Tourists visiting France can take advantage of an often overlooked opportunity: tax-free shopping. This scheme allows you to save money on your purchases thanks to the VAT exemption. But what exactly do you benefit from? Follow our guide!
Ah, Paris. Its monuments, its shops and tax-free shopping! Yes, tourists, you can save money shopping in France thanks to the VAT exemption. But how can you take advantage of it? We’ll explain it all!
Who can benefit from Duty Free Shipping?
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
You live outside the European Union or in a third country (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Southern and Arctic Territories, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican).
However, the tax exemption does not apply to residents of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion, Monaco, or employees of transport companies. You must be over 16 years old and your stay in France must be less than six months.
Which products are affected?
Purchase is subject to the following conditions:
Carry it as personal luggage Not for resale Over 100 euros, spent in the same store or group of stores over a maximum of 3 days
There is no limit to the number of items you can purchase, but some items are excluded, such as tobacco, weapons, cultural property, petroleum products, and personal vehicles. To make your life easier, look for stores that display “Détaxe électronique” stickers.
Departure procedures
Before leaving France, specifically before checking in your luggage, you must obtain a customs visa by scanning the barcode on your export sales slip at a PABLO terminal (located at international airports, seaports, border crossings, etc.). In addition to the sales slip, you must bring your passport, purchased goods, and transport ticket.
Once approved, the seller will be notified of the buyer’s departure and will promptly refund the VAT, or the buyer can collect the refund in cash at their local refund office.
Also, keep in mind that goods must leave the EU within three months of purchase.
Ready, ready, shop!
