BEST BRANDS TO SHOP IN PARIS: SAVE $$$ How much can you save shopping in Paris? VAT Refund Explained

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Welcome to my RU-vid channel, Luxury and Life in the Middle.
What is VAT? How do I get my VAT refund? What are the best brands to shop in Paris? Which brands give you the most savings shopping in Paris? All these questions with pricing and savings to be addressed!
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Опубликовано:

10 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 116

@jolies5329 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for your in-depth analysis of a complicated subject. A couple of points to add: the VAT refund varies by merchant; it can go as high as 18%, so worth checking before you purchase. The difference between 12% and 20% is due to “handling fees” charged by Global Blue and the merchant, which is kind of annoying. The government doesn’t recuperate any of the refunded VAT. Also, you're eligible for the VAT refund no matter your nationality (even an EU passport holder) as long as you live outside the EU as shown by a consular card. Glad you enjoyed your Paris shopping!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Great additional info. Thx for sharing!💜

@ellenmerkle940 11 месяцев назад

You could save enough to pay for the flight + hotel depending on what you buy; as long as you were definitely going to buy it in the US.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

100%. I just got a notice of flights round trip for $350. Might have to go back 😂

@therebelsunflower 11 месяцев назад

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddlewhich airline?

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

@therebelsunflower Norse Atlantic. It was for several different weeks in March. That’s from nyc though

@therebelsunflower 11 месяцев назад

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle interestingly enough I’ve never heard of Norse Atlantic but I’m close enough to NYC so this is enlightening. Now to do some research

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

@therebelsunflower I flew it on my return. Nice enough. It’s one of those pay what you want to airlines. So if you’re willing to go with a carryon and wait to pick your seat, that super low fare is amazing!

@juliel4096 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for this video. Good reminder about the arrivals area to go for processing. I’m a big numbers person and loved your detail about it all and how not all items are worth buy gin overseas. However, you didn’t talk about when you get home and go through customs and how the declarations of items work. With technology they already know what you have claimed for VAT and how much did the US “tax” you for your purchase abroad. That’s another point too. Can’t wait to watch your unboxings!!!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

I will touch on customs in my final unboxing video. Glad you enjoyed it!

@DaylesAddiction 11 месяцев назад

Super informative Lisa, I have all my data to share too but I need to get motivated to film. Btw, the VAT refund is downstairs in Departures at CDG - for next time

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Good to know. I flew out of terminal 3 and like I said it was the same in Nice. Would be nice if they were consistent!

@ruthmclean5116 11 месяцев назад

First of all, let me just say your hair looks fabulous! So shiny and healthy looking! Secondly, thank you so much for explaining the VAT in terms we can all understand! This was an excellent vlog! 👏🏼👏🏼

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Thank you! You’re so sweet!💜

@user-rl1op3zy2u 10 месяцев назад

Loved your video! I literally binge watched your Paris and London vlog!!!

@NinaNYC2000 11 месяцев назад

Lisa, this was so informative- thanks for doing all that math for us. I think I need to plan a trip!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Definitely worth it if you can get a cheap flight!

@maxinezanfardino7620 10 месяцев назад

Ex👏cell👏ent👏 video! I'm TERRIBLE with numbers and, while my brain is still spinning, I found it the most informative one to date. I know I've seen videos that did not account for the country's specific processing vendor percentage making it seem like you get the full VAT back when in fact you do not.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. I’m so glad you found it helpful!💜

@livingluxwithmeredith 11 месяцев назад

Super interesting Lisa! I had a different experience with my rejected ones. So strange there are systems within the system.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

That is interesting. Especially since we departed out of the same airport, albeit different terminals.

@KawanasStyle 11 месяцев назад

Only 6 minutes and 35 seconds into this video. And I finally understand what the that tax is period I never understood it before, I only knew that it was something that you're entitled to get back. Thank you, Lisa still watching.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad you’re finding it helpful!

