BEST BRANDS TO SHOP IN PARIS: SAVE $$$ How much can you save shopping in Paris? VAT Refund Explained

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What is VAT? How do I get my VAT refund? What are the best brands to shop in Paris? Which brands give you the most savings shopping in Paris? All these questions with pricing and savings to be addressed!
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[@jolies5329]

Thanks for your in-depth analysis of a complicated subject. A couple of points to add: the VAT refund varies by merchant; it can go as high as 18%, so worth checking before you purchase. The difference between 12% and 20% is due to “handling fees” charged by Global Blue and the merchant, which is kind of annoying. The government doesn’t recuperate any of the refunded VAT. Also, you're eligible for the VAT refund no matter your nationality (even an EU passport holder) as long as you live outside the EU as shown by a consular card. Glad you enjoyed your Paris shopping!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Great additional info. Thx for sharing!💜

[@DaylesAddiction]

Super informative Lisa, I have all my data to share too but I need to get motivated to film. Btw, the VAT refund is downstairs in Departures at CDG - for next time

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Good to know. I flew out of terminal 3 and like I said it was the same in Nice. Would be nice if they were consistent!

[@juliel4096]

Thank you for this video. Good reminder about the arrivals area to go for processing. I’m a big numbers person and loved your detail about it all and how not all items are worth buy gin overseas. However, you didn’t talk about when you get home and go through customs and how the declarations of items work. With technology they already know what you have claimed for VAT and how much did the US “tax” you for your purchase abroad. That’s another point too. Can’t wait to watch your unboxings!!!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I will touch on customs in my final unboxing video. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ellenmerkle940]

You could save enough to pay for the flight + hotel depending on what you buy; as long as you were definitely going to buy it in the US.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

100%. I just got a notice of flights round trip for $350. Might have to go back 😂

[@therebelsunflower]

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddlewhich airline?

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@therebelsunflower Norse Atlantic. It was for several different weeks in March. That’s from nyc though

[@therebelsunflower]

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle interestingly enough I’ve never heard of Norse Atlantic but I’m close enough to NYC so this is enlightening. Now to do some research

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@therebelsunflower I flew it on my return. Nice enough. It’s one of those pay what you want to airlines. So if you’re willing to go with a carryon and wait to pick your seat, that super low fare is amazing!

[@user-rl1op3zy2u]

Loved your video! I literally binge watched your Paris and London vlog!!!

[@missjanet111]

FINALLY the VAT makes sense! Well done! Fantastic video. 💕

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad I could explain it in a way that helped.

[@NinaNYC2000]

Lisa, this was so informative- thanks for doing all that math for us. I think I need to plan a trip!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Definitely worth it if you can get a cheap flight!

[@livingluxwithmeredith]

Super interesting Lisa! I had a different experience with my rejected ones. So strange there are systems within the system.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

That is interesting. Especially since we departed out of the same airport, albeit different terminals.

[@ruthmclean5116]

First of all, let me just say your hair looks fabulous! So shiny and healthy looking! Secondly, thank you so much for explaining the VAT in terms we can all understand! This was an excellent vlog! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thank you! You’re so sweet!💜

[@maxinezanfardino7620]

Ex👏cell👏ent👏 video! I'm TERRIBLE with numbers and, while my brain is still spinning, I found it the most informative one to date. I know I've seen videos that did not account for the country's specific processing vendor percentage making it seem like you get the full VAT back when in fact you do not.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thank you. I’m so glad you found it helpful!💜

[@annstevens5136]

Very informative. Thank you breaking it all down. Very impressive!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-yy2mu7eo6v]

Great information I’m going to Spain n now I know which brands to get. U r by far my favorite utuber

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

That’s so kind of you to say Lucille! Enjoy Spain and happy shopping!!💜

[@salehhasunny5642]

Thank you for your very informative video. Will be going to Paris, London and few European cities next month and your video definitely helped me out. Thanks again❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad I could help. Have a wonderful trip!

[@princesscarroll537]

Thank you so much for doing this! I'm planning a trip and this is super helpful

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I’m glad it was helpful. Have an amazing trip!💜

[@andreav2175]

Excellent breakdown! Super helpful. 👏

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I’m glad you found it helpful!💜

[@jerikedzierski9281]

Excellent presentation Lisa! It is a perfect step-by-step instruction tool. Noting that the VAT is in the arrivals section is key as I remember. You have such a calm, clear demeanor as you speak. You must be an amazing attorney! Thank you!❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thank you so much. Hope others find it helpful 💜

[@amgal23]

Very helpful and interesting. Thank you!!!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad you found it helpful!💜

[@erinperez4429]

One of ur best videos. Thank you so much. ❤ once I retire I would like to take my family to Europe. This will be extremely helpful. ❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

So glad you found it helpful. And enjoy your trip when you end up taking it!💜

[@annaaraman2854]

This video is brilliant ! Best breakdown and explanation. There are million videos on this topic but none as comprehensive as this one. So interesting on Chanel because that's the one of the most popular luxury brands to buy in Paris.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I was shocked about the prices in Chanel. But glad I discovered it before making any purchases. Saved a lot more money on other items instead

[@littleluxuries_435]

So interesting, so helpful, and I’m saving this video in case I get to go to Europe someday relatively soon!!! Thank you, Lisa!!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

You can only save it if you’re going with meeeeeeeee!!

