Tax-Free Shopping Guide

Who Is Eligible?

You are eligible for a VAT refund if you are a resident of a non-EU country and are visiting Austria temporarily. EU citizens and residents are not eligible, even if they live outside the EU temporarily. You will need to show your passport at the time of purchase.

Minimum Spend

The minimum purchase amount is €75.01 per store, per receipt. This amount is not cumulative across different stores — each store's purchases are processed separately.

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1. Shop & Request a Tax-Free Form

   Look for the Tax Free sign in the store window. After paying, ask the cashier for a Tax-Free form. You'll need to show your passport. The cashier will fill in the form with the purchase details.

2. 2. Get a Customs Stamp

   Before leaving the EU (not just Austria), present your Tax-Free form, the original receipt, and the unused purchased goods at a customs office. At Vienna Airport, the customs desk is in the departure hall. At land borders (e.g. Hegyeshalom towards Hungary), look for the customs office. The goods must be unused and in their original packaging.

3. 3. Collect Your Refund

   After getting the customs stamp, you can claim your refund in several ways:

   • •At the on-site refund desk at Parndorf (before leaving the EU)
   • •At a Global Blue or Planet Tax Free counter at Vienna Airport
   • •By mailing the stamped form to the refund provider
   • •Some providers offer instant credit card refunds at the point of sale

On-Site Refund Desk at Parndorf

There is a Global Blue refund desk at Designer Outlet Parndorf where you can get an instant refund before leaving. This is the fastest option if you are driving and not flying from Vienna Airport.

Tips for Maximizing Your Refund

• •Keep all receipts and Tax-Free forms together — you'll need them at customs
• •Don't use or wear the items before getting the customs stamp
• •Allow extra time at the airport (30+ minutes) for the customs queue
• •Compare refund provider fees — Global Blue and Planet have slightly different rates
• •If shopping at both outlets, you'll get separate forms for each store

Refund Providers at Parndorf