We will be taking a specialized tour in Paris soon and am wondering if the VAT on it can be refunded? I'm very familiar with VAT refunds at stores, but not for tours. Thank you!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10672 posts
It has to be a tangible, not a service, so no refund.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
734 posts
No.
VAT refunds are only for goods you take with you. Services (tours, hotels etc) and goods you consume in the country (meals, drinks) are not eligible
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
Technically you could.. as long as you can show it to customs unused when you leave. That way you'd get 20% back on a tour you hadn't taken. :)
Posted by
Chicago
8599 posts
Vat refunds are essentially an export concession. They are for goods not being consumed in the country but exported.
for example we bought a couch in France and had it shipped to the US -- by not paying VAT we basically covered the cost of shipping. We bought a vase last year and similarly the VAT reduction at point of sale meant the store could ship it i.e. export it to us for no additional cost. If you take the item yourself then you do the VAT yourself at the airport with the paperwork provided by the store proving it is an unused item being exported.
Services like hotels and tours are consumed in country and so are not 'exported' and taxes are not remitted. I wonder why you think you would be entitled not to pay tax on such items?