Vintage by the Kilo
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Vintage by the Kilo in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Vintage by the Kilo stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Vintage by the Kilo
Part of the growing "pay-by-weight" vintage movement, Vintage by the Kilo shops revolutionized second-hand shopping by eliminating individual pricing. The concept is simple: select your items, weigh them at the station, and pay based on weight. Different colored tags indicate price categories per kilogram, ranging from €10-€60/kg depending on quality and era. In Porto, shops like O'Kilo (located next to Bolhão Market at R. de Alexandre Braga 83) pioneered this model, charging €20 per kilogram and operating 7 days/week. The average purchase of 1 kilogram equals 3-6 unique pieces. The concept democratizes vintage by focusing on discovery over brand names—shoppers hunt for hidden gems from the 1970s to today without getting hung up on individual price tags. This model became particularly popular in Portugal's Porto and Lisbon, where sustainable fashion meets budget-conscious travelers.
Signature Products & Prices
1970s-90s Vintage Clothing
€10–€20/kg
Vintage Denim & Jackets
€20–€30/kg
Designer Vintage (Premium)
€40–€60/kg
Accessories & Bags
€15–€25/kg
Vintage T-shirts & Basics
€10–€15/kg
Why Shop Vintage by the Kilo in Europe?
The "pay-by-weight" vintage concept originated in Europe (particularly Portugal) as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Porto and Lisbon shops offer the best value globally for this model, with Portugal's 15.5% VAT refunds on purchases over €70.01 making bulk vintage shopping even more affordable. The treasure-hunt experience is unmatched—finding a vintage Levi's jacket priced by weight instead of €200+ is uniquely European.
Best Cities to Shop Vintage by the Kilo
Porto
O'Kilo next to Bolhão Market, €20/kg, open daily, pioneer of concept
Lisbon
Multiple kilo shops, strong vintage culture, same €70 VAT minimum
Why Shop Vintage by the Kilo with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
1 Vintage by the Kilo Locations
Across 1 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Vintage by the Kilo Store Locations in Europe
Porto
Vintage by the Kilo
Largo de Alberto Pimentel 38, 4050-016 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 Vintage by the Kilo, 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 Vintage by the Kilo 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 Vintage by the Kilo 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 Vintage by the Kilo Shoppers
- →Portugal has €70.01 VAT minimum—bundle multiple kilos to qualify for 15.5% refunds
- →O'Kilo in Porto (next to Bolhão Market) charges €20/kg, open 7 days/week
- →Average 1kg = 3-6 pieces, so €20/kg means roughly €3-7 per item
- →Colored tags indicate pricing tiers—hunt for lower-tier tags on quality pieces
- →Bring reusable bags—shops weigh purchases including any packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Vintage by the Kilo 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 Vintage by the Kilo 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 Vintage by the Kilo shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
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