[@littleluxuries_435]

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle In that case perhaps I do not need to save the video, I’ll have the valuable source with me!!! ❤️❤️❤️😁

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@littleluxuries_435 well that’s true!

[@Nat11884]

Fantastic video. Thank you for not brushing over things. Could you talk about how you packed your items for your return trip?

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Sure. I’ll add that to the last unboxing video. Great idea!

[@Irina_Dane]

very informative video, especially for people who have never dealt with duty-free forms. I can only say that in Denmark (where I'm from) it's the same. you will receive a maximum tax refund of 12-14% (depending on the VAT refund company) in Denmark, you can use your items straight away. at the refund office, the staff will ask you to present some items and there is no problem if you even wear them while travelling. great, right? I love shopping in Europe, especially because I can get a VAT return. My husband always jokes that we get our tickets for free because of my European shopping. Excited to see unboxing.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Love that-tickets were free!😂

[@samanthamiller2682]

Hi Lisa, I really enjoyed your video. One other thing to bear in mind is that some cards (debit and credit) charge a transaction fee when used abroad. This is certainly true in the UK (where I live) and can add up. So when travelling now I use a transaction free card. Its a shame the UK doesn’t have duty free anymore. We used to be able to save 20% when shopping at the departure airport - no more since Brexit 😢. Looking forward to watching your unboxings 😊.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Unfortunately for me I only decided to take this trip a week before I left so I didn’t have time to investigate transaction fees and apply for a new card. But yes, if you have the time, definitely do your research! I guess the good news is that you can at least claim VAT when you go to the EU now

[@KawanasStyle]

Only 6 minutes and 35 seconds into this video. And I finally understand what the that tax is period I never understood it before, I only knew that it was something that you're entitled to get back. Thank you, Lisa still watching.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad you’re finding it helpful!

[@kathleenp3135]

Lisa, What a great explanation! So educational. Glad you had a wonderful trip!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thanks Kathleen!💜

[@bstrong5016]

This has been the most useful video I have seen on this topic. Thank you Leisa! We are in the process of planning a trip now.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun!

[@8283babu]

Very informative video, I hope you get a lot of views

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad it was helpful. And honestly, I really didn’t expect a lot of views but it seems to be doing pretty well 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jeannecruz7006]

Excellent video & explanation Lisa!! I’m a numbers geek and also made a spreadsheet with my wishlist items for my trip to Paris earlier this year. I kept it on my phone and updated as I added items 😅 The savings were eye opening and helped me explain my excitement and the “value” of my purchases to my hubby. $/€ was a little weaker when I was there but almost doesn’t matter as you point out. Thanks for sharing your wisdom❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad to find another number nerd! 💜

[@normabonilla2219]

Thank you Lisa for the advice!! Can’t wait for the unboxing 😊

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

They’ll be coming soon!

[@pattywilliams788]

I feel like I can get a Bachelors degree from this video, lol! This was very informative and fascinating, Lisa. Thanks so much for sharing and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your Paris vlogs and the unboxings.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I probably should have put a warning at the beginning about all the math!

[@kathleenspeegle3517]

You did an excellent job explaining everything! Thank you!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jessicagrimsland7337]

Excellent video my sweet friend ❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thx Jessica!💜

[@Restless318]

Thank you for review so helpfull

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Glad it was helpful!💜

[@jaks_bag_attack]

Totally worth the airplane fair! Also all the fun!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Absolutely!!

[@user-fj2ee9so6w]

Thank you this information was very helpful!!😊

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

So glad it was helpful💜

[@aliciamullaney6634]

I love mathematic equations, great job.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

It’s all about the spreadsheet!💜

[@jenapw3623]

Thanks for vlogging your trip! Re VAT I declare every last morsel I acquire abroad upon return. Seattle customs without fail heavily tax my items which pretty much negates my vat refund (I opt for cash refund which is even less). But my attitude is whatever.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

That’s too bad. New York customs officers generally seem to pretty helpful when you’re honest.

[@jenapw3623]

Maybe because we don't have state income tax the state tries to eke out money where it can? 10.25% sales tax gets slapped on everything and I think we also have the highest gas prices in the country. Thanks again for sharing your trip with your subbies!! @@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle

[@ellenmerkle940]

I love your lipstick, can you share the make and color?

[@kayem352]

And the nail polish too!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

It’s Rose Zinzilan from Hermes

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Can’t help you with that. It’s some Apres gel color from the nail place I go to. I’m sorry😞

[@maryannbecker9666]

Such an informative video, thank you !

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Of course!💜

[@cdfave324]

Great video! Lots of good information!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

💜

[@justjo6305]

Very interesting! I’m Canadian and am interested in figuring this out. I know we pay a lot on customs, so that would have to be accounted for. And CDN $ generally sucks for conversions 😂

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Definitely breakout the spreadsheet and just see what it looks like. You can change the country on most websites so you should be able to the see the prices in euros and then do the math from there. I’ve heard that Canadian customs is pretty strict so yes, it may end up negating anything you might save. But it’s definitely worth investigating.