@Irina_Dane 11 месяцев назад

very informative video, especially for people who have never dealt with duty-free forms. I can only say that in Denmark (where I'm from) it's the same. you will receive a maximum tax refund of 12-14% (depending on the VAT refund company) in Denmark, you can use your items straight away. at the refund office, the staff will ask you to present some items and there is no problem if you even wear them while travelling. great, right? I love shopping in Europe, especially because I can get a VAT return. My husband always jokes that we get our tickets for free because of my European shopping. Excited to see unboxing.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Love that-tickets were free!😂

@samanthamiller2682 11 месяцев назад

Hi Lisa, I really enjoyed your video. One other thing to bear in mind is that some cards (debit and credit) charge a transaction fee when used abroad. This is certainly true in the UK (where I live) and can add up. So when travelling now I use a transaction free card. Its a shame the UK doesn’t have duty free anymore. We used to be able to save 20% when shopping at the departure airport - no more since Brexit 😢. Looking forward to watching your unboxings 😊.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Unfortunately for me I only decided to take this trip a week before I left so I didn’t have time to investigate transaction fees and apply for a new card. But yes, if you have the time, definitely do your research! I guess the good news is that you can at least claim VAT when you go to the EU now

@user-yy2mu7eo6v 11 месяцев назад

Great information I’m going to Spain n now I know which brands to get. U r by far my favorite utuber

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

That’s so kind of you to say Lucille! Enjoy Spain and happy shopping!!💜

@jerikedzierski9281 11 месяцев назад

Excellent presentation Lisa! It is a perfect step-by-step instruction tool. Noting that the VAT is in the arrivals section is key as I remember. You have such a calm, clear demeanor as you speak. You must be an amazing attorney! Thank you!❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Thank you so much. Hope others find it helpful 💜

@erinperez4429 11 месяцев назад

One of ur best videos. Thank you so much. ❤ once I retire I would like to take my family to Europe. This will be extremely helpful. ❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

So glad you found it helpful. And enjoy your trip when you end up taking it!💜

@annaaraman2854 11 месяцев назад

This video is brilliant ! Best breakdown and explanation. There are million videos on this topic but none as comprehensive as this one. So interesting on Chanel because that's the one of the most popular luxury brands to buy in Paris.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

I was shocked about the prices in Chanel. But glad I discovered it before making any purchases. Saved a lot more money on other items instead

@Nat11884 11 месяцев назад

Fantastic video. Thank you for not brushing over things. Could you talk about how you packed your items for your return trip?

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Sure. I’ll add that to the last unboxing video. Great idea!

@annstevens5136 11 месяцев назад

Very informative. Thank you breaking it all down. Very impressive!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@salehhasunny5642 11 месяцев назад

Thank you for your very informative video. Will be going to Paris, London and few European cities next month and your video definitely helped me out. Thanks again❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad I could help. Have a wonderful trip!

@princesscarroll537 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for doing this! I'm planning a trip and this is super helpful

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

I’m glad it was helpful. Have an amazing trip!💜

@missjanet111 11 месяцев назад

FINALLY the VAT makes sense! Well done! Fantastic video. 💕

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad I could explain it in a way that helped.

@littleluxuries_435 10 месяцев назад

So interesting, so helpful, and I’m saving this video in case I get to go to Europe someday relatively soon!!! Thank you, Lisa!!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

You can only save it if you’re going with meeeeeeeee!!

@littleluxuries_435 10 месяцев назад

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle In that case perhaps I do not need to save the video, I’ll have the valuable source with me!!! ❤️❤️❤️😁

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

@littleluxuries_435 well that’s true!

@jeannecruz7006 11 месяцев назад

Excellent video & explanation Lisa!! I’m a numbers geek and also made a spreadsheet with my wishlist items for my trip to Paris earlier this year. I kept it on my phone and updated as I added items 😅 The savings were eye opening and helped me explain my excitement and the “value” of my purchases to my hubby. $/€ was a little weaker when I was there but almost doesn’t matter as you point out. Thanks for sharing your wisdom❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad to find another number nerd! 💜

@bstrong5016 11 месяцев назад

This has been the most useful video I have seen on this topic. Thank you Leisa! We are in the process of planning a trip now.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! Have fun!

