast—in-store shopping in Paris guarantees access to full color range and limited editions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Polène 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 Polène 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 Polène shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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