Seamus Hammond
France is known for its opulent fragrances and perfumes, and the city of Paris is a popular destination for perfume shopping. While some sources suggest that perfume prices are fixed in both the US and France, others claim that certain fragrances may be cheaper in France due to tax refunds and duty-free shopping. Non-EU citizens can take advantage of tax refunds on purchases, and apps like Wevat offer an easy way to obtain these refunds without the need for extensive paperwork. Additionally, duty-free shops near the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli and at the Paris airport may offer discounted prices. However, the exchange rate can also impact the overall cost, and US/Canada web-based discounters may sometimes offer better deals. Ultimately, it is recommended to compare prices and take advantage of tax refunds and duty-free shopping when possible to maximize savings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper perfumes in France | Some sources suggest that perfumes are cheaper in France due to VAT refunds, especially for non-EU citizens. However, others claim that US/Canada web-based discounters often offer better prices, even with the exchange rate considered. |
| VAT refunds | Non-EU citizens can obtain VAT refunds on perfume purchases in France, typically around 13% to 23%. Apps like Wevat facilitate this process, removing the need for a single purchase over €100. |
| Duty-free shops | Some travellers suggest that duty-free shops near the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli offer better prices, while others claim that duty-free shops at the airport did not seem cheaper. |
| Exchange rate | The exchange rate between the dollar and euro can impact the relative price of perfumes in France for travellers from the US or Canada. |
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What You'll Learn
VAT refunds
VAT, or TVA in France, is included in the price of goods and services and is usually 20% for most items. Tourists who are not residents of France or the EU can claim back some of this VAT on their purchases. To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of a non-EU country
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have been in France for less than 6 months
- Present a passport to prove non-resident status
- Spend a total of over €100 across all purchases during your trip
- Purchases must be made within 3 days
Some sources suggest that you can only claim VAT refunds on single purchases of over €100, while others state that there is no minimum spend per store, as long as you spend over €100 in total across all purchases.
VAT Refund Process
The process for claiming a VAT refund involves several steps:
- Obtain a tax exemption form from the retailer and have it stamped.
- Present the duty-free slip and purchased items at customs on departure from France.
- Receive your VAT refund.
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The Fragonard Museum
In addition to the Paris location, there is another Fragonard Museum in the historic town of Grasse, often referred to as the birthplace of French perfumery. This museum is located within the Fragonard factory and offers visitors a glimpse into the process of creating perfumes, from raw materials to the final bottled product. The Grasse museum also showcases the history of perfume through ancient objects and exhibits. Founded in 1975, it was the first perfume museum to open in the town.
The Grasse museum also pays tribute to the famous painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, who was originally from Grasse and was the son of a perfume maker. The museum displays major works by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, as well as paintings by other local artists such as Marguerite Gérard and Jean-Baptiste Mallet. The artistic and historical significance of these works goes beyond the regional scope of Grasse.
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Duty-free shops
If you are travelling from a country outside the EU, you may be able to get a VAT refund on your purchases in France. This can be done through a tax refund app like Wevat or at a kiosk at the airport upon departure. Wevat, for example, allows you to save up to 13% on your VAT without any minimum spending requirements.
To find the best prices, it is recommended to compare prices online or in different shops. You can also visit French websites like Sephora.fr or Nocibe.fr and multiply the listed price by 0.80 to get the price without VAT. Additionally, some duty-free shops offer extra discounts if you buy in larger quantities.
Overall, while duty-free shops may not always offer the cheapest prices, they can provide an opportunity to save on taxes and find exclusive deals on perfumes.
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US web-based discounters
While some people have found that certain fragrances are cheaper in France, others have noted that US web-based discounters often offer better prices than mainstream designer fragrance prices in France.
US-based discounters such as FragranceX.com, Fragrance Outlet, and Perfume.com offer a wide range of fragrances at discounted prices. FragranceX.com boasts a selection of over 9,500 brands, including popular designer brands like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Gucci, with discounts of up to 80% off. Fragrance Outlet, with over 30 years of experience, offers hundreds of authentic designer fragrances at discounted prices both online and across its 110+ physical locations in the United States. Perfume.com also provides a user-friendly platform with a wide selection of fragrances at significantly lower prices.
These US-based discounters often provide rewards programs, bundle deals, and other promotions to help customers save even more on their fragrance purchases. Additionally, they guarantee the authenticity of their products, ensuring that customers receive high-quality, genuine fragrances.
When considering purchasing fragrances in France, it is worth noting that VAT is already included in the displayed prices, whereas US sales tax is typically added at checkout. This makes it easier to compare prices and determine if purchasing fragrances in France offers any significant savings.
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The Wevat tax refund app
Wevat users can shop tax-free at any store that sells eligible items with valid invoices, all from their phones. The app provides instructions on asking for receipts, and there are no partner store restrictions or minimum spending requirements on each purchase. Users simply need to spend more than €100 per trip, which can include multiple purchases across different stores.
To claim a refund, users take a picture of their purchase invoices, generate a barcode, and scan it at the airport when leaving France. The app processes the refund, and users can track their refund progress through the in-app refund tracker or by contacting customer support.
Benefits
Wevat offers several benefits over traditional in-store VAT refund providers. It gives users up to 23% more VAT back with a transparent service fee and no foreign exchange fees. The app also eliminates the need for dealing with paper forms, multiple scans, and customs procedures, making the refund process faster and easier.
Drawbacks
One drawback of the Wevat app is that it does not currently support VAT refunds in Euros for US credit card users. US citizens may need to choose between paying a percentage to receive a refund via PayPal or converting to USD and transferring it back to their US bank account.
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Frequently asked questions
Many cosmetic and perfume prices are fixed, both in the US and in France. However, some premium lines like Tom Ford Private Blend or Maison Francis Kurkdjian are somewhat cheaper than full US retail prices.
You can get a VAT refund if you are a non-EU citizen. The Wevat tax refund app can help you save up to 13% on your VAT, without the need to spend more than 100 euros per transaction.
The duty-free shops near the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli offer good prices. You can also visit the Fragonard Museum and Factory in Grasse, the birthplace of French perfumery.
Compare prices online before you go. You can also ask your friends to give you the price in your home country and then compare to see if it is worth buying in France.
