Gare du Nord Tax Refund : How to claim your tax back
Do you know that many non-EU travelers leave money on the table when shopping in France ? Yes, simply because they don't know how or where to claim their VAT refunds, especially if they're departing by train via Gare du Nord.
In this article, you'll discover how tax-free shopping works, how to validate tax-free forms at Gare du Nord and how Zapptax simplifies the process.
If you're leaving the EU via Eurostar to London, this guide will help you validate your tax-free forms at Gare du Nord. If you're traveling by train elsewhere in Europe, read carefully, the rules are different.
Here's everything you need to know about VAT refunds at Gare du Nord and why it's worth planning ahead.
Also discover our article on VAT Refund in France.
Key points :
- Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund of up to 15% on purchases made in France.
- VAT refund form validation must be done at your final point of exit from the European Union.
- At Gare du Nord, tax-free validation is only possible for travelers taking the Eurostar to London.
- Go to Hall London (Eurostar Terminal) at Gare du Nord to find the Customs area and PABLO kiosk.
- Using Zapptax makes the process fully digital : no paperwork, no stress, and the best refund rates you’ll find.
What is tax-free shopping in France ?
When you buy goods or services in France, prices include a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). It is called “Taxe sur la valeur ajoutée” in French.
However, non-EU visitors can reclaim a portion of this VAT if they export the goods back home. This process is known as tax-free shopping.
Goods must :
- Be for personal use
- Be unused and exported within 3 months
- Be validated by French Customs (or any other EU country Customs) before leaving the EU
The effective refund is typically around 10–15% of the total price, after intermediary fees.
Who can get a VAT refund in France?
You are eligible if :
- You are 16 years old or more.
- You reside outside the European Union.
- You stay in France or the EU for less than 6 months.
- You spend over €100.01 during your stay.
Which purchases are eligible for VAT Refund?
You can claim VAT refunds on most physical goods like :
But not eligible :
- Meals and drinks consumed
- Hotel stays
- Public transport or entertainment tickets
Why use Zapptax when shopping in France ?
Zapptax is a mobile tax-free shopping app that simplifies the refund process for travelers leaving France (also available in Spain and Belgium).
- Download the Zapptax app.
- Request invoices in the name of "Zapptax".
- Upload them directly in the app.
- Let Zapptax generate your digital tax-free forms.
- Validate them at the PABLO kiosk before departure.
- Get up to 90% of your VAT back, no paperwork or lines.
Zapptax allows you to consolidate invoices from different stores and still qualify for tax-free shopping as long as you reach the €100 minimum spend during your stay.
How VAT refund works at Gare du Nord ?
Many travelers think VAT refund forms can only be validated at airports. But if you're taking the Eurostar to London, Gare du Nord is your official point of exit from the EU, and you can validate your tax-free forms there.
VAT refund form validation must be done at your final point of exit from the European Union.
The only exception is if you have an intra-EU layover and check in your luggage at the first airport without retrieving it before leaving the EU.
At Gare du Nord, PABLO kiosks are only available for travelers heading to London via Eurostar.
They are not accessible if you're taking a train to Brussels, Amsterdam or anywhere else in France or the EU.
Attention : failing to validate at the correct location means you won’t receive your refund, so it is very important to check before you travel.
Where to validate your tax-free forms in Gare du Nord :
- Go to Customs (Douane) in Hall London (Terminal Eurostar) at Gare du Nord.
- Look for the PABLO kiosk where you can scan your tax-free forms.
- If you need assistance or your form cannot be validated electronically, a Customs officer will help.
Validation is mandatory before leaving the EU. If you skip this step, your refund will not be processed.
Conclusion
If you're leaving Paris from Gare du Nord, remember that VAT refund validation is only possible if you're taking the Eurostar to London. Travelers heading to Brussels, Amsterdam or anywhere else in the EU won’t be able to validate their tax-free forms at the station and will have to go through Customs at their last exit point from the EU.
With Zapptax, the process is digital, fast, and much more rewarding. Forget paperwork and get your refund the smart way !
Download the Zapptax app before or during your trip and make every saving count.
FAQ
- How can I get a VAT refund in Paris?
Use a service like Zapptax, get invoices in their name during your shopping, upload them in the app, and validate your tax-free form before leaving the EU. This avoids paperwork and gets you a faster, higher refund.
- Can I get a tax refund at Gare du Nord?
Yes, travelers (only non-EU residents) leaving by train can validate tax-free forms at the Customs kiosk in Hall London at Gare du Nord.
- How do I request a tax refund at a Paris train station?
Go to the Customs area in the terminal (like Hall London at Gare du Nord), scan your tax-free form at the PABLO kiosk, and ensure your goods and ID are ready for inspection if needed.
- How long does it take to get through customs at Gare du Nord?
It depends on traffic, but allow at least 30 minutes. Arriving early ensures time to validate forms and catch your train stress-free.
- What time should I arrive at Gare du Nord for the Eurostar?
You should arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure to allow time for security, immigration, and VAT validation.
