No. Tax Free and Duty Free shopping are different, even though both can allow international travellers to shop without some taxes.
What is Tax Free shopping?
With Tax Free shopping, you normally shop at participating stores during your trip and pay the price including VAT.
If you are eligible, you can then claim a refund of some of the VAT after completing the required Tax Free and export validation process.
Tax Free shopping can therefore be available at participating stores in shopping streets, malls and other retail locations, not just at the airport.
What is Duty Free shopping?
Duty Free shopping usually takes place in designated stores at international airports, ports or other international departure areas.
Eligible taxes or duties are generally removed at the time of purchase, rather than refunded afterwards.
The products and allowances available depend on your destination and the applicable Customs rules.
What’s the main difference?
The simplest way to remember it is:
Tax Free: You shop during your trip and claim back eligible VAT through the Tax Free process.
Duty Free: You purchase goods without certain taxes or duties being charged at the point of sale.
With Pie VAT, you can discover participating Tax Free stores, complete eligible Tax Free claims and manage your refunds in the Pie VAT app.