VAT Refund queue at CDG?
Sep 6, 2012 | 2:40 am
#1
Original Poster
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
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VAT Refund queue at CDG?
Hi all,
When we last flew out of CDG in 2010, the queue for VAT refund was very long and there were only 2 employees. It was logistically too difficult to wait in line to get our VAT forms stamped, and to make our flight on time, so we gave up. We haven't had similar delays out of LHR and FRA. Our flight departed around 10am.
How is it this year? Having an idea ahead of time will help us determine if we bring our passport for shopping and fill out paperwork or just shop and ignore the VAT refund. Our flight this year will depart at 1pm.
Thanks
Michael
When we last flew out of CDG in 2010, the queue for VAT refund was very long and there were only 2 employees. It was logistically too difficult to wait in line to get our VAT forms stamped, and to make our flight on time, so we gave up. We haven't had similar delays out of LHR and FRA. Our flight departed around 10am.
How is it this year? Having an idea ahead of time will help us determine if we bring our passport for shopping and fill out paperwork or just shop and ignore the VAT refund. Our flight this year will depart at 1pm.
Thanks
Michael
Sep 6, 2012 | 9:54 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM1K,AA EXP
Posts: 1,192
RE:Detax
I usually get there earlier. UA opens check-in at Terminal 1 at 9:00. There are no forms. You hand the detax agents(the windows are close to Porte 16)
behind the UA counters) a passport, a printed ticket of some sort, and the envelops with the detax forms. If I can get in the detax line before 9, I've always made it through.
behind the UA counters) a passport, a printed ticket of some sort, and the envelops with the detax forms. If I can get in the detax line before 9, I've always made it through.
Sep 9, 2012 | 8:03 am
#4
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,512
I usually get there earlier. UA opens check-in at Terminal 1 at 9:00. There are no forms. You hand the detax agents(the windows are close to Porte 16)
behind the UA counters) a passport, a printed ticket of some sort, and the envelops with the detax forms. If I can get in the detax line before 9, I've always made it through.
behind the UA counters) a passport, a printed ticket of some sort, and the envelops with the detax forms. If I can get in the detax line before 9, I've always made it through.
Sep 10, 2012 | 5:59 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sydney
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Posts: 587
I was there a few weeks back. The customs queue was quite long but it moved reasonably quickly. The nightmare was trying to get your money back in euros. The queue hardly moved and after 1 hour I gave up and filled out the forms for a credit card refund. The non-euro currency was much quicker.
Nov 26, 2012 | 7:57 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 7
Sorry in advance for any stupid questions... for the credit card refund, is it posted back in euro or dollars? Trying to determine which is the better option, considering the foreign transaction fee. I heard that cash refunds take a larger cut of the refund, does anyone know the percentage?
Also, i know the vat in France is about 19.6% but obviously not going to get back that whole amount, what is the vat refund percentage more like? 10%? and is there a limit to how much we can get back? I heard conflicting stories about how we are limited to one handbag per person, etc.
Also, i know the vat in France is about 19.6% but obviously not going to get back that whole amount, what is the vat refund percentage more like? 10%? and is there a limit to how much we can get back? I heard conflicting stories about how we are limited to one handbag per person, etc.
Nov 27, 2012 | 1:50 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM1K,AA EXP
Posts: 1,192
RE:TVA
Many stores credit back the entire amount. Some charge something like a 5 euro processing fee. If you used a credit card and paid the currency transaction %, you will receive the same % back on the refund amount.
May 18, 2015 | 9:50 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, DL Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 4,043
Can someone clarify on the 1 handbag per person rule if it's valid?
I will be leaving CDG and departing europe from FRA.
Would I expect a long wait at CDG for a simple stamp?
I will be leaving CDG and departing europe from FRA.
Would I expect a long wait at CDG for a simple stamp?
May 19, 2015 | 12:52 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
European air carriers are very strict about on board luggage. One bag is fine but it cannot exceed about 20 in length.
If you asking about a departure stamp in your passport and are first traveling from CDG to FRA, your passport will be stamped departing FRA which is, in my experience, a much more efficiently operated airport than is CDG.
If you asking about a departure stamp in your passport and are first traveling from CDG to FRA, your passport will be stamped departing FRA which is, in my experience, a much more efficiently operated airport than is CDG.
May 19, 2015 | 1:04 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, DL Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 4,043
European air carriers are very strict about on board luggage. One bag is fine but it cannot exceed about 20 in length.
Sorry I mis-understand the 1 hand bag rule thinking it was 1 export rebate (1 hand bag) per PAX
Flying J, won't have this issue.
If you asking about a departure stamp in your passport and are first traveling from CDG to FRA, your passport will be stamped departing FRA which is, in my experience, a much more efficiently operated airport than is CDG.
Sorry I mis-understand the 1 hand bag rule thinking it was 1 export rebate (1 hand bag) per PAX
Flying J, won't have this issue.
If you asking about a departure stamp in your passport and are first traveling from CDG to FRA, your passport will be stamped departing FRA which is, in my experience, a much more efficiently operated airport than is CDG.
May 19, 2015 | 2:25 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Paris, France
Programs: United, TAP Victoria, AVIOS
Posts: 480
Sorry about the confusion. I do not purchase items to take out of the EU but I understand that there is a new system that has streamlined the entire process.
You should ask the merchant from whom you purchase goods. They will know if the paperwork they issue requires a stamp (few now do), or if they use Global Blue or Premier Tax Free services which is scan process I believe.
Either way, VAT refunds will be handled in FRA, not CDG.
You should ask the merchant from whom you purchase goods. They will know if the paperwork they issue requires a stamp (few now do), or if they use Global Blue or Premier Tax Free services which is scan process I believe.
Either way, VAT refunds will be handled in FRA, not CDG.