Luxury Shopping in Paris
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
Terminal 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.
If this sounds too daunting you can also avoid this process altogether by purchasing goods after going through security at the airport! When you purchase VAT Free at the airport the item is already available with the VAT Free price. Of course you run the risk of not having the item in stock, not having time to shop, or the stores being closed.
Charles De Gaulle has excellent shopping making it difficult to walk straight to your gate! You can browse the options here.
So how much do you really save?!
For example the Mon Tresor Brown Leather Mini Bag from Fendi—
In the USA the bag retails for $1950.00 + NY sales tax of $173.06= $2,123.06
In Paris the bag retails for €1500.00= $1651.05
VAT Refund of $188.28
The purse cost $1462.77 when purchasing in Paris versus the USA price of $2,123.06
Total savings of $660.29!
