All détaxe operators claim 10–15% refund. Reality: after their commission, your real refund is 7–12%. This calculator compares actual payouts across the four main operators.
The dirty secret of détaxe: operators compete on commission, not on refund to you. Global Blue charges stores 25–35% to process — that's why your refund is smaller than the headline VAT. Some smaller operators (Détaxe, Travel Blue) offer better terms.
Also: cash refunds at the airport come with 1–3% conversion fees (the operator's exchange rate is worse than market). Card refunds have no conversion fee but take 30–60 days.
The single best payout in your home currency. Includes the per-form commission.
Side-by-side net refund, conversion rate, and processing time.
Currency conversion markups, processing fees, minimum thresholds.
Yes — if you fill the form directly via the French customs PABLO system without an operator. Takes 30–90 days. Most stores use an operator for convenience; you can refuse and use the official route.
Détaxe Officielle (state-run) > Travel Blue > Planet > Global Blue ≈ Premier. The state route is best but slowest. Most stores default to Global Blue.
Cash if you need euros now (and conversion fee acceptable). Card for the best FX rate and full amount — wait 30–60 days.