Sorry I jumped the gun on this one,,,and did my research appropriately.

Thank you!

I bought a Louis Vuitton hand bag last year while there and it came a couple of $100 USD cheaper and I bought a wallet before and it was also a couple of $100 cheaper. This is including the exchange rate at that time.

Any European designer brand made in Europe will always be cheaper in Eurpe than in the US because the brands need to pay a duty as well as transportation cost to bring to the US from Europe.

Also in Europe we are tax exempt so we get that money back before leaving the country.

This is also true (that I have found from personal experience) with other European brands like Fendi, Dolce & Gabanna, Christian Dior and others.

Melanie,

Summer '06, I saved over $150 on a LV purse (not on sale), VAT later refunded as well. Best to know exactly what you want, and the prices of those pieces before you travel.

T

It is true that LV bags are cheaper in Paris. The price tag is the same in Rome. Cheaper only when you claim 12% VAT at the airport, otherwise it wouldn't be that cheap as you expect.

For instance, an LV Viktor bag will cost 830 Euro in Paris and Rome. In Singapore, it cost SGD$1800. With VAT claims, one get to save abt 100 Euro and overall, buying the bag in Paris will be 200 Euro cheaper than buying in Singapore (or in HK, Bangkok, KL, any city in Asia Pacific).

Most Japanese, Korean, HK, tourists from Asia Pacific would buy LV bags in Paris, Florence, Venice and Rome when they visit France and Italy.

Problem with USA is you can't claim VAT upon exiting, this makes it expensive to buy European designer bags in USA. However, Coach bags are cheaper than any other countries.

It should be cheaper with the tax refund. Do remember to fill out the tax refund form while in the store that day (I think it must be done on the day of purchase). Also, you have to go to the customs window at the airport with your merchandise ready for inspection before check-in.

Interesting discussion... I noticed that VAT refund is to be claimed atthe airport.

Now I have 3 questions:

1) Would any airport do or must it be CDG?

2) I am travelling to London via eurostar after Paris would I be able to claim VAT refund at Eurostar departure?

3) Would it be cheaper to purchase it in London?

thanks everyone for your help!

Rgds

AV

I think you have to claim the VAT at your last stop in the EU -- thus you would do it at Heathrow if you are leaving from London

You can only get a refund at the last stop of any EU nation. Last stop means the last embarkation EU country before leaving foryour home country.

LV has factories in France and Italy. It's cheaper only in countries where LV bags are made. UK is always expensive, never get it in London.

It's true that you must tell the LV retail shop that you are claiming VAT. They'll fill up a form for you, demanding for your passport. They will tell you the instructions where to claim your cash refund (usually airport). At the airport example in London, go early 4 hours before check-in, look for the VAT queue, give them the form. They will stamp on the form and mail it to the respective VAT address. You'll get back a cash refund or credit card deposit.

VAT refund is what makes buying branded handbags worthy in Europe. Without it, rich Japanese tourists will fly over the Pacific Ocean to LA to buy.

I have no idea why LV bags are expensive in UK. Probably is the Pound and Euro conversion...not sure. Tourists don't flock to London to buy LV handbags.

LV wallets selling at 200+ Euro at the Paris outlet (Champs Elysees). I don't it's cheap but it is still cheaper than any outlets outside France/Italy.

My last visit to Paris was in mid Oct 2007 and saw this couple from China. The man bought many ladies handbags, men's bag and wallets. He's probably one of the 100 millionaires from China. Not sure if he claims any VAT refund, didn't see him getting the LV staff to process the VAT forms.

I would have to be more than 40% cheaper with the dollar/euro echange rate the way it is...right?