Rimowa VAT refund in France: get tax back on your suitcase
Buying a RIMOWA suitcase in France is more than a practical travel purchase. It is a long-term investment in design, durability and effortless movement.
For eligible non-EU visitors, the experience can also come with a valuable advantage: the possibility to claim a Rimowa VAT refund before leaving the European Union.
This guide explains how the VAT refund works for RIMOWA purchases in France, who qualifies, how to keep your suitcase eligible for Customs validation, and how Zapptax helps you claim your tax back digitally.
Estimate your refund with the Zapptax VAT refund calculator.
Key takeaways
- A Rimowa VAT refund is available to non-EU travelers shopping in France, in-store or via eligible online orders delivered in France during the trip.
- With Zapptax, eligible shoppers can recover up to 90% of the VAT paid.
- The suitcase must stay unused and in its original packaging until Customs validation, a critical point specific to luggage.
- Tax-free forms must be validated at a PABLO kiosk before leaving the EU.
- With Zapptax, in-store and online purchases are managed digitally through one app.
How to claim a Rimowa VAT refund with Zapptax?
1. Download Zapptax before shopping
Before shopping, download the Zapptax app and create your account. The app gives you the billing details you need for your invoice.
Doing this before shopping makes the checkout process easier. You can simply show the seller the correct Zapptax information and avoid errors on the invoice.
2. Ask for a VAT invoice billed to Zapptax
At checkout, ask for a VAT invoice made out to Zapptax, using the name, address and VAT details shown in the app.
3. Upload your invoice in the app
Once you have the invoice, upload it to Zapptax. You can also add other eligible invoices from your trip, such as fashion, beauty, perfume, leather goods or tech purchases.
Zapptax centralizes your invoices and generates your digital tax-free form. This avoids managing several paper forms from different stores and gives you one clear process to follow before departure.
4. Validate your tax-free form and receive your refund
Before leaving the EU, validate your tax-free form at your final EU exit point. If you leave from France, scan the barcode at a PABLO kiosk before checking in your luggage or going through security.
After validation, Zapptax processes your refund to your selected payment method.
VAT refund on Rimowa online orders
Online RIMOWA purchases can also qualify with Zapptax, provided the order is delivered in France during your trip and exported with you when you leave the EU.
This can be helpful if a specific model, size or color is easier to find online than in-store. At checkout, enter the Zapptax billing details shown in the app, then upload the invoice once the order is confirmed.
Delivery can be made to your hotel, temporary accommodation, a friend’s address, a pickup point or a click-and-collect location. The key requirement is that the item is delivered in the EU during your stay and leaves the EU with you.
Read our full guide to VAT refund on online shopping to make sure your delivery, invoice and Customs validation are handled correctly.
Where to buy RIMOWA in Paris?
RIMOWA has several official points of sale in Paris. Before visiting, check the official store locator, as opening hours, services and availability can change.
RIMOWA Paris – Faubourg Saint-Honoré
The official RIMOWA boutique on Faubourg Saint-Honoré offers services such as in-store pickup, repair, appointments, personalization and luggage tag personalization.
📍89 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
RIMOWA Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
RIMOWA is also present at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a convenient option if you want to combine your luggage purchase with broader department store shopping.
📍40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
RIMOWA Le Bon Marché
On the Left Bank, RIMOWA is available at Le Bon Marché, useful if you are shopping around Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Sèvres-Babylone.
📍24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
For popular models such as the Original Cabin, Classic Cabin, Essential Cabin or larger check-in sizes, it is worth contacting the store before your visit to confirm availability.
⚠️ RIMOWA VAT refund tip
Do not use your suitcase before Customs validation. Keep it new, unused and easy to inspect, with the invoice, tags, warranty card and packaging whenever possible. If the suitcase is already checked in or visibly used, your refund may be refused.
Conclusion
A Rimowa VAT refund in France is easy to claim when the process is prepared in the right order.
Download Zapptax before shopping, ask for the correct VAT invoice, upload it in the app, validate your tax-free form before leaving the EU, and keep your suitcase ready for Customs inspection until the validation step is complete.
With Zapptax, the process is digital and flexible, whether you buy your RIMOWA in-store or online during your stay in France.
FAQ
1. Can you get a VAT refund on a Rimowa suitcase in France?
Yes. Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on eligible Rimowa purchases made in France, as long as they meet the French tax-free shopping conditions and validate their tax-free form before leaving the EU.
2. How much VAT do I get back on a Rimowa purchase in France?
France's standard VAT rate is 20%, but travelers do not receive the full 20% back. After VAT calculation and operator fees, the refund usually represents around 12% to 15% of the VAT-included price. With Zapptax, eligible shoppers can recover up to 15%.
3. Can I use my Rimowa suitcase before claiming the VAT refund?
No. The item must remain new and unused until Customs validation. Using the suitcase as your check-in bag before reaching the PABLO kiosk can lead Customs officers to refuse the refund. Keep the box, tags and protective film on until after validation.
4. Can I claim a Rimowa VAT refund on an online order?
Yes, with Zapptax, eligible online orders can qualify. The invoice must be billed to Zapptax, the order must be delivered in France during your trip, and the item must leave the EU with you in your personal luggage.
5. Do I need to keep the original Rimowa packaging?
Yes. Keep the box, dust cover, warranty card, invoice and any accessories until after Customs validation. Officers may ask to inspect the suitcase and confirm it is unused before validating the tax-free form.
