Why European prices look different
A price tag in the EU or UK includes VAT, usually around 20%. A US price tag excludes sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state. So a bag at €8,000 in Paris and $9,000 in New York is not as far apart as it looks once tax is counted on both sides.
How the VAT refund works
- Ask for a tax-free form when you pay; you will need your passport.
- Each country sets a minimum spend per store: around €100 in France and around €70 in Italy, while Spain has no minimum.
- Validate the form at customs when you leave the EU, before you check your luggage, and keep the goods with you.
- The refund operator keeps a fee, so you get back less than the full VAT.
Sizes between the US and Europe
Italian and French clothing sizes are not the same: IT 40 is roughly a US 4 and an FR 36. Shoes vary by house too, and many Italian brands run about half a size small. Use each house’s own chart; our buying guides explain the quirks for each category.
When buying abroad is worth it
It is worth it for pieces you have already decided on, from houses that price strongly in Europe, and when you can claim the refund. It is rarely worth it for items that are discounted in US sales anyway. For online orders, buy from your own country’s store or Amazon site so returns and warranties are simple.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a VAT refund in the UK?
Not as a tourist: the UK ended tax-free shopping for most visitors in 2021. VAT refunds still work in the EU.
How much of the VAT do I get back?
Less than the full rate: refund operators keep a fee, so expect roughly 10–15% of the price back in many countries, depending on the store and the amount.
Do I pay duty when I bring luxury goods home to the US?
Goods above your personal exemption are subject to US duty. Check the current allowance and rates with US Customs and Border Protection before you travel.