VAT refunds in Paris are calculated as a percentage of what you spent, not a flat amount
The amount you get back depends on the VAT rate applied to your purchase and the store's refund policy. In France, standard VAT is 20 percent on most goods. If you buy something for €100 with 20 percent VAT included, the VAT portion is roughly €16.67. However, you do not get back the full VAT amount — refund companies and customs take a cut, so you typically receive 10 to 15 percent of your purchase price back, not the full VAT.
The exact refund varies by retailer. Some stores use refund processors like Global Blue or Planet that charge fees ranging from 3 to 5 percent of the VAT. Others handle refunds in-house with different fee structures. A €100 purchase might net you €12 to €15 back instead of the full €16.67.
Reduced VAT rates of 5.5 percent and 2.1 percent apply to certain items like books, food, and medications. A refund on these items will be proportionally smaller. For example, a €100 book purchase with 5.5 percent VAT yields roughly €3 to €4 back after fees.
Key Takeaways
- Standard VAT refunds in Paris are 10 to 15 percent of your purchase price after refund company fees, not the full 20 percent VAT rate.
- The refund processor you use — Global Blue, Planet, or the store itself — determines how much they deduct in fees, which ranges from 3 to 5 percent of the VAT amount.
- Reduced VAT rates of 5.5 percent and 2.1 percent on books, food, and medicines mean smaller refunds on those purchases.
- You must spend a minimum amount (usually €100 to €175 depending on the store) in a single transaction to be may be able to access for any refund.
Minimum purchase thresholds that trigger a refund
Stores set their own minimum purchase amounts. Most Paris retailers require €100 to €175 spent in one transaction before they will process a VAT refund. Luxury shops and department stores like Galeries Lafayette often use €100 minimums. Smaller boutiques may set thresholds at €150 or €175.
The minimum applies to the total before VAT is added. If a store's threshold is €100, you need to spend €100 in goods, not €100 after tax. Ask at the register or check the store's refund policy before shopping if the threshold matters to your purchase.
Some stores do not offer VAT refunds at all, particularly small independent shops or certain categories like restaurants and services. Chain stores and tourist-heavy areas are more likely to participate in refund programs.
How refund processors take their cut
Global Blue and Planet are the two largest refund processors in Paris. When you use their service, they deduct a commission before sending you money. Global Blue typically takes 3 to 4 percent of the VAT amount. Planet charges similar rates. This means if the VAT on your purchase is €20, you might receive €16 to €17 instead.
Some stores handle refunds directly without using a processor. In these cases, the store itself decides the fee, which can range from zero to 5 percent. Direct refunds are sometimes faster and may cost less, but fewer stores offer this option.
The fee structure is usually printed on your refund form or receipt. Check it before you leave the store so you know what to expect when the refund arrives.
Refund amounts for different purchase categories
| Item Type | VAT Rate | Example: €100 Purchase | Approximate Refund After Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing, shoes, accessories | 20% | €100 + €20 VAT | €12–€15 |
| Electronics, cosmetics | 20% | €100 + €20 VAT | €12–€15 |
| Books, newspapers | 5.5% | €100 + €5.50 VAT | €3–€4 |
| Food, groceries | 5.5% | €100 + €5.50 VAT | €3–€4 |
| Medicines | 2.1% | €100 + €2.10 VAT | €1–€1.50 |
The refund amounts shown assume a 3 to 5 percent processor fee. Your actual refund may be higher or lower depending on the store and refund method used.
Whether you get cash, card credit, or a check
Refund method affects when and how you receive your money. If you request cash at the airport or a participating refund office in Paris, you get paid immediately but may face a higher fee — sometimes 5 to 7 percent instead of 3 to 4 percent. This reduces your refund amount further.
Credit card refunds are the most common option. The refund processor credits your card within 5 to 30 days, depending on your bank and the processor. No additional fee is charged beyond the standard commission.
Bank transfer refunds take longer — typically 10 to 45 days — but are available if you provide your account details. Some processors offer store credit instead of cash, which means you get a voucher to spend at the retailer rather than money back.
What happens if your refund is delayed or smaller than expected
Refunds can take longer than promised if customs does not process your form, if your bank is slow, or if the processor has a backlog. If you have not received your refund within 60 days of your purchase, contact the refund processor directly with your receipt and refund form number.
A refund that arrives smaller than you calculated usually means the processor fee was higher than the receipt stated, or your bank converted currency and charged a fee. Check the receipt and the processor's fee schedule to confirm the amount was correct.
If you did not get your refund form stamped by customs when you left France, the refund may be denied. Customs must see the goods and the form before you leave the country. If you forgot to get it stamped, contact the store or processor — some will process refunds without the stamp if you provide a copy of your passport and boarding pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund on food or restaurant meals in Paris?
Food from grocery stores and markets may have reduced VAT (5.5 percent), but refunds are rare because most supermarkets do not participate in refund programs. Restaurant meals are not refundable — VAT refunds apply only to goods you take out of France, not services consumed in the country.
What if I spend €200 across two different stores instead of €100 in one?
Each store's minimum applies separately. If you spend €80 at one shop and €120 at another, only the €120 purchase qualifies for a refund. Some refund processors allow you to combine receipts from the same chain on the same day, but this varies by store and processor.
Do I have to get my refund form stamped at the airport?
Yes, customs must stamp your refund form before you leave France. You present the goods, receipt, and form at the customs desk in the airport or at the port. Without the stamp, most processors will not pay the refund. If you mail goods home, you may be able to get the form stamped at a customs office instead.
Will my refund be in euros or my home currency?
Refunds are processed in euros. If you use a credit card, your bank converts the amount to your home currency and may charge a conversion fee. Bank transfers arrive in euros, so you convert them yourself or your bank does when you deposit the money.
How much do I lose to fees and currency conversion?
Processor fees typically reduce your refund by 3 to 5 percent of the VAT. Currency conversion fees add another 1 to 3 percent depending on your bank. On a €100 purchase with 20 percent VAT, you might receive €12 to €14 instead of the full €16.67 VAT amount.