The Worst Countries for Tax-Free Shopping
|
Rank |
Country |
Standard VAT Rate |
Average Saving |
|
1 |
Luxembourg |
17% |
10.44% |
|
2 |
Cyprus |
19% |
11.64% |
|
3 |
Germany |
19% |
11.97% |
|
4 |
France |
20% |
12.00% |
|
5 |
Slovakia |
20% |
12.11% |
|
6 |
Latvia |
21% |
12.40% |
|
7 |
Belgium |
21% |
12.56% |
|
8 |
Lithuania |
21% |
12.59% |
|
9 |
Netherlands |
21% |
12.60% |
|
10 |
Austria |
20% |
12.74% |
*An average saving was taken across the following items: Apple iPhone 13 Pro and MacBook Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Burberry Mid-length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat and Classic Fit Wool Suit, Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers, Pigalle Louboutins, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bandoulière 25 Bag, TAG Heuer Carrera, Cartier Love Bracelet, Classic Chanel Handbag, Ray-Ban Wayfarers and 1837 Tiffany ring.
Luxembourg ranks as the worst country for tax-free shopping. With a standard VAT rate of 17 percent, the average amount you can claim back is 10,44 percent.
Cyprus ranks in second place. Cyprus is a popular destination for British travellers, but if you’re looking to do some tax-free shopping, you may be better off waiting for a different trip, as the average saving here is just 11,64 percent.
Ranking in third place, is Germany, with a standard VAT rate of 19 percent and an average refund saving of 11,97 percent.
The research also revealed the best countries for tax-free shopping:
|
Rank |
Country |
Standard VAT Rate |
Average Saving* |
|
1 |
Croatia |
25% |
17.12% |
|
2 |
Hungary |
27% |
16.80% |
|
3 |
Sweden |
25% |
15.22% |
|
4 |
Slovenia |
22% |
15.05% |
|
5 |
Finland |
24% |
14.83% |
The country with the greatest saving on average is Croatia, at 17,12 percet. Croatia has one of the highest VAT rates on the continent, which enables you to claim a significant portion of your purchase back. The highest savings come from the most expensive items analysed, including a TAG Heuer watch, which allows you to claim the maximum refund of 17,9 percent, equivalent to over EUR3,527.
