VAT refund amounts in France depend on the store, the items you buy, and whether you meet the spending threshold

France's VAT refund system, called détaxe, lets non-EU visitors recover the value-added tax (VAT) they paid on purchases. The amount you get back is not the full VAT rate — it is the VAT rate minus a processing fee that the refund handler takes. Most stores refund between 10 and 15 percent of your purchase price, though the actual VAT rate in France is 20 percent on most goods.

The reason for the gap is simple: refund companies charge a commission to handle the paperwork and send the money. A store might advertise "tax-free shopping" and show you a 20 percent refund, but by the time the refund handler deducts their fee (usually 4 to 10 percent of the VAT), you receive less. The exact amount varies by which refund company processes your claim — Global Blue, Planet, and Innova are the largest operators in France.

You must also meet a minimum purchase threshold. In France, you need to spend at least €100 in a single store on the same day to request a refund. Some stores set their own higher minimums. If you buy €100 worth of goods and the VAT is 20 percent, the VAT owed is €20. After a typical 5 percent processing fee, you might receive €19 back — not €20.

Key Takeaways

  • VAT refunds in France typically return 10 to 15 percent of your purchase price after the refund handler's commission, not the full 20 percent VAT rate.
  • You must spend at least €100 in a single store on the same day to request a refund; some stores require higher minimums.
  • The refund amount depends on which company processes your claim (Global Blue, Planet, or Innova are common), because each charges different commission rates.
  • Reduced VAT rates of 5.5 percent and 10 percent apply to certain items like food and books, so your refund on those purchases will be smaller.
  • You receive your refund by credit card, bank transfer, or cash at the airport, depending on which method you choose when you submit your paperwork.

How the VAT rate affects what you get back

France does not apply the same VAT rate to all goods. Most items — clothing, electronics, cosmetics — are taxed at 20 percent. But food, books, newspapers, and some medicines are taxed at 5.5 percent. Restaurant meals are taxed at 10 percent. The lower the VAT rate on what you buy, the smaller your refund will be, even if you spend the same amount of money.

If you spend €100 on clothes at 20 percent VAT, the tax is €20. If you spend €100 on books at 5.5 percent VAT, the tax is €5.50. After a refund handler's commission, you might receive €19 from the clothes purchase but only €5.20 from the books. This is why luxury goods and electronics generate larger refunds than groceries or souvenirs.

Some items are not refundable at all. Services, meals eaten in restaurants, and items you consume before leaving France (like food or drinks) cannot be refunded, even if you paid VAT on them. The refund applies only to goods you take out of France unused.

Processing fees that reduce your refund

The refund company takes a cut before the money reaches you. This commission typically ranges from 4 to 10 percent of the VAT amount, though some companies charge a flat fee instead. Global Blue, one of the largest operators, charges around 5 to 7 percent on most refunds. Planet and Innova charge similar rates, but the exact percentage can vary by store and refund method.

The store does not always tell you the commission upfront. When you ask for a refund form, the shop assistant may show you a calculation that looks like the full VAT, but the refund company will deduct their fee when they process your claim. This is why you should ask the store staff what percentage you will actually receive, not just what the VAT rate is.

Some stores offer "cash refunds" at the airport or in-store, which may have higher commissions than bank transfers. If you choose to receive your refund by credit card, the commission is often lower because the refund company avoids the cost of handling cash or paying for international bank transfers.

Minimum purchase thresholds and how they work

The €100 minimum applies per store, per day. If you buy €60 in one shop and €50 in another on the same day, you cannot combine them to reach the threshold — each purchase is separate. You must spend €100 or more in a single store to request a refund for that purchase. Some luxury stores, particularly in Paris, set their own minimums at €150 or €200.

The €100 is the pre-tax price. If an item costs €80 and VAT is 20 percent, the total you pay is €96. That €80 counts toward your threshold, not the €96. Once you reach €100 in pre-tax purchases at one store, you can request a refund form for all items bought that day at that location.

