If you’re a non-EU visitor shopping in France or other European countries, you’re entitled to reclaim the VAT (Value Added Tax) paid on your purchases.

But traditional “tax-free” services can be confusing, filled with paper forms, long queues, and hidden fees. That’s where Airvat comes in - a licensed digital VAT refund service that makes the process simple, transparent, and fully online.

What Is Airvat?

Airvat is an officially authorized VAT refund operator that helps tourists claim their tax-free shopping refunds digitally.

Unlike traditional services such as Global Blue or Planet, Airvat doesn’t require you to fill out paper forms or show your passport in-store.

Instead, you simply ask the store for a business invoice addressed to Airvat, upload it to the Airvat app, and validate your digital form at the airport before departure.

The refund is processed directly to your card or bank account - no cash counters, no hidden commissions.

Airvat is licensed by French Customs (DGDDI, license number FR-017-AOD) and fully compliant with EU VAT refund regulations.

How Airvat Works - Step by Step

1. Ask for a business invoice addressed to Airvat

At checkout, do not say “tax-free.” Simply request a business invoice issued in the name of Airvat.

Make sure the invoice includes: store name, address, VAT number, item details, and total amount including VAT.

2. Upload invoices to the Airvat app

Take a photo or upload the digital version. Airvat automatically checks all invoices and prepares a single electronic tax-free form.

3. Validate your tax-free form at departure

At the airport or train station, look for a PABLO terminal - a self-service kiosk used by French Customs.

Scan the QR code from your Airvat app before checking in your luggage.

If the screen shows green - you’re done! If red - visit the customs officer for manual validation.

4. Receive your refund

Once your form is validated, Airvat transfers your refund to the payment method you selected - usually within a few business days.

How Much VAT Can You Get Back with Airvat?

VAT in France is generally 20%, and Airvat charges a transparent 20% service fee on the VAT amount, not on the total purchase.

This means you typically receive around 13% of your purchase price back.

Traditional operators like Global Blue or Planet often keep 30-50% of the VAT in hidden fees or exchange rate losses, meaning you get less money back.

Airvat vs Traditional Tax-Free Operators

Conclusion: Airvat is more transparent, digital, and gives you a higher refund.

Airvat Invoice Requirements

To qualify for a refund through Airvat, each invoice must:

• Be a business invoice (not a simple receipt);
   
• Be addressed to Airvat;
   
• Contain the store’s name, VAT number, itemized details, and total including VAT;
   
• Be from a registered French or EU business.

Attention! TOP function! You can upload multiple invoices - Airvat will combine them into one tax-free form. The total amount of all invoices must exceed €100.

Airvat and PABLO: Validating Your Refund

PABLO is France’s official electronic system for VAT refund validation.

It allows travelers to confirm their export electronically, without visiting a customs desk.

How to validate:

1. Find a PABLO terminal at your departure point (Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Gare du Nord, Eurotunnel, etc.).
    
2. Scan the QR code from your Airvat app.
    
3. If you get a green screen, your form is validated.
    
4. If it’s red, go to the customs counter for manual approval.
    

If you leave the EU from another country, you’ll need a manual stamp from customs instead - just upload a photo of it in the Airvat app.

When and How You’ll Get Paid

Once your form is validated by customs, your refund is processed within a few business days. You can receive it directly to your:

• Credit/debit card
   
• Bank account (in your home currency)

Airvat sends you a confirmation email when your refund is complete.

Where Does Airvat Work?

Airvat currently operates in:

• France ????????
   
• Belgium ????????
   
• Northern Ireland ????????

More EU destinations are being added gradually, making it one of the fastest-growing tax-free solutions in Europe.

Who Can Use Airvat?

You’re eligible if you:

• Are a non-EU resident (living outside the European Union);
   
• Are over 16 years old;
   
• Are visiting the EU for less than 3 months;
   
• Buy goods for personal use that you’ll take home with you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Asking for a tax-free form instead of a business invoice.
    
2. Forgetting to validate your form at the PABLO terminal.
    
3. Uploading a simple receipt instead of an invoice.
    
4. Leaving the EU without customs validation.
    
5. Packing all items in checked luggage before scanning your form.
    

Is Airvat Legit and Safe?

Absolutely!

Airvat is an officially licensed VAT refund operator, authorized by the French Customs authority (DGDDI).

The app follows strict data protection and anti-fraud standards.

All fees are clearly shown, and there are no hidden deductions or exchange rate losses.

Thousands of travelers rate it 5⭐ on the App Store and Google Play.

If you want a fast, fair, and paperless VAT refund, Airvat is your best option.

It simplifies the entire tax-free process, helps you claim more money back, and eliminates the confusion of paper forms and long queues.

Download the Airvat app today and start saving up to 13% on your shopping in France and the EU.

Quick Airvat FAQ

How much does Airvat charge?

Airvat charges 20% of the VAT amount (≈13% refund to you).

When will I get my money?

Usually within 3-7 business days after customs validation.

Do I need to show my passport in store?

No. Just ask for a business invoice addressed to Airvat.

Where can I validate my form?

At any PABLO terminal or customs desk before leaving the EU.

Is Airvat available outside France?

Yes - also in Belgium and Northern Ireland, with more countries coming soon.