[@cathydavis8212]

Fellow Canadian here. I've lived in London, Switzerland & NYC & done alot of travel & declarations across borders. Yes, Canadian duties from Europe can be a lot...up to 30% or more, especially on clothing & accessories. (No duties on items from the US because of NAFTA/USMCA agreement, though there is sales tax, same as Canada) Duty amounts depend on the category of product, which you can research beforehand. I've found that the Canadian customs agents are nicer to me, and sometimes give me a break if I do the following: 1. have a list of everything I've bought, the cost in local currency, and CAD neatly written out to show them 2. the receipts organized in one place, and 3. the items on top of my suitcase to show them. They'll even wave me through if I've gone over the limit if it's not too much over. Make their job easy, and they'll usually give you a break. Oh, and always go to a male customs agent. 😉

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@cathydavis8212 great advice for our Canadian friends! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@stephaniebecerra7619]

Lisa, very informative video. I have a question though about Duty Tax once you re-enter the U.S. I have never bought a lot of luxury items abroad and back in the day I never declared anything because I was a bit over the threshold allowed, but not by much. In today’s world, 1 handbag would be well over the allowed amount. Do you declare, or take a chance? I have to imagine that the customs agent in the U.S. can see the purchase because each store would have recorded with your passport. That’s why I’m hesitant to purchase abroad. If you do declare what is the approximate duty tax charged? Would really appreciate your insight. I definitely don’t want to break the law!! Loved watching your London and Paris vlogs. ❤

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I absolutely declare. They can fine you or worse seize your items if you’re caught not declaring. Customs officers generally really appreciate people who are honest and will reduce your duties greatly. This is what happened the last 2 times I came back with significant purchases. I know some people will risk it but it’s not worth possibly losing your items over what the duty would be. And yes, I e heard that the VAT refund companies like Global Blue feed the info to US customs so they could look up what you bought. I don’t know if that’s really true, but again, not worth the risk in my opinion. Hope that helps 💜

[@stephaniebecerra7619]

Thanks for your reply. Understanding the process makes me feel more secure to purchase luxury items abroad.

[@wadiahal-filfil1598]

Very helpful thanks 🙏🏻

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

So glad!

[@krys1933]

Brilliant info!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

💜

[@pennyleather9935]

Just to say the maths is not quite that simple. Using simple numbers on a £100 spend in the UK you can’t just multiply by 0.8 to get the net price. The VAT amount is included in the £100.it’s not £80 +£20 VAT,more like £83.34+£16.66 VAT.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Thanks for the additional info. Super helpful!💜

[@shirjoin]

Question. You mentioned using a debit card. Is there a reason why a debit card would be used rather than a credit card? I understand the reason for using a debit card for cash machines. This video was so helpful.

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

No reason in particular other than I don’t really credit cards other than store cards because I get points.

[@Luxuryfinds617]

Great video any thoughts on best credit card foe currency exchange?

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

Since this was a very last minute trip, I didn’t have an opportunity to research credit cards. I used my debit card, my Amex and one visa. My debit card converted at 1.07 when google said the rate was 1.06. The Visa card charged 1.06 when it was 1.05 on google. HTH

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

*stares at your local Sales Tax in my IVA (Mexican VAT, 16% across the country except on the international frontier)*

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

😂🤣

[@miradonfbd]

So what happens with duties when you get home? I bought a bag on ebay for $1500. It shipped to Portland. Then I was hit for $300 duties bill from DHL. Excellent video!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

You should absolutely declare your items. Most customs agents will be very appreciative of your honesty and give you a big break. I only got charged $94 and trust me it should have been a lot more!💜

[@miradonfbd]

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddlewow! I was really shocked by my $300 charge. That’s 20%!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@miradonfbd that’s crazy. Handbags are taxed at 10%. And they should only charge for duties on the amount above $800. So at most it should have been $70

[@gracek51921]

Excellent video! My son (who’s in his 20’s and knows nothing about luxury bags 🤣) was sweet enough to hunt down the Celine Triomphe shoulder bag for me while in Paris earlier this year. My estimated savings compared to retail in the U.S., factoring in the VAT refund and my 6% state sales tax, was approximately $1000, or about 33%. The wild card in the amount of savings, however, is the amount of U.S. customs duty one will be assessed, which seems highly dependent on the discretion of the particular customs officers one happens to encounter when declaring items. In my son’s case with the Celine bag, the screening customs officer sent him to a separate room to pay customs duties, but then the customs officer doing the processing luckily just waived him off without having to pay anything!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

@gracek51921 100% agree on the customs/duties point. It is highly dependent on the agent. How sweet of your son to pickup the bag for you! Congrats on your new bag!!💜

[@user-rl1op3zy2u]

Loved your video! I literally binge watched your Paris and London vlog!!!

[@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle]

I love hearing that! So glad you’re enjoying the travel vlogs!💜