Save money on shopping — reclaim up to 20% VAT
1. Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible for a VAT refund in France if:
- You are a non-EU resident
- You are at least 16 years old
- You stay in the EU for less than 6 months
- You purchase goods for personal use (not for resale)
- Your total purchases from one store on the same day exceed €100.01 (including VAT)
2. What Kind of Purchases Are Eligible?
- Clothing, luxury goods, perfumes, watches, electronics
- Items must be unused and taken out of the EU within 3 months
- Services, hotels, and food are not eligible
3. How the Tax Refund Process Works
Step 1: Shop at a Store Offering Tax-Free Shopping
- Look for logos like “Tax Free Shopping,” “Global Blue,” “Planet,” or “Skiptax”
- At the time of purchase, ask for a tax refund form (bordereau de détaxe)
- Present your passport when paying
The store will either:
- Give you a printed tax form, or
- Process it digitally and send a QR code
Step 2: Validate Your Form at the Airport (Or Port/Train Station)
Before checking in your luggage:
- Go to a PABLO kiosk (automated validation terminal)
- Scan the barcode on your refund form or QR code
- If it says “OK” — you’re done
- If it says “manual check,” go to a customs officer with your goods and receipts
Don’t check the goods in your suitcase before getting the stamp/validation!
Step 3: Get Your Refund
Once validated, you’ll receive the refund via:
- Credit card (usually within 3–6 weeks)
- Cash (some refund operators offer instant refund booths at the airport, often with higher fees)
4. Can You Claim Refund at Other Departure Points?
Yes, including:
- CDG (Charles de Gaulle)
- ORY (Orly)
- Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse airports
- Train stations (if you’re leaving the EU by train)
If France is not your final EU exit point, you must validate the form in the country where you leave the EU.
5. Important Tips
- Keep the goods unused and in your carry-on if possible
- Arrive early at the airport — queues for validation or customs can be long
- Digital validation (PABLO) is fast but available only at certain airports
- Don’t forget to drop the tax form into the box after scanning, if required
6. Refund Fees
Refund operators take a commission (10–15%), so you won’t receive the full VAT (which is typically 20%).
Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shop over €100 in one store, ask for tax-free form |
| 2 | Validate at the airport (PABLO kiosk or customs) |
| 3 | Receive refund (card or cash) |
Getting a VAT refund in France is a great way to save when shopping. It requires a bit of planning — but if you keep your receipts, passport, and goods ready, you’ll walk away with more than just souvenirs.