In need of a step-by-step guide on how to claim your VAT refund and finally score that Prada bag you’ve been eyeing? We’ve got you! Shop till you drop in the shopping capital that is Italy with this comprehensive guide to VAT refunds in Italy!
Ciao ragazzi! If you’re planning a trip to Italy, get ready to indulge in some serious retail therapy. From haute couture to leather goods, Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic fashion houses and is the ultimate paradise for any shopper. However, with luxury comes a hefty price tag and luckily for non-EU residents, there’s a way to get an extra bang for your buck with a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) on all of your purchases.
❗️To Note: There are several options as to how you’d like to be refunded — cash, cheque, credit card, or the card used for purchase. The YouTrip card can be used in the event a prepaid debit Mastercard can be used to facilitate your tax refund. However, different airports worldwide accept different cards and we are not able to advise with certainty that the YouTrip card can be used to process a tax refund at ALL airports. However, no worries! You can still choose from other refund options. For Global Blue Tax Refunds, you may refer to their FAQ for accepted refund methods.
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What Is VAT? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Credit: Simply VAT
As most of us know, Europe is known to have a high value-added tax (VAT), with some places charging as high as 25% of the retail price. As this is a tax on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution, the standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, with certain products such as food, books, and medicine charging a reduced rate of 4% to 10%.
While this might seem like a good deal, it’s to be noted that only receipts with a minimum spend of EUR 154.95 are eligible for the VAT refund and that you can combine receipts to reach the minimum amount only if the purchases were made on the same day in the same store.
For shoppers, this high rate might seem like a dealbreaker, with fashion and textiles being taxed at 22%, and optics, sunglasses and jewellery being taxed at 10%. However, as long as you are a permanent resident of a non-EU country, you don’t have to worry about these rates as we walk you through receiving a refund on your VAT tax in Italy.
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
How To Secure Your VAT Refund In Italy
Image credits: Welcome to Italia
So, you’ve found the perfect pair of Italian leather shoes or a stunning designer handbag, and you’re ready to make your purchase.
1️⃣ First things first, make sure the store you’re shopping at offers VAT refunds by keeping an eye out for the blue and grey “Tax-Free” logo. If you’re unsure, you can kindly check with the sales associate by informing him/her that you’re a non-EU resident. For proof purposes, always carry your passport with you!
2️⃣ After checking your passport, they’ll provide you with a completed VAT refund form, which will include the store’s information, the date of purchase, the total amount spent, and the VAT amount. In larger shopping centres, this is usually obtained from a special VAT service counter within the building. Keep this form and all of your receipts in a safe place, as you’ll need them later at the airport.
3️⃣ When you’re finally ready to leave Italy, make sure that you allow extra time at the airport or border crossing to get your VAT refund processed. Before checking in for your flight, take your purchases, passport, and VAT refund form to the customs desk to get the forms stamped. This will verify that your goods have left the EU.
4️⃣ Finally, take your stamped form to a designated VAT refund office or kiosk to receive your refund! It’s important to note that some companies may charge a processing admin fee, so be sure to read the fine print before you choose where to receive your refund. You can choose to be immediately refunded in cash or via credit card.
But before you start splurging with your newfound riches, be sure to take note of the different refund percentages you can receive in Italy depending on the amount of your purchases:
| Purchase Amount | Refund Percentage |
| Less than 1,700 EUR | 11.6% – 13.2% |
| 1,700 EUR – 3,000 EUR | 13.2% – 14.1% |
| 3,000 EUR – 5,000 EUR | 14% |
| 5,000 EUR – 8,000 EUR | 15% |
| More than 8,000 EUR | 15.5% |
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Calculate your VAT refunds here
5 Places in Italy for the Best Shopping Experience of Your Life
Italy is home to a plethora of fantastic shopping destinations, each with its own unique character and charm. With countless options for high-end fashion and luxury goods, these five destinations are just the beginning of the luxury shopping experiences that Italy has to offer.
1. La Rinascente, Milan
Image credits: Dezeen
Located in the fashion centre of the world, La Rinascente is an iconic department store in Milan known for its high-end fashion and luxury goods. The store features a wide selection of designer clothing, accessories, and home goods from both Italian and international brands such as Valentino, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and more! Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the city from the store’s rooftop restaurant and bar, soaking in the magnificence of the Duomo. For non-EU travellers, this is the best place to pick up luxury home goods as you get to receive a VAT refund on all purchases within the department store.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Prices: Starts from 15 EUR (~S$ 21.93)
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
2. Luisa Via Roma, Florence
Image credits: FLAWLESS.life
Luisa Via Roma is a luxury fashion retailer based in Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance art and culture. Known for its unique and eclectic selection, including Fendi, Alexandar McQueen, and Givenchy, the store produces eye-catching window displays and has an innovative approach to fashion, featuring both established and up-and-coming designers from around the world. For shoppers, this is the best place to pick up a few unique pieces from famed and rising designers that would be difficult to find anywhere else.
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Address: 19/21/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Prices: Starts from 292 EUR (~S$426.93)
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
3. Antonia, Milan
Image credits: FLAWLESS.life
Antonia is a luxury boutique located in Milan’s trendy Brera district offering a carefully curated selection of high-end fashion and accessories from some of the world’s most renowned fashion designers, including Celine, Dior, Balenciaga, and Stella McCartney. The store is known for its commitment to providing a unique shopping experience that blends tradition and innovation. Its interior is modern and sleek with an emphasis on clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that allows its clothing and accessories to take center stage. The boutique offers a range of services to customers, including personal shopping and styling consultations, as well as the ability to make special orders for specific pieces or sizes.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Address: Via Cusani, 5, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Prices: Starts from 92 EUR (~S$134.51)
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
4. Bulgari, Rome
Image credits: Metis Lighting
A luxury Italian brand known for its jewellery, watches, and accessories, Bulgari’s flagship store in Rome is located on the historic Via Condotti. It features a stunning selection of high-end goods while offering a luxurious and intimate shopping experience. Dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices, the brand uses sustainable materials in its products to reduce its environmental impact, while also ensuring fair labour practices throughout its supply chain. Like many luxury retailers, Bulgari is well-versed in the VAT refund process and will be happy to assist non-EU visitors with any questions or concerns.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Address: Via dei Condotti, 10, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Prices: Starts from 560 EUR (~S$818.78)
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
5. COIN, Sicily
Image credits: Atlas Concorde
Located in the heart of Palermo, COIN is a popular department store chain in Italy that offers a range of fashion and home goods, as well as food and beverage options. One great thing about this store is that it has an expansive fashion department carrying a range of clothing, shoes, and accessories from both Italian and international brands, including Max Mara, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi. While COIN is not typically considered a luxury department store, they do carry a variety of high-end fashion and beauty brands that might be slightly cheaper than retail, making it a great spot for luxury bargain hunters.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
Address: Via Roma, 357, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Prices: Starts from 27 EUR (~S$39.47)
YouTrip’s Guide On How To Get A VAT Refund In Italy: Find out more here
Shop Till You Drop In The Shopping Capital That Is Italy!
Now that you’re an expert on how to get your VAT refunds, you’re all set to visit some of the best boutiques in the world and treat yourself to that Prada bag you’ve been eyeing for a while — all while getting your money’s worth! Another way to make your dollar go the extra mile? Make use of your YouTrip Card to enjoy our wholesale exchange rates, which means a whole lot more savings!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> for FREE S$5 credits and head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Happy shopping!
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