How tax refunds work at Paris Eurostar terminals
If you are a non-EU visitor who bought goods in France and are leaving through Paris Eurostar, you can request a VAT refund (value-added tax, called TVA in French) on those purchases at the terminal before you depart. The refund process happens in person at the airport-style tax refund desks located in the Eurostar departure areas, not after you leave France.
The refund covers the VAT tax added to items you bought — typically 20% of the purchase price in France. You do not get the full purchase price back, only the tax portion. The amount you receive depends on what you bought, when you bought it, and which refund company processed your paperwork.
Eurostar terminals in Paris (Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord) have tax refund desks operated by companies like Global Blue and Planet. These desks are located in the departure hall before you enter the security checkpoint. You must visit the desk before you board your train — you cannot process a refund after you have left France.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid passport showing you are a non-EU resident and receipts for items purchased within the last three months to request a VAT refund.
- Tax refund desks are located in the Eurostar departure halls at Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord, and you must visit them before you pass through security.
- The refund company will either give you cash on the spot, credit your card, or mail a check — the method depends on the company and the refund amount.
- Items must be unused and in their original packaging, and you will need to show them to the refund desk staff along with your receipts and passport.
- Processing takes five to ten minutes at the desk, but receiving the actual money can take weeks if you choose a mailed check instead of cash.
What you need to bring to the refund desk
Bring your original receipts from the stores where you made purchases. The receipt must show the store name, the date of purchase, the item description, and the price including VAT. If you bought items at multiple stores, bring all the receipts — you can combine purchases from different shops on a single refund form as long as they were bought within three months of each other.
You will also need your passport to prove you are a non-EU resident. The refund desk staff will check your passport details and may ask where you are traveling to. Some refund companies also accept other forms of non-EU ID, but a passport is the safest option.
Bring the items themselves if possible, especially for high-value purchases or luxury goods. The staff may ask to see them to confirm they are unused and in original condition. For small items like cosmetics or food, the staff usually will not inspect them, but having them available speeds up the process.
Which refund companies operate at Paris Eurostar
Global Blue and Planet are the two main tax refund companies at Paris Eurostar terminals. You will know which company processed your purchase by looking at your receipt — it will show the company logo or name. If your receipt does not show a refund company, ask the store staff which company they use before you leave the shop.
Both companies operate desks in the Eurostar departure areas. If you have receipts from multiple companies, you will need to visit each desk separately — you cannot combine refunds from different companies into one transaction. Each desk will process your refund independently.
The refund percentage and processing fees vary slightly between companies, but both typically refund between 12% and 15% of the purchase price after their service fee. The exact amount will be shown on the receipt the refund desk gives you before you receive your money.
Refund payment methods and how long each takes
At the desk, you can choose how to receive your refund: cash, credit card credit, or mailed check. Cash is the fastest — you receive it immediately after the staff process your paperwork, usually within five to ten minutes. This is the most common choice for travelers.
Credit card refunds are credited back to the card you used for the original purchase. This takes three to five business days after you leave France, depending on your bank. You will not receive the money at the desk; instead, you will get a receipt showing the refund has been processed.
Mailed checks are an option if your refund amount is large or if you prefer not to carry cash. The refund company will mail a check to an address you provide, usually within two to four weeks. This method is slower and requires you to deposit the check in your home country, so most travelers avoid it.
What items are refundable and what are not
Most retail purchases are refundable: clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, perfume, electronics, and luxury goods. Food and beverages are generally not refundable, even if unopened. Services like restaurant meals, hotel stays, and transportation tickets do not may have access to for VAT refunds.
Items must be unused and in their original packaging or condition. If you have worn clothing, used cosmetics, or opened electronics, the refund desk will likely refuse the refund. The staff will inspect items at their discretion, especially for high-value purchases.
There is usually a minimum purchase amount per receipt — typically 100 euros or more, depending on the store and refund company. If you bought a 50-euro item, you probably will not be able to refund it. Check your receipt or ask the store staff at the time of purchase if the item meets the minimum threshold.
What to do if the refund desk is closed or very busy
Eurostar terminals operate tax refund desks during all train departure hours, but they may have limited staff during very early morning or late evening departures. If you arrive at an unusual time, the desk may have a longer line or take longer to process your refund.
Plan to arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before your train departure, which gives you time to find the refund desk, wait in line, and complete the process before you need to pass through security. If you arrive less than 45 minutes before departure, the staff may refuse to process your refund because there is not enough time.
If the desk is closed when you arrive, you have missed the opportunity to get a refund at the terminal. Some refund companies offer mail-in refund processing, but this requires you to mail your receipts and items back to France after you leave, which is complicated and slow. It is better to plan ahead and arrive early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a tax refund if I am an EU citizen living outside the EU?
No. Tax refunds are only for non-EU residents. If you hold an EU passport or residency permit, you are not may be able to access, even if you live outside Europe. The refund desk will check your passport and ask about your residency status.
What if I bought something but lost the receipt?
You cannot get a refund without the original receipt. The refund desk needs the receipt to process the transaction and to verify the VAT amount. If you lost a receipt, contact the store where you made the purchase and ask if they can print a duplicate before you leave France.
Can I combine refunds from different stores into one transaction?
Yes, as long as they are from the same refund company. You can bring receipts from multiple stores and process them together at one desk. If your receipts are from different companies, you will need to visit each company's desk separately.
Do I have to show my items at the refund desk?
Not always. For small, inexpensive items, the staff usually will not ask to see them. For high-value purchases like electronics or designer goods, they will likely inspect the items to confirm they are unused and in original condition. Bring the items with you to be safe.
What happens if I do not visit the refund desk before I board the train?
You lose the refund. Once you pass through security and board the train, you cannot return to the refund desk. Some companies offer mail-in refund processing after you leave France, but this is slow and requires you to send items back, which most travelers do not do.