About the Airport Tax Refund Calculator
Non-residents shopping abroad can claim back a portion of the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on purchases before departure. Each country sets its own VAT rate, minimum purchase threshold, and refund processing rules. This tool helps you estimate your expected refund amount and tells you whether your purchase meets the minimum spend required for a refund claim.
VAT Refund Rates by Country
| Country | VAT Rate | Net Refund Rate | Minimum Spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 20% | ~12% | €100.01 |
| Germany | 19% | ~11.5% | €50 |
| Italy | 22% | ~13% | €154.94 |
| UK | 20% | ~13% | £30 |
| Japan | 10% | ~8% | ¥5,000 |
| Australia | 10% | ~8.5% | A$300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask the cashier for a tax refund form when paying. Major stores in tourist areas typically work with Global Blue or Planet — the staff will print the form on the spot. Some stores have a minimum purchase per transaction, separate from the country minimum.
Allow at least 30–60 extra minutes before your flight. You need to find the customs stamp desk (before security in some airports, after in others), get your paperwork stamped, then find the refund counter. Lines can be long at major shopping airports.
Yes. Most refund counters offer both cash (often in euros, pounds, etc.) and card refunds. Card refunds can take 4–8 weeks to appear. Cash is immediate but sometimes offered at a slightly worse rate.