Visitors Shopping in France - Getting Your Tax back

If you visit France for less than six months and you live outside of the European Union, then you can claim back the value Added tax on some larger purchases made.

You have to leave France within 60 days of making the purchase, so if you are staying longer save your big purchases for the last couple of months.

You have to keep the receipt and get a special detaxe form from the shop you buy the goods from, you will need your passport for them to give you this and not all shops will have the service or forms available - ask first.

Some shops offer "Tax Free Shopping" - you still pay tax and get the refund after leaving France. This is mainly from the larger stores and specialist shops.

For full information look at the official government site at... http://www.douane.gouv.fr/page.asp?id=39