What is the minimum purchase for tax free shopping in France?

The France tax free minimum purchase is €100.01 (including VAT) at a single store on the same day. This is higher than Germany (€50.01) or Greece (€50) but lower than Switzerland (CHF 300).

What is the VAT rate in France?

France's standard VAT (TVA) rate is 20%. Reduced rates of 5.5% (food, books) and 2.1% (medications, newspapers) apply to goods. A 10% rate covers restaurants and transport, but these services are not eligible for tourist refund. Your France VAT refund is calculated based on the rate applicable to your purchased goods.

How do I claim my France VAT refund at the airport?

Ask the store for a tax-free form (bordereau de détaxe) at the time of purchase. Before leaving the EU, scan the barcode at a PABLO self-service terminal at the airport. If the light is green, your form is validated automatically. The France tax free refund is then processed to your credit card or collected in cash.

What is the PABLO system in France?

PABLO (Programme d'Apurement des Bordereaux en Ligne) is France's electronic tax-free validation system. Instead of getting a manual customs stamp, you scan your tax-free form's barcode at a PABLO terminal at the airport. It is faster and available at all major French airports.

Who is eligible for tax free shopping in France?

Non-EU residents aged 16 or older who are visiting France for less than 6 months. EU citizens (even those living outside the EU) and French residents are not eligible for France VAT refund.

How much refund will I actually get in France?

With a 20% TVA rate, the gross VAT in the price is about 16.7%. After operator processing fees (typically 30-50% of the VAT), your net France tax free refund is approximately 10-12% of the purchase price.

Last updated: 28.03.2026

France Tax Free Shopping Calculator 2026

Calculate your France VAT refund (TVA) instantly. France has a 20% standard VAT rate with a €100.01 minimum purchase threshold. Non-EU tourists can...

This calculator provides estimates based on standard French VAT rates. Actual France VAT refund amounts vary by tax-free operator (Global Blue, Planet, etc.) and their processing fees. Always confirm with the retailer at the time of purchase.

Calculate Your France Tax RefundUpdates instantly

Enter your purchase amount in France. Standard VAT rate: 20%. Minimum spend: €100.01.

Example: €300.00 purchase in France

€50.00estimated refund before operator fees (16.67% back)

VAT included: €50.00Operator fees may apply at refund processing.

Enter your actual purchase amount above for a precise calculation.

VAT rates in France

Standard rate (general goods)20%

Food & Non-alcoholic beverages5.5%

Books5.5%

Medications2.1%

Not eligible for tax refund

×Services (hotels, restaurants, transport, tours)
×Digital goods and downloads
×Goods consumed in-country (food eaten on-site)
×Motor vehicles and boats
×Goods for commercial or business use
×Goods shipped directly by the retailer (already VAT-free)

Compare tax free refunds across 46 countries→

How Tax Free Shopping Works in France

France uses the PABLO electronic system for tax-free shopping. You need to spend at least €100.01 at a single store to qualify. Ask the retailer for a tax-free form. The French VAT rate (TVA) is 20%, so about 16.7% of the shelf price is tax. Refund operators charge a processing fee of 15 to 30 percent. After fees, you can expect a net refund of roughly 10 to 12 percent. Paris, Nice, and the French Riviera handle hundreds of thousands of tax-free sales each year.

Claiming Your French VAT Refund at the Airport

Before you leave the EU from a French airport, validate your tax-free form at a PABLO terminal. These terminals sit in the departure area, before security or at customs desks. Scan the barcode on your form. A green light means automatic approval. Your refund goes to your credit card within a few days. An orange light means you need a manual stamp from the customs desk. Keep your purchased goods in your hand luggage. Customs officials may ask to see them. PABLO terminals are available at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, and all major French airports. You must validate before your final EU departure, not just before leaving France.

Reduced VAT Rates and Eligible Goods in France

France has several reduced VAT rates. Food and soft drinks are taxed at 5.5%. Books are also 5.5%. Medications are 2.1%. Restaurant meals carry a 10% rate. Only physical goods that you carry out of the EU qualify for a refund. Services, hotel stays, and meals are excluded. So are digital goods and downloads. Common qualifying purchases include fashion, luxury items, cosmetics, electronics, and wine for export. Paris is especially popular for luxury shopping. Many top brands process tax-free forms directly in their boutiques.

Tips for Maximizing Your France Tax Free Refund

To get the best refund, group your purchases at one store to reach the €100.01 minimum. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché have dedicated tax-free counters. Some retailers work with different refund operators, such as Global Blue, Planet Tax Free, or Wundertax. Each operator has a different fee structure. Comparing them can save you 2 to 3 percent. If you shop across several EU countries on one trip, you only need to validate French forms at your final EU exit point. That exit can be in another EU country.