How to Get a VAT Refund in France: The Complete Guide for Tourists with Airvat

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, shopping will definitely be on your list. From the grand boutiques on Champs-Élysées to hidden concept stores in Le Marais – the city is a dream for fashion lovers and souvenir hunters alike.
But here’s something most first-time visitors don’t know: you can get up to 13% of your shopping costs back by claiming a VAT refund. And now, thanks to a licensed digital operator called Airvat, this process has become easier than ever.

What Is VAT Refund and Why It Matters for Tourists

In France, all goods and many services include a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT).
Non-EU residents are entitled to claim this tax back on purchases made during their trip, as long as the items are taken out of the country unused. Traditionally, getting that refund meant endless paper forms, queues at the airport, and complicated store procedures.

But Airvat changed the game – bringing the entire VAT refund process into your phone. No paper forms, no confusion, and no missed refunds.

Meet Airvat: The Official Digital VAT Refund Partner

Airvat is not just another app – it’s an approved tax refund operator, officially licensed by the Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes of the French Republic (DGDDI) under license number FR-017-AOD, dated 27/10/2022.
The company operates in full compliance with VAT notice 407 (UK) and Belgian VAT article 39, which confirms its recognition across several EU jurisdictions.

In simple words – Airvat is a trusted and legal way to receive your VAT refund in France, supported by the French customs’ PABLO electronic validation system.

At the moment, Airvat operates in France and the Belgium, and is in the process of obtaining licenses in other EU countries, including Italy.

Why Airvat Is Different from Traditional Tax Refund Services

Unlike traditional refund operators like Global Blue or Planet, Airvat offers travelers a fully digital experience with clear benefits:

• Everything in one app – request, upload, and track your refund directly on your phone.
• Combine all invoices, even for small purchases under €100, into one refund form. This means you don’t need to meet the usual €100.01 minimum per store.
• Faster refunds – most users receive their money within 1-7 business days, with an average of just 3 days.
• Higher refund amounts – on average, Airvat users get 50% more money back compared to in-store refund services.
• Transparent pricing – Airvat charges a flat 20% fee of the VAT amount, with no hidden costs or additional commissions.
• Operates under official EU licenses, recognized by customs authorities.

How to Get Your VAT Refund with Airvat: Step-by-Step

1. Shop at any store in France.
   Buy your favorite French brands, perfumes or clothes. There’s no need to look for stores with “Tax Free” signs.
2. Ask for a business invoice.
   At the checkout, request a business invoice made out to Airvat (not a regular receipt). This is the key document that enables your refund.
3. Upload your invoices to the Airvat app.
   When convenient, open the Airvat app and upload all invoices. Before you depart France, also upload your passport details – the app will guide you through each step.
4. Validate your refund at the airport.
   Once your digital tax-free form is created, you’ll need to validate it at a PABLO terminal in the airport before your flight. It only takes a few minutes.
5. Receive your refund.
   Select your preferred payment method directly in the app – bank transfer, PayPal, or others. Refunds usually arrive within 1-7 business days.
   (Tip: PayPal may charge an additional fee, so a bank card refund is usually the best option.)

https://youtu.be/7oUAlbbWdAM

Why Smart Shoppers in Paris Choose Airvat

Airvat’s unique system of combining all invoices into a single form allows even small purchases – a bottle of perfume here, a scarf there – to add up to a meaningful refund.
It’s perfect for travelers who love exploring local boutiques, small designer shops, and souvenir markets rather than spending everything in one store.

Whether you’re shopping during Les Soldes (Paris Sales), hunting for Black Friday deals, or visiting the biggest malls in Paris, Airvat ensures your experience remains smooth, digital, and rewarding.

Paris offers some of the world’s best shopping experiences – and with Airvat, you can make the most of them.
By turning a complicated, paper-based system into a simple mobile process, Airvat helps travelers save money, save time, and enjoy every moment of their trip.

Download the Airvat app before your next Paris adventure and start getting your VAT refund the smart way.