VAT Refund Calculator for Tourists
Calculate your VAT refund amount when shopping abroad.
Enter the purchase amount, VAT rate, and refund percentage to see what you get back.
Your Refund
VAT refund for tourists lets you reclaim the Value Added Tax paid on purchases when you leave the country.
How it works:
- You pay the full price (including VAT) at the store
- You request a tax-free form at the point of sale
- At the airport, customs stamps your form
- You claim the refund at a refund counter or by mail
Calculation:
VAT Amount = Purchase Price − (Purchase Price / (1 + VAT Rate / 100))
Refund = VAT Amount × Refund Percentage
The refund percentage is less than 100% because refund services (like Global Blue or Planet) charge an admin fee, typically 15–40% of the VAT.
Common VAT rates and minimum purchase amounts:
| Country | VAT Rate | Typical Refund | Min. Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 20% | 12–15% | €100.01 |
| Germany | 19% | 11–14.5% | €50 |
| Italy | 22% | 13–15.5% | €154.95 |
| Spain | 21% | 12.5–15% | €90.16 |
| UK | 20% | 12–16% | £30 |
| Japan | 10% | 10% (full) | ¥5,000 |
| South Korea | 10% | 7–10% | ₩30,000 |
| Thailand | 7% | 5–6% | ฿2,000 |