Why You Should Buy Designer Items Abroad

Whenever I wear my Chanel flap bag I get so many compliments and when I say, “Thank you, I bought it in Paris,” people always find that fun and interesting. I get asked, “Is it true that designer items are less expensive there?” The short answer, yes! The long answer? Here are three reasons why you should buy designer items abroad. 

You are not Required to Pay Import Taxes

When you buy designer items that have been imported you are going to pay an import or duty tax. When you purchase an item from a brand headquartered in Europe when you’re in Europe, it should be cheaper because you are not paying that import tax. For example, if you’re looking for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior or Hermes, you should be shopping in France. In Italy you’ll find the best deals on Prada, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta and Gucci. When I was in Paris, I saw a Marc Jacobs bag that I had had my eyes on for about $200 more than the cost it would be in the U.S. But when I picked up my Chanel flap bag at the original Chanel Boutique at 31 Rue Cambon, I ended up saving about $1000 between not having to pay the import tax and my VAT refund.

VAT Refunds

This brings me to my next reason: the VAT refund can help you save money on your favorite designer items because European countries let non-EU travelers claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases. VAT, which translates as “value-added tax,” fluctuates between 7% and 25% and is already included in the market price of an item. All you have to do to request a VAT refund is make sure that you ask for the paperwork when making your purchase and then mail it off at the airport when you leave the EU. Qualifying for a VAT refund varies from country to country, so you’ll want to look up the rules wherever you are traveling to make sure that you can claim this tax refund. There are a few common rules:

• You have to spend a minimum amount 
• You cannot be a member of the European Union
• You must be older than 16
• You must not remain in the country longer than 6 months
• You must present your passport in-store before checkout to receive the VAT refund paperwork. 

You have a choice when it comes to how you receive your VAT tax refund. When you file the paperwork you can request that it be returned immediately in cash. Or you can have it returned to your credit card which can take up to three months. I decided to wait the three months because you get a larger refund and everything was returned to me within a month and a half. Keep in mind that you will have to present your unused purchases to a customs official for inspection. You should also research how much your country will allow when it comes to bringing in luxury items because you may need to pay a duty. However, even if you do need to pay something, it should still save you money all things considered. And don’t forget to take your tax refund paperwork to the airport. When you’re leaving the EU, take it to the tax refund kiosk and scan it, then drop it off in the mailbox. Then just wait for your refund to roll in!

Everything I’ve said applies to all European countries with the exception of the United Kingdom. Because the UK is leaving the EU, foreign travelers are no longer able to reclaim the VAT in the UK, as of January 1, 2021.

A Special Purchase made in a Special Place Makes it that much more Memorable

I love vintage stores and have found some incredible deals on gently used Louboutins. But my favorite pair of these red-bottomed beauties were purchased at Christian Louboutin on the Champs Élysées. I really enjoyed touring the beautiful boutique and picking out my “So Kate” pumps, being able to try them on in person, and then taking them home immediately in their branded bag. The same goes for when I purchased my Chanel black flats at Galeries Lafayette. 

I will remember these shopping experiences every time I wear them. Add in the fact that I ended up saving $100 on both pairs of shoes because I didn’t have to pay the import tax and I received my VAT refund, it makes it that much sweeter. 

All you need to do is a little research. What brands are headquartered where you’re going? What are the VAT refund requirements in that country? And you should be prepared to nab some great deals and create stylish memories!

Do you have a designer wish list? Would you buy designer items abroad?

And if you want to learn more about how to dress like a Parisian when you’re in Paris, click here!