You can now shop in France tax free.

Here are the information on how to obtain a VAT refund on tax-free purchases.

If you are a residence of a a third country at the date of purchase and you are visiting France for less than six months you are entitled to a VAT free shopping. You must be able to provide proof of both these requirements at the time of purchase.

The goods that you buy must be retail purchases made as a visitor and must not be for business purposes. Some goods are not eligible for a VAT refund which includes tobacco, goods subject to special formalities, unmounted gemstones, postage stamps, weapons, cultural goods, private means of transport, including their accessories and provisioning. The total value of your purchases including VAT at a single shop on the same day must be over 175 euros. In order to obtain refund on purchased goods you have to prove your exportation with a customs stamp on your Global Refund cheque. When leaving EU by train, road or sea, show your purchases and documents to customs officials at the border or when you board.

When you shop, look for the Global Refund Tax Free Shopping sign and ask for your Tax Refund cheque. Show your purchases, receipts and passport at the border then have your Global Refund cheque stamped. For easier refund, show your refund cheque, passport and credit card at a nearby Refund Office and ask for an Immediate Refund on your credit card. The goods you purchased have to be exported within three months plus the month of purchase, and your refund cheque returned within six months of purchase.

You can get your refund immediately at the airport of departure or later by one of Global Refund Offices. The refund is in cash, direct crediting of a credit card, transfer money to a bank account or send a bank cheque so it is convenient for the consumer.