If you do not meet the minimum, you receive no refund, even if you are a non-EU visitor. There is no partial refund for amounts below the threshold. This is why many visitors to Paris deliberately shop at one large department store (like Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché) rather than spreading purchases across multiple shops.

Refund methods and how they affect the amount you receive

You can choose how to receive your refund: cash at the airport, credit card, or bank transfer. Each method has different fees and timelines. Cash refunds at the airport are immediate but often have the highest commission — the refund company charges extra to handle physical currency. Credit card refunds are usually processed within 2 to 4 weeks and have lower commissions. Bank transfers take longer but may offer the best rate.

If you choose cash, you will receive your money at the airport tax-free refund desk before you leave France. The amount will already have the commission deducted. If you choose credit card, the refund company will credit your card statement, usually within 2 to 4 weeks of processing your paperwork. Bank transfers can take 4 to 8 weeks but sometimes charge the lowest commission.

The refund company may also charge a currency conversion fee if you are not receiving the refund in euros. If you request a refund in US dollars or British pounds, expect an additional 2 to 3 percent deduction for the exchange rate markup.

How to calculate your actual refund before you buy

To estimate what you will actually receive, use this formula: (Purchase price × VAT rate ÷ 1 + VAT rate) − Commission. For a €100 purchase at 20 percent VAT with a 5 percent commission, the calculation is (€100 × 0.20 ÷ 1.20) − 5 percent = €16.67 − €0.83 = €15.84. You would receive approximately €15.84 back.

Most stores provide a refund calculator on their website or at the register. Ask the shop assistant to show you the exact amount you will receive, not just the VAT rate. This prevents surprises when you process your claim at the airport or receive your credit card statement weeks later.

Keep in mind that the refund company's commission may vary slightly depending on the refund method you choose at the airport. If you see two different amounts quoted — one for cash and one for credit card — the credit card amount is usually higher because the commission is lower.

What happens if your refund is delayed or reduced

If you requested a credit card refund and it has not appeared after 6 weeks, contact the refund company directly. You will need your refund reference number, which is printed on your refund form. Global Blue, Planet, and Innova all have customer service lines and online tracking systems. Provide them with your receipt, refund form, and the date you submitted your paperwork.

Sometimes refunds are reduced because the refund company could not validate your purchase or your paperwork was incomplete. Common reasons include a missing passport stamp, a refund form that was not signed by the customs officer, or a receipt that does not match the refund form. If this happens, the refund company will contact you to ask for additional documentation.

If you never received a refund and the refund company cannot locate your claim, you may be able to dispute it through your credit card company (if you paid by card) or file a complaint with the French consumer protection authority. Keep all receipts and refund forms for at least one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy something and return it later?

No. The refund applies only to goods you take out of France. If you return an item to the store before you leave, you receive a store credit or refund from the store itself, not a VAT refund. The VAT refund is tied to the export of the goods, not the purchase.

What if I buy something for €100 but the store gives me a discount at checkout?

The discount reduces the pre-tax price. If the original price is €100 but you receive a 10 percent discount, your pre-tax purchase is €90, which falls below the €100 threshold. You would not be able to request a VAT refund on that purchase.

Do I have to claim my refund at the airport, or can I do it by mail?

You can do both. At the airport, you can claim a cash refund immediately at the tax-free refund desk. If you miss the airport, you can mail your refund form and receipts to the refund company, though this takes 4 to 8 weeks and may have higher fees. It is faster and easier to claim at the airport before you leave France.

Is the VAT refund the same in every European country?

No. Each country sets its own VAT rate and refund rules. France's minimum is €100, but Germany's is €50, and Italy's is €155. If you are visiting multiple countries, check the threshold and commission rates for each one, because your refund will be different in each place.

Can I get a refund if I am an EU citizen living outside France?

Yes, if you live outside the EU. EU citizens who live in an EU country cannot receive a VAT refund, even if they are visiting France temporarily. The refund is available only to non-EU residents and EU citizens who live outside the EU.