March 2025 Tax-Free Shopping Trends: Insights for US, Chinese, and GCC Tourists in France

/ France continues to be a top shopping destination for international travelers, and March 2025 brought some insightful trends that highlight the evolving habits of tax-free shoppers. For tourists coming from the US, China, and the Gulf countries, understanding these patterns can help you plan a more rewarding shopping experience while maximizing your VAT refund opportunities.

/ US Tourists: Steady Growth with Currency in Mind In March 2025, American tourists maintained strong shopping performance in France, with a 16% increase in tax-free purchases compared to the previous year. However, this growth rate has slowed slightly from earlier in the year, likely due to a less favorable USD/EUR exchange rate. Despite this, luxury fashion, accessories, and high-end beauty products remain top purchases.

/ Chinese Shoppers: A Gradual Rebound Mainland Chinese visitors showed signs of recovery, with a 6% year-over-year increase in tax-free shopping. This is promising news, considering ongoing travel normalization post-COVID. Paris, in particular, remains a magnet for Chinese travelers looking for prestige brands and unique experiences.

/ GCC Tourists: Impact of Ramadan Timing Shoppers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw a 12% decline in VAT-eligible spending. This trend is partially attributed to the earlier occurrence of Ramadan this year, which traditionally affects travel and shopping behavior. That said, shopping for luxury goods in France remains a staple activity for this demographic outside of the religious season.

/ What It Means for You If you’re planning to visit France for shopping, knowing these trends can help you take advantage of the best times to travel and shop. To ensure you make the most of your purchases, don’t forget to reclaim your VAT.

/ Skip the Hassle with Skiptax Skiptax simplifies the VAT refund process entirely on your phone. No long lines, no paperwork—just fast, reliable refunds directly to your bank account or credit card. Download the app before your trip and enjoy a seamless tax-free experience in France.