Why is the duty free shop Calais a must for UK travellers ?
Let’s be honest, shopping in the UK can feel pricey these days.
A bottle of whisky, a nice perfume, even a simple box of chocolates often costs far more than you expect.
That is why travellers heading home through Calais know the secret : stop at the duty free shop Calais and stock up before boarding the ferry.
Read our guide to know exactly how much wine you can bring back and how to save on VAT.
Key points
- Duty free shop Calais is a must-stop for UK travellers, with prices up to 50% lower than in the UK on wine, spirits, perfumes, and gifts.
- Zapptax helps you reclaim VAT on eligible purchases made in French shops (not in Duty free).
- Shop duty free in Calais and combine it with VAT refunds with Zapptax for maximum savings.
Why Calais is a hotspot for UK travellers ?
Do you know that the port of Calais is the 1st French port and 2nd European passenger port ? And the duty free shop Calais is designed for people just like you !
It sits right next to the ferry terminal and offers everything from wine and beer by the case to luxury fragrances, cosmetics, toys, and gifts**.
Here you can find :
- A premium bottle of whisky up to 50% cheaper than back in the UK.
- Perfume gift sets, skincare, and chocolates sold at a fraction of UK high prices.
- Wine and beer available in bulk.
A time-saving trick in duty free shop : Reserve & Collect
If you’re on a tight schedule, you should consider the reserve collect option.
You can browse the Calais duty free shop’s products online before your trip, pay in advance, and simply collect your items when you arrive.
Go beyond duty free : VAT refund with Zapptax
Duty free savings are great for basics like wine, spirits, or perfumes. But the truth is, duty free shops only carry a limited selection of brands and products.
If you want to enjoy the full French shopping experience, and still save big, Zapptax is your smarter choice.
With Zapptax, you’re no longer limited to the aisles of a duty free shop. You can shop in any store in France, Spain, or Belgium, from luxury boutiques to local wine cellars, from department stores to artisan shops.
Imagine tasting wines at a family vineyard, choosing a designer handbag with the advice of a boutique sales assistant, or discovering gourmet delicacies in a local shop. All these purchases can be made tax-free with Zapptax.
Here is how it works :
- Download the Zapptax app before your trip.
- Ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax whenever you shop.
- Upload your invoices to the app. Once your total spend reaches €100, Zapptax generates your tax-free forms.
- Validate your tax-free forms at Customs in Calais before leaving the EU. PABLO kiosks are available at the port, so you can scan your form in seconds and secure your refund.
- Receive your refund directly on your bank account or PayPal.
Keep in mind that some products, such as tobacco, fuel, consumed food or used product, are not eligible for VAT refunds.
But for almost everything else, perfumes, clothes, cosmetics, alcohol bought in shops, gourmet foods, tech, and more, the savings are substantial.
And unlike duty free, you shop where and how you want.
In short : duty free is a good stop. But Zapptax opens the door to a far richer, wider, and more authentic shopping experience, still tax-free.
Conclusion
On your way back to the UK, the duty free shop Calais is a great stop to save on essentials like spirits, perfumes, and gifts. The discounts are hard to ignore, and it’s a convenient way to stock up before boarding your ferry.
But if you want to go beyond the limited choice of duty free, Zapptax lets you shop tax-free anywhere in France. From department stores to vineyards and gourmet shops, you can enjoy a richer and more authentic shopping experience, while still reclaiming VAT.
In the end, duty free is a smart start, but Zapptax makes your savings bigger and your trip back to the UK even more rewarding.
FAQ
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Can I benefit from duty free shopping on a ferry ?
Yes, ferries operating between France and the UK offer duty free shopping onboard. However, the range is usually smaller than in the large Calais duty free shop, and prices may not be as competitive.
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How much duty-free wine can I bring back from France ?
UK allowances let you bring back up to 18 litres of still wine per adult (the equivalent is 24 standard bottles).
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Can I pre-order duty free goods in Calais ?
Yes you can pre-order duty free goods in Calais with Reserve & Collect. You order online in advance and collect your purchases at the port.
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Can UK residents claim VAT refunds in France ?
Yes. With Zapptax, UK travellers and non-EU residents can reclaim VAT on eligible purchases made outside the duty free shop.
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What is the difference between shopping at Calais duty free and tax-free shopping with Zapptax ?
The duty free shop in Calais sells products without VAT, but the range is limited to classics like alcohol, perfumes, and gifts. With Zapptax, you can reclaim VAT on purchases made in regular French shops (fashion, cosmetics, gourmet food, wine, tech, and more). In other words, duty free is convenient for essentials, while Zapptax opens up tax-free savings on a much wider and authentic shopping experience.
