How Tax Free Shopping Works

Join the 13 million shoppers who shop with Global Blue every year. Save money and time in three simple steps.

How it works

Shop Tax Free in Three Easy Steps

Shop at over 300,000 stores across 40+ countries. Get your refund paid in cash or add your payment details online.

Look for the Global Blue star logo in store
When paying for your purchases, ask for a Global Blue Tax Free Form
If you are a Global Blue member, present your Shop Tax Free barcode to store staff. Your personal details will be filled out automatically
In some cases you'll need to remember to fill in your details manually. You can see how to fill out a Tax Free Form here

What to look out for...

Standard VAT Rate

The standard VAT rate is detailed by country and dependent on goods.

Minimum purchase amount

The minimum amount spent by a shopper to get the tax refund in each country.

Info on eligibility

Eligibility information is availabe at each destination to inform on the purchasing of Tax Free goods.

When you depart from your shopping destination, go to the nearest Customs or self-validation Kiosk
Present your completed Tax Free Form, passport and original purchase receipts for validation
Goods should be kept unused, available for inspection

What to look out for...

Stamping period

This time period differs from country to country. The full list can be found on the website and app.

Validity of stamped form

Time period specified on your form for export validation.

Country specific rules

Each country has its own regulations to follow in order to obtain a refund.

Add your payment details online to receive the refund automatically
If you prefer, find a nearby Refund Office displaying the Global Blue star logo, in some cases this can be a Currency Exchange
Present your validated Tax Free Form and passport. Receive your refund in cash or to your chosen payment details online. Refund paid is the VAT minus Global Blue’s service fee
In a rush? Use the Global Blue mailbox located near most Customs Offices. Send your validated Tax Free Form and receipts to Global Blue using our prepaid envelope. The envelope is provided by the shop where you made your Tax Free purchase
Before sending the documents, we advise you to make a copy of them, and write down the Tax Free Form number (DOC ID) of each Form for your reference. We recommend also to add your email address on the Tax Free Form in case we need to contact you

Shop Tax Free Country Destinations