@andreav2175 10 месяцев назад

Excellent breakdown! Super helpful. 👏

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

I’m glad you found it helpful!💜

@kathleenp3135 11 месяцев назад

Lisa, What a great explanation! So educational. Glad you had a wonderful trip!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Thanks Kathleen!💜

@amgal23 10 месяцев назад

Very helpful and interesting. Thank you!!!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

Glad you found it helpful!💜

@aliciamullaney6634 11 месяцев назад

I love mathematic equations, great job.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

It’s all about the spreadsheet!💜

@jenapw3623 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for vlogging your trip! Re VAT I declare every last morsel I acquire abroad upon return. Seattle customs without fail heavily tax my items which pretty much negates my vat refund (I opt for cash refund which is even less). But my attitude is whatever.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

That’s too bad. New York customs officers generally seem to pretty helpful when you’re honest.

@jenapw3623 11 месяцев назад

Maybe because we don't have state income tax the state tries to eke out money where it can? 10.25% sales tax gets slapped on everything and I think we also have the highest gas prices in the country. Thanks again for sharing your trip with your subbies!! @@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle

@normabonilla2219 11 месяцев назад

Thank you Lisa for the advice!! Can’t wait for the unboxing 😊

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

They’ll be coming soon!

@jaks_bag_attack 11 месяцев назад

Totally worth the airplane fair! Also all the fun!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Absolutely!!

@kathleenspeegle3517 11 месяцев назад

You did an excellent job explaining everything! Thank you!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@8283babu 11 месяцев назад

Very informative video, I hope you get a lot of views

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful. And honestly, I really didn’t expect a lot of views but it seems to be doing pretty well 🤷🏻‍♀️

@pattywilliams788 11 месяцев назад

I feel like I can get a Bachelors degree from this video, lol! This was very informative and fascinating, Lisa. Thanks so much for sharing and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your Paris vlogs and the unboxings.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

I probably should have put a warning at the beginning about all the math!

@Restless318 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for review so helpfull

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!💜

@user-fj2ee9so6w 11 месяцев назад

Thank you this information was very helpful!!😊

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

So glad it was helpful💜

@ellenmerkle940 11 месяцев назад

I love your lipstick, can you share the make and color?

@kayem352 11 месяцев назад

And the nail polish too!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

It’s Rose Zinzilan from Hermes

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Can’t help you with that. It’s some Apres gel color from the nail place I go to. I’m sorry😞

@maryannbecker9666 11 месяцев назад

Such an informative video, thank you !

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Of course!💜

@jessicagrimsland7337 11 месяцев назад

Excellent video my sweet friend ❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Thx Jessica!💜

@justjo6305 11 месяцев назад

Very interesting! I’m Canadian and am interested in figuring this out. I know we pay a lot on customs, so that would have to be accounted for. And CDN $ generally sucks for conversions 😂

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Definitely breakout the spreadsheet and just see what it looks like. You can change the country on most websites so you should be able to the see the prices in euros and then do the math from there. I’ve heard that Canadian customs is pretty strict so yes, it may end up negating anything you might save. But it’s definitely worth investigating.

@cathydavis8212 11 месяцев назад

Fellow Canadian here. I've lived in London, Switzerland & NYC & done alot of travel & declarations across borders. Yes, Canadian duties from Europe can be a lot...up to 30% or more, especially on clothing & accessories. (No duties on items from the US because of NAFTA/USMCA agreement, though there is sales tax, same as Canada) Duty amounts depend on the category of product, which you can research beforehand. I've found that the Canadian customs agents are nicer to me, and sometimes give me a break if I do the following: 1. have a list of everything I've bought, the cost in local currency, and CAD neatly written out to show them 2. the receipts organized in one place, and 3. the items on top of my suitcase to show them. They'll even wave me through if I've gone over the limit if it's not too much over. Make their job easy, and they'll usually give you a break. Oh, and always go to a male customs agent. 😉

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

@cathydavis8212 great advice for our Canadian friends! Thank you so much for sharing.

@cdfave324 11 месяцев назад

Great video! Lots of good information!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

💜

@wadiahal-filfil1598 11 месяцев назад

Very helpful thanks 🙏🏻

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

So glad!

