Eurotunnel duty free shop: a smart stop before crossing back to the UK
You’re heading home from France via the Eurotunnel and planning a quick stop at the duty free shop ? Good idea.
And here is a better one : don’t limit your savings to just duty free shopping.
If you’ve been shopping in France (clothes, wine, cosmetics, gourmet treats…), you could be entitled to a VAT refund on nearly everything you bought.
All it takes is to use the Zapptax app and take a few minutes at the terminal before boarding. It works perfectly alongside duty free.
Use both, and you will get the most out of your French shopping spree.
Taking the ferry ? Check out our guide to the duty free shop at the Port of Calais.
What you need to know
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You need a LeShuttle booking to access the Eurotunnel duty free shop.
It is only available at the French terminal in Coquelles for vehicle travellers departing via LeShuttle. -
Expect solid prices, but a limited range.
You’ll find solid savings on alcohol, perfume and travel gifts but the selection is curated, not massive. Don’t expect everyday shopping. -
Zapptax covers what duty free doesn’t.
Use the Zapptax app to get a VAT refund on your purchases made in France, up to 90% VAT back, even from shops outside duty free.
What is the Eurotunnel duty free shop ?
Located at LeShuttle terminal in Calais (Coquelles), the Eurotunnel duty free shop is a popular last stop for UK travellers.
It is only accessible to travellers heading back to the UK, and you’ll need to show your LeShuttle booking QR code to enter.
What you will find :
- Big-name spirits (whisky, gin, vodka) with multi-buy offers (like 4 for €45).
- Wine and champagne from French producers.
- Perfumes and cosmetics from top brands at up to 50% off UK prices.
- Chocolates, sweets and travel-friendly gifts.
It is a convenient, last-minute stop that can save you quite a bit, especially on high-value items.
Enjoy tax-free shopping in France with Zapptax
With Zapptax, you can get a VAT refund on purchases made in all French stores, as long as they can issue an invoice.
The only conditions ? Spend at least €100 in total during your trip, and validate your tax-free form before leaving the EU.
How to get your VAT refund with Zapptax :
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Download the Zapptax app (it is free).
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When shopping, ask for invoices in the name of Zapptax (details in the app).
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Upload them in the app. Once your total spend reaches €100, Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
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Validate your tax-free forms at Customs (using PABLO kiosks) in the Eurotunnel terminal before leaving the EU.
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That’s it. You will receive your VAT back within a few weeks.
Why combine Zapptax and duty free shop ?
If you want to make the most of your trip to France, it is worth installing Zapptax, you will thank yourself later.
Using Zapptax and shopping duty free, unlock two levels of savings that most UK travellers don’t realise they’re entitled to.
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Start with Zapptax : Throughout your stay in France, shop as you normally would, at boutiques, wine shops, department stores... And ask invoices systematically, to reclaim the VAT on your purchases. You’ll get up to 90% of the VAT paid on things you were already planning to buy.
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Then, top it all off with a stop at the Eurotunnel duty free shop : Before boarding your train back to the UK, take a few minutes to stock up on great deals at the World Duty Free store. Think discounted spirits, fine wines, perfumes, chocolates, at prices you simply won’t find back home.
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Double the benefit : With Zapptax, you save on everything you bought during your stay. With duty free, you save again, this time on your final stop before crossing back.
One journey, two powerful savings tools. No paperwork, no hassle.
Final tip
Next time you’re heading to the LeShuttle terminal, don’t just think “quick crossing”. Think about :
- VAT refund with Zapptax
- Duty free bargains at World Duty Free
- Real savings on both everyday and luxury purchases
Make your return from France a little smarter… and a lot cheaper !
FAQ
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Is there a duty free shop at Eurotunnel ?
Yes, there is a duty free shop at Eurotunnel called “World Duty Free shop”. It is located at the LeShuttle terminal in Coquelles (Calais), open to UK-bound travellers only.
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What is the duty free allowance in Calais ?
If you are returning to the UK from France via Eurotunnel, you’re entitled to bring back a generous amount of goods duty free, as long as they’re for personal use and within the official limits (UK government guidelines on duty-free limits).
For alcohol, the current allowance per adult includes : 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of still wine and either 4 litres of spirits or 9 litres of sparkling wine or fortified wine. You can also bring up to £390 worth of other goods, such as perfumes, cosmetics, tech products, souvenirs or gifts, all without paying UK VAT or duties.
