VAT refund with short layover: CDG - HEL - LAX

Try doing the refund in Paris. The French use an electronic system (PABLO) and you only have to see a customs agent if you get a red light when you scan your receipts. I have successfully been able to do the VAT refund at the initial airport for my trip many times. If you do have to see an agent, in my experience, they will give the stamp if you have your boarding pass for the connecting flight and they see that you have a short layover or if your item is not in your hand luggage and some do not check. I have done VAT refunds probably around 25 times for at least 60 items over the years and I am super lucky because I have only not gotten paid my refund twice (once from Chanel but that is a story for another day). I do know people who have not had success with getting the refund after doing everything right so be mindful of that. I always say: don't buy anything that is going to bust your budget if you do not get the refund because that could definitely happen.

Thank you for the reply! I will just try my luck and do everything at CDG. I don't plan on buying any big ticket items, just some clothes, so I won't be too upset if things don't work out. But keeping my fingers crossed.