The Ultimate Guide to Buying Apple Products Tax-Free in France
Buying a new iPhone, MacBook, or Apple Watch in Paris is a tempting idea for many travelers. But when you look at the price tag in a French Apple Store, you might notice it seems higher than back home. That’s because the price includes France’s standard 20% Value Added Tax (VAT).
The good news? If you live outside the EU, you don't have to pay that tax.
However, getting your money back isn't always straightforward. In this guide, we answer the internet's most searched questions about tech shopping in Paris and reveal how the Airvat app can help you maximize your refund.
How to get Apple tax-free? (The Smart Way)
Instead of relying on the Apple Store's default tax-free provider, savvy tech shoppers use the Airvat app. Airvat is a French Customs-approved digital operator that allows you to bypass the middleman and claim a higher refund.
Here is exactly how to get your Apple products tax-free using Airvat:
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Download Airvat: Install the app on your smartphone before you go shopping (https://airvat.com/).
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Do NOT ask for "Tax-Free": When you are at the checkout in the Apple Store (or at an electronics retailer like Fnac or Boulanger), do not ask the staff for a tax-free form.
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Ask for a "Business Invoice" (Facture): Tell the Apple employee: "Je voudrais une facture au nom de société, s'il vous plaît" (I would like a commercial invoice).
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Provide Airvat's Details: Show the employee the Airvat company name and address (found in the "How to Shop" section of your app). The receipt will be printed with Airvat's details on it.
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Upload & Validate: Snap a photo of this invoice in the Airvat app. When you leave France, simply scan the barcode generated by the app at the PABLO customs kiosk at the airport.
How do I get a 20% VAT refund in France after?
This is a very common question, but it requires a quick math clarification.
The VAT rate applied to electronics in France is 20%. However, because this 20% is added on top of the base price, the actual tax makes up 16.66% of the final retail price you pay at the register.
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The Traditional Reality: As mentioned, traditional in-store tax-free services will only refund you about 10-12% of your total spend, pocketing the rest as their fee.
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The Airvat Advantage: Because Airvat operates digitally with lower overheads, they pass the savings onto you. By using the "Invoice method" described above, Airvat helps you reclaim up to 20% more money than traditional methods.
While no service can legally refund 100% of the tax due to mandatory processing fees, Airvat guarantees you will get back a significantly higher percentage than the standard in-store forms.
Can you get tax-free in France? (General Rules)
If you are planning to buy Apple gear, make sure you meet the French government's basic eligibility criteria:
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Residency: You must live outside the European Union (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Asia).
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Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
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Trip Duration: You must be visiting France for less than 6 months.
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Minimum Spend: You must spend more than €100 in total during your trip.
Bonus Airvat Feature: With Airvat, that €100 doesn't have to be spent all at once. If you buy a €40 Apple AirTag, a €50 sweater at a boutique, and a €20 face cream at a pharmacy, Airvat lets you combine these small receipts into one single tax-free claim!
Buying Apple products in France is a brilliant way to save money, but only if you manage your tax refund correctly. Don't settle for the low rates offered at the checkout counter.
Take control of your shopping: download Airvat, ask for an invoice, and ensure you get the maximum possible refund on your new tech.
Ready to upgrade your iPhone in Paris? [Download Airvat] today and see exactly how much you can save!