Best Countries for VAT Refund Shopping in Europe (Use Our Calculator to Compare)

The price you pay for a luxury item in Europe depends on two things: the base retail price and the VAT rate of the country where you buy it. While Italy, France and Spain are all popular luxury shopping destinations, the final saving after VAT refund can vary more than most people expect.

To help travellers understand the difference, we created a Real-Time VAT Refund Calculator that shows accurate refund amounts for each country.

You can try it here:

➡️ /vat-refund-calculator

Italy — Ideal for Gucci, Prada, Fendi

Italy is home to many iconic fashion houses, which usually makes it the most competitive country for Italian brands. Higher VAT also means a higher potential refund.

France — Best for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel

France is a favourite for handbag collectors. VAT is slightly lower than Italy, but still offers strong savings, especially when combined with brand-exclusive pricing.

Spain — Great for Loewe, Zara, Perfumes and Selected Luxury Items

Spain often has slightly better local prices for some categories. Even with a lower VAT rate, the final value can be impressive.

Example Comparison (€2,000 luxury item)

• Italy: €280–€320 refund
• France: €240–€300 refund
• Spain: €180–€240 refund

The gap adds up — especially if you're buying more than one piece.

Use the Calculator Before You Travel

The calculator is particularly helpful when planning multi-city trips. Instead of guessing, you can enter your item price and test each country.

Try it here:

➡️ /vat-refund-calculator

A few seconds of checking can save you hundreds of euros on your next purchase.