37 thoughts on “VAT Refund Rate In Europe”

1. Hi

   I’m still a bit confuse as many people tell me the best place to buy Chanel and LV is Paris. But I Noticed that Paris VAT refund is 12% but in Amsterdam, its tiered. If I’m purchasing a Chanel classic flap m/l and a couple of LV bags, the VAT refund is greater in Amsterdam than Paris. So its cheaper to get these bags in Amsterdam than in Paris, am i right to say this? I’ll be going to Paris and Ams in November, so much help needed. Thank you so much in advance:)

   Reply

   • Hi Linda, Paris is #1 place to shop due to the amount of stock and variety of styles. London is the #2 place to go. For outlets, go to Florence (but no Chanel). For the cheapest go the Heathrow airport when you fly away from the Euro countries.

     If you’re looking for a handbag that it’s not that famous or it’s known for excess supply, usually like the Speedy Bag, then go for the cheapest city. But most Chanel classic bags are limited available and usually Paris has the most stock.

     Yes, it’s cheaper to buy in Amsterdam. For example, the Classic Flap Bag is retailing for 4480 euro. With tax-refund, the new price in Amsterdam will be: 3838 euro. In Paris the price will be 3942 euro. So its slightly cheaper. This is tax-refund via credit card.

     But for the bag like the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, I would purchase wherever you find your style, because its hard to find.

2. Hi Alex , I’m in dilemma of buying Chanel flap bag in Uk or Amsterdam or Belgium. I’m visiting them next week . Could u advice me which country would be the best for tax refund as in percentage and more worth it ?

   Reply

   • If you can purchase at the heathrow airport, then its there the cheapest (if you departure from there). If not, then either buy in Amsterdam or Belgium whenever you find your favorite style of bag. Here’s why:

     Both countries have limited stock. Let’s say you find the bag in Amsterdam, and you buy in Belgium because its cheaper. But the same bag could be sold-out in Belgium. In general Amsterdam and Belgium are about the same price and it’s cheaper than UK. (but the differences in savings are really minimal).

     Which bag do you want to buy? Let me see whether I can do a calculation.