@stephaniebecerra7619 11 месяцев назад

Lisa, very informative video. I have a question though about Duty Tax once you re-enter the U.S. I have never bought a lot of luxury items abroad and back in the day I never declared anything because I was a bit over the threshold allowed, but not by much. In today’s world, 1 handbag would be well over the allowed amount. Do you declare, or take a chance? I have to imagine that the customs agent in the U.S. can see the purchase because each store would have recorded with your passport. That’s why I’m hesitant to purchase abroad. If you do declare what is the approximate duty tax charged? Would really appreciate your insight. I definitely don’t want to break the law!! Loved watching your London and Paris vlogs. ❤

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

I absolutely declare. They can fine you or worse seize your items if you’re caught not declaring. Customs officers generally really appreciate people who are honest and will reduce your duties greatly. This is what happened the last 2 times I came back with significant purchases. I know some people will risk it but it’s not worth possibly losing your items over what the duty would be. And yes, I e heard that the VAT refund companies like Global Blue feed the info to US customs so they could look up what you bought. I don’t know if that’s really true, but again, not worth the risk in my opinion. Hope that helps 💜

@stephaniebecerra7619 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for your reply. Understanding the process makes me feel more secure to purchase luxury items abroad.

@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda 11 месяцев назад

*stares at your local Sales Tax in my IVA (Mexican VAT, 16% across the country except on the international frontier)*

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

😂🤣

@krys1933 11 месяцев назад

Brilliant info!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

💜

@shirjoin 11 месяцев назад

Question. You mentioned using a debit card. Is there a reason why a debit card would be used rather than a credit card? I understand the reason for using a debit card for cash machines. This video was so helpful.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

No reason in particular other than I don’t really credit cards other than store cards because I get points.

@Luxuryfinds617 11 месяцев назад

Great video any thoughts on best credit card foe currency exchange?

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Since this was a very last minute trip, I didn’t have an opportunity to research credit cards. I used my debit card, my Amex and one visa. My debit card converted at 1.07 when google said the rate was 1.06. The Visa card charged 1.06 when it was 1.05 on google. HTH

@pennyleather9935 11 месяцев назад

Just to say the maths is not quite that simple. Using simple numbers on a £100 spend in the UK you can’t just multiply by 0.8 to get the net price. The VAT amount is included in the £100.it’s not £80 +£20 VAT,more like £83.34+£16.66 VAT.

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for the additional info. Super helpful!💜

@miradonfbd 11 месяцев назад

So what happens with duties when you get home? I bought a bag on ebay for $1500. It shipped to Portland. Then I was hit for $300 duties bill from DHL. Excellent video!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

You should absolutely declare your items. Most customs agents will be very appreciative of your honesty and give you a big break. I only got charged $94 and trust me it should have been a lot more!💜

@miradonfbd 11 месяцев назад

@@luxuryandlifeinthemiddlewow! I was really shocked by my $300 charge. That’s 20%!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 11 месяцев назад

@miradonfbd that’s crazy. Handbags are taxed at 10%. And they should only charge for duties on the amount above $800. So at most it should have been $70

@gracek51921 10 месяцев назад

Excellent video! My son (who’s in his 20’s and knows nothing about luxury bags 🤣) was sweet enough to hunt down the Celine Triomphe shoulder bag for me while in Paris earlier this year. My estimated savings compared to retail in the U.S., factoring in the VAT refund and my 6% state sales tax, was approximately $1000, or about 33%. The wild card in the amount of savings, however, is the amount of U.S. customs duty one will be assessed, which seems highly dependent on the discretion of the particular customs officers one happens to encounter when declaring items. In my son’s case with the Celine bag, the screening customs officer sent him to a separate room to pay customs duties, but then the customs officer doing the processing luckily just waived him off without having to pay anything!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

@gracek51921 100% agree on the customs/duties point. It is highly dependent on the agent. How sweet of your son to pickup the bag for you! Congrats on your new bag!!💜

@user-rl1op3zy2u 10 месяцев назад

Loved your video! I literally binge watched your Paris and London vlog!!!

@luxuryandlifeinthemiddle 10 месяцев назад

I love hearing that! So glad you’re enjoying the travel vlogs!💜