Myself and my sister went to Paris recently and we had to to pay fees at Customs. The gentleman was so nice and charged the least percentage and waived $800.00 off. We had to show our merchandise. We spent over $10k and paid less than $400.00 in fees. Please be honest, claim everything and be organized(receipts in order and all merchandise in one particular suitcase-not scattered everywhere)…it makes the process quicker and less frustrating for you and the officer.
Europe VAT and US Customs are now linked so if you make a large purchase US Customs will know about it so you want to be careful. I have a friend that bought a 30K watch, didn't declare it and not only got fined but had her GOES membership revoked. Also each store has a unique VAT return, some 10% (Hermes) some 12% (Chanel) etc. Hope this helps. Love the Celine bag. Going to Paris in two weeks and plan to pick one up!
You look absolutely beautiful, as always. I’ve been hyper-fixating on Celine recently. The Triomphe WOC is on my wishlist, but I love the one you unboxed in this video as well! So classy!
Hi Karina. This was very helpful, thank you! QUESTION: if I purchase several items from a boutique and want to get separate receipts for each item, will I end up with several tax forms, one per receipt? Or will the boutique make just one tax form listing all the receipts in one place? Thanks in advance for your answer! ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This helps me immensely! I will be in Paris in June and plan to shop. I love your Celine bag and both of your sunnies.
You don't pay duty on entry for all the "little" things you buy. You only have to declare any purchases over 800 USD, and yes, depending on the officer, you will pay duty for anything over 800. The reason why you were not charged duty on the entire purchase price of your bag.
This was super helpful, thank you! I took notes since I am going to Paris in May! Definitely visiting Gallerie Lafayette! Do you have other favorite shopping spots?
Thank you for for sharing such great information. One question, do we have to mail the vat forms after scanning them in Paris airport . I see you have all original forms . Thanks again
For the most part no. But there’s some exceptions. 3 US states offer some type of tax free shopping from participating retailers for foreign visitors. And in most states, if not all states, if the visitor gets the item shipped to their home country direct from the merchant, they usually don’t have to pay the sales tax. But if they take it out of the store and into their possession while they are visiting, then they have to pay the sales tax. We don’t make it easy for travelers to the US unfortunately. No VAT structure like in the EU.
She didn't pay duty when leaving the country. I think she confused the audience when she said she had to pick up her luggage when she entered the US and recheck it to her final destination. She did not have a direct flight to her home state. She landed in a different state, where she had to go through customs at the first port of entry, pick up her luggage and re-check them to her final destination.
@@meld258 You have to "declare" the goods purchased abroad. It all depends on you and your conscience. It is up to the officer whether they make you pay the duty for anything over $800. I suggest be nice and pleasant and they might not make you pay. They don't always ask the magic question.
