While it sounds fun to say you purchased your luxury bag in Paris there is actually a HUGE financial benefit to purchase the bag— or any luxury item you have had your eye on in Paris!
Most countries within the European Union (EU) participate in value added tax (VAT) free program for visitors but the price ranges depending on the country. France has a VAT of 20% which will already be applied to any item when purchasing.
France has a VAT refund of up to 12%. This means you are eligible to receive 12% back when you leave the country with the item and process the necessary paper work. Here is what you’ll need to qualify!
Have permanent residence in a non-EU country
Older than 16
Spend more than 100.01 EUR
Passport present at purchase
Once you are ready to head home do not forget to allow for extra time at the airport to complete the VAT Free forms. In Charles De Gaulle there are multiple stations made up of kiosks where you simply scan a bar code. If you are provided with a red X on the screen you will have to go to an agent at the desk. Be sure to have the items with you as they can request to inspect the items— it is best to go here first before checking your luggage.
Here is a location of where to find the electronic refund kiosks in each terminal in CDG—
Terminal 1: CDGVAL level, Hall 6
See AlsoGerman VAT RefundTerminal 2A: Departures level, Gate 5
Terminal 2C: Departures level, Gate 4
Terminal 2E: Departures level, Gates 3/4
Terminal 2F: Arrivals level,
Terminal 3: Departures level, international customs zone
If you do not want the refund back to your credit card in which you purchased on there is an option to get cash back but this generally results in less of a refund.
Here is a location of where to find cash back options available in CGD—
Terminal 1
Terminal 2A
Terminal 2C
Terminal 2E (Halls K, L and M)
That is all! You can receive a refund within a few days to a week after processing the paperwork on a credit card, although it states it can take up to 6 weeks.
You can track you refund with Global Blue or Planet Tax. They will even send you emails throughout the process making it super easy.
