Where to find the VAT refund desk at Paris airports

Paris has two main airports where you can process a VAT refund: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly. Both have dedicated refund desks, but the location and hours depend on which terminal you're leaving from and which refund company processed your paperwork.

At CDG, the refund desks are typically in the departure hall before security, though some terminals also have desks in the departure lounge after security. At Orly, refund services are located in the departure areas of both terminals. The exact location changes, so ask an airport information desk or check the airport website for the current desk location before you arrive at the airport.

Refund desks at both airports are usually open during standard flight hours, but they close at night and during very early morning periods. If your flight departs outside normal business hours, you may not be able to process your refund at the airport — in that case, you'll need to mail your paperwork to the refund company instead.

What you need to bring to the refund desk

Bring your original receipts (the ones the shop gave you), your refund forms (which the shop should have filled out and signed), and your passport. The refund company needs to see that you are a non-EU resident and that you purchased the goods in France.

You must also have the goods with you in their original condition and packaging. The refund desk staff may ask to see them to confirm they haven't been used. This is why you should pack refundable items in your carry-on luggage if possible — if they're in checked baggage, you may not be able to show them at the desk.

If you're missing any of these documents or if the refund forms are incomplete or unsigned, the desk staff cannot process your refund. Some shops provide incomplete forms by mistake, so check before you leave the shop that everything is filled in and signed.

How the refund desk processes your money

When you hand over your paperwork and goods, the desk staff will verify that everything matches: the receipts, the forms, your passport, and the items themselves. They will then stamp your refund forms to show that you are leaving France with the goods.

After stamping, you have two options for receiving your money. The first is to receive cash immediately at the desk — this is the fastest method and requires no further steps. The second is to have the refund credited back to your credit card, which typically takes 5 to 30 days depending on your bank and the refund company.

If you choose the cash option, the desk will give you the refund amount in euros. If you choose the card option, you'll receive a receipt showing the transaction, and the refund company will process it after you leave France. Some refund companies charge a small fee for card refunds, though this is usually deducted from the refund amount before you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • Refund desks are located in the departure halls at both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, though exact locations vary by terminal.
  • You must bring your original receipts, signed refund forms, passport, and the goods themselves in unused condition.
  • The desk staff will stamp your forms to confirm you are leaving France with the items, then process your refund on the spot.
  • You can receive your refund as cash immediately or as a credit to your card within 5 to 30 days.
  • If the refund desk is closed or you cannot show your goods, you can mail your paperwork to the refund company instead, though this takes longer.

What to do if the refund desk is closed

If you arrive at the airport outside refund desk hours or if the desk is temporarily closed, you can still get your refund by mailing your paperwork to the refund company. The refund form itself will have the company's mailing address printed on it — this is where you send the stamped forms and receipts.

Before you mail anything, you must still have your forms stamped by French customs. Look for the customs office in the airport departure area — it's usually near the refund desk or marked on airport signage. Customs will stamp your forms to confirm you are leaving France with the goods, even if you're not processing the refund at the desk.

Mailing your paperwork takes longer than using the desk. You'll typically wait 6 to 12 weeks for the refund to arrive, depending on how quickly the refund company processes mail and how long it takes your bank to credit the money. Keep copies of everything you mail in case the company needs to contact you with questions.

Common reasons refunds are delayed or rejected

The most common reason a refund is rejected at the desk is missing or incomplete paperwork. If the shop didn't sign the form, if a receipt is missing, or if the form doesn't match the receipt amount, the desk staff cannot process it. Always check the paperwork before you leave the shop.

Another common issue is that the goods have been used or opened. Refund companies consider items used if they've been worn, tested, or opened in a way that shows they were consumed. Even opening a sealed box can disqualify the refund. Keep all items in their original packaging and condition until after the desk processes your refund.

If your refund is rejected at the desk, ask the staff why. If it's a fixable issue — like a missing signature — some shops can fax or email a corrected form to the refund company. If the issue cannot be fixed at the airport, you can try mailing your paperwork to the refund company directly, though they may still reject it if the problem is serious.

Refund amounts and what affects them

The refund amount is based on the VAT rate that was charged when you bought the item. In France, the standard VAT rate is 20 percent, though some items like books and food have lower rates of 5.5 or 10 percent. The refund is typically 12 to 15 percent of the purchase price after the refund company deducts its processing fee.

The minimum purchase amount varies by shop and refund company, but most require a single receipt of at least 100 euros. Some shops have higher minimums. If your purchase is below the minimum, the shop will not give you a refund form, and you cannot process a refund at the airport.

If you're using a refund company like Global Blue or Planet, check whether they charge a fee for processing. Some companies deduct a flat fee or a percentage from your refund. This fee will be shown on the refund form before you sign it, so you'll know the exact amount you'll receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my flight leaves very early in the morning?

Refund desks typically close between midnight and 5 a.m., so if your flight leaves before the desk opens, you won't be able to use it. In that case, mail your paperwork to the refund company instead. You'll need to have your forms stamped by customs before you leave, so ask an airport staff member where the customs office is located.

What if I bought something at the airport duty-free shop?

Duty-free purchases are not may be able to access for VAT refunds because VAT was not charged on them in the first place. VAT refunds only apply to items bought in regular shops in France where VAT was included in the price.

Do I need to show my goods if I'm mailing my paperwork instead?

No, but you still need to have your forms stamped by customs at the airport to prove you are leaving France with the items. The customs stamp is what allows the refund company to process your claim by mail. Without it, the company will reject your paperwork.

How long does it take to get a refund if I choose the card option?

Card refunds typically take 5 to 30 days from the time the desk processes your paperwork, depending on your bank and the refund company. Some banks take longer to credit international refunds, so you may not see the money for up to six weeks. Check with your bank if you don't see the refund within a month.

What if the refund company's name on my form is one I've never heard of?

The refund company is chosen by the shop, not by you. Common companies include Global Blue, Planet, and Innova. All of them operate the same way: they process your paperwork at the airport desk or by mail and send your refund to you. If you're unsure whether the company is legitimate, check the refund form for a website or phone number and contact them directly.