If you love shopping online while traveling – or even before your trip – here’s some good news: yes, you can get a VAT refund on online purchases in France. 🇫🇷
But there’s a catch – and that’s exactly where most travelers get confused.
Let’s clear it up.
Online Shopping Still Counts – If It’s Delivered in France
The French tax-free system is designed for tourists who physically take their purchases out of the EU.
That means it doesn’t matter whether you bought something in-store or online – what matters is:
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The item was delivered to a French address (your hotel, Airbnb, or a pickup point), and
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You export it yourself when leaving the EU.
So yes – those shoes you ordered from a French website to your Paris hotel are totally eligible for a VAT refund, just like something you bought in a boutique.
The Problem: Most Online Stores Don’t Handle Tax-Free Forms
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Big online stores rarely offer a “tax-free” checkout option. Their systems are built for locals – not for tourists.
They’ll send you a regular invoice, not a “détaxe” form.
And without the official tax-free document, you can’t validate your refund at the airport.
Unless… you use Airvat. ✨
The Airvat Shortcut: How to Get a Refund from Online Orders
Airvat is a licensed digital VAT refund operator approved by French Customs.
It works perfectly for both in-store and online purchases.
Here’s what to do:
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When shopping online, request a business invoice.
Make sure it’s addressed to Airvat, not to you personally (More information is here). -
Upload your invoices to the Airvat app.
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Before you leave France, validate your digital tax-free form via PABLO terminal at the airport or train station.
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Get your refund directly to your card – usually within a few days. 💶
Unlike traditional operators, Airvat doesn’t care whether each purchase was above €100.
You can combine multiple small orders – €30 here, €40 there – and still get your refund once the total exceeds €100.
Perfect for travelers who love online shopping or buying from several French websites.
What You Can Buy Online (and Still Get a Refund)
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Fashion & accessories (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Sézane, The Kooples)
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Beauty & skincare (Sephora, Nuxe, Caudalie)
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Home goods & decor (Maisons du Monde, Darty, Fnac)
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Even gourmet food and wine (delivered in France and exported with you)
Just make sure everything stays unused and in original packaging when you travel home – customs may check it at the airport.
Final Thoughts
Getting a VAT refund for online shopping in France is absolutely possible – it just requires the right process.
Most platforms won’t help you, but Airvat makes it simple:
you shop, upload, validate, and get your money back – all from your phone.
So next time you fill your French online cart, don’t worry about missing your tax refund.
You can shop the way you like – and Airvat will handle the rest.
