LeShuttle’s Holiday Deal: Roll into Shopping — and Savings!
Heads up, bargain hunters! LeShuttle’s just rolled out a sweet new promotion that’s perfect for the run‑up to the Christmas shopping frenzy. You can hop in your car and drive from Folkestone to Calais for just £30 each way—no tax added, so more cash for that Black Friday haul.
Why this is a no‑brainer
- Fast and easy: the crossing takes only 35 minutes. Before you know it, you’re in the heart of France, ready to punt your boots full of deals.
- Tax‑free advantage: every trip comes with a tax‑free treat, making every pound stretch farther.
- Limited window: the offer runs from 13 November to 13 December, with the sales ending on 7 December—so grab it while it’s hot.
- Bonus gift vouchers: shop at Carrefour Cite Europe, Olivier Vins, or Decathlon in Calais, and you’ll snag a €10 voucher. Talk about a double win!
Get Your Wheels Ready
Load up your boot with the best bargains, hit the road, and let LeShuttle do the heavy lifting. It’s a straightforward, cheap, and tax‑friendly way to shop in continental Europe without breaking the bank.
So, what are you waiting for? Buckle up, drive on over to Calais, and let the holiday savings roll in!
LeShuttle guide to tax free shopping
What Makes Brexit a Bargain‑Bonanza?
Surprise, surprise! One of the perks that sneaked out of the Brexit negotiations is that if you’re a UK resident, you can safely stroll into any EU shop and walk out with a VAT refund of up to 20%. That’s the “tax‑free” part that catches everyone’s eye.
Bring the Docs, Grab the Deals
It’s not just about pulling the umbrella on a Friday night. Whether you’re hunting for:
- Beauty products – gifts for yourself or your amigos.
- Tech gadgets – that tablet you’ve been eye‑ing since Monday.
- Jewellery – sparkle time is always golden.
- Food & drinks – from artisanal cheeses to a barrel of wine.
How LeShuttle Makes the Cross‑Channel Trip a Walk in the Park
Worried about the paperwork that usually slows you down? LeShuttle has you covered. They handle the administrative jazz so all you need to do is hop in a ferry, grab a pint, and load your boot with items that qualify for the VAT refund.
No complicated rules, no mysterious forms, just the grace of a smooth ride and a simple refund process.
Remember These Quick Tips:
- Keep receipts fresh and legible.
- Check eligibility before you buy.
- Fill out the form precisely on LeShuttle’s website.
What did you think? Brexit just unlocked a door to a fresh, tax‑free shopping experience across the Channel – and it’s easier than ever to fill that little britches of yours with a brand‑new gadget or a chic piece of jewellery.
How does it work?
Step 1: Shop
Your Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming a VAT Refund in France
1. Shop Where the Numbers Add Up
Not every retail spot in France is a VAT‑free zone. Check the store’s tags or ask the cashier itself – they’ll confirm if the shop participates in the tax‑free shopping program.
2. Hit the €100.01 Sweet Spot
- Spend a bit over one‑hundred euros – €100.01 is the magic line that unlocks the refund.
- Keep your receipts handy; you’ll need them for the next steps.
3. Seize the Refund Form
At checkout, ask a friendly staff member for the tax refund form. The agent will give you the paper and walk you through any quick questions.
4. Passport Check – The Final Verdict
- The boundary for proof is simple: bring your passport to the counter.
- Show it to the staff as they verify your identity and finalize the form.
Now you’re all set – just keep those receipts, keep the form, and your passport looking sharp. Voilà! Your VAT refund is on its way, and you’re officially a savvy shopper.
Step 2: Validate
Show Your EU Purchase Proof & Get Your Refund
When you bring goods from the EU to your home country that’s not in the EU, the first thing you’ve got to do is prove you actually bought them in the EU. It’s like giving the tax folks a little “yes, I did, and I’ll use it” cheat sheet.
How It Works in France
In France you can validate your tax‑refund form simply by scanning the barcode at a self‑service PABLO kiosk. Think of it as a quick selfie with the taxes so they know you’re legitimate.
Where to Find the Kiosks
- LeShuttle’s own PABLO kiosks are set up in the Calais terminal. They’re the official “I’m finished” station for your refund forms.
Fast‑Track Tip
Accomplish the validation before you leave Calais. If you move on without checking it, you’ll be pinched by customs like a tourist who missed the last train. Tick it off, leave the tunnel feeling smug, and you’ll know the tax refund’s yours!
Step 3: Refund
Shop in France and Score Your VAT Refund in a Snap!
Ready to get your money back after buying the latest fashion, gadgets, or tasty local treats? Here’s the trick: show your credit card when you check out, and you’ll receive an electronic refund straight into your card or bank account. Just remember—before you jet off, you’ll still have to drop the tax‑free form off at the counter for a quick validation.
LeShuttle’s Secret Sauce for a Smooth Tax‑Free Checkout
- Passport Ready? Yep, you’ll need to flash it at the shop desk.
- Bundle It Up. Swapping one receipt for several items can bump up your refund percentage.
- No Early Snacking. Keep all goods in their original packaging and unused until you leave the EU.
- Snap a Photo. Take a quick pic of the validated tax‑free forms so you have proof in case someone gets suspicious later.
What the VAT Numbers Look Like in France
Standard goods sit at 20%, but you’ll find pharmacy items at 10% and food + books at a pleasantly low 5.5%.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll breeze through the checkout door and back to your home with a little extra in your pocket—no sweat, no hassle.
Where to go?
Shopping on the French Side of the Channel
If you hop off the ferry at the Calais terminal, you’re in for a sweet retail treat—everything from mega‑malls to quaint boutiques is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. In less than half an hour you can be strolling through Folkestone or heading back to the French side to dive into a shopping spree.
Where to Start?
- Cité Europe Mall – A 5‑minute drive and a budget‑friendly paradise.
- Carrefour Hypermarket – Grab everything from baguettes to batteries in a heartbeat.
- Channel Outlet – The high‑end shopper’s playground for those chasing next‑level luxury.
Looking to Glam Up?
Dreaming of a new designer watch or a chic outfit? Paris has your back. Browse the city’s high‑end boutiques and store chains—Sandro, Maje, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are just waiting for an inspired visitor. Only a road trip away from Calais, twirl your way into Deauville’s stylish district and let the fashion vibes sweep you off your feet.
Deauville: Fashion Hub in Normandy
A quick 3‑hour drive gives you an opportunity to experience the downtown jewel, full of fine-boutique vibes and luxury labels. Whether you’re counseling your wardrobe or hunting a unique piece, Deauville is the place to turn.
So, whether you’re after budget buys or blissful luxury, the channel’s offering both worlds—ve\’n your grocery or indulge in couture—without breaking the bank. Happy hunting!
Carrefour Cité Europe & LeShuttle Offer
LeShuttle & Carrefour Team Up: A Sweet Deal for UK Residents
Hold onto your shopping bags—British LeShuttle flyers just hit the market with a brand‑new perk from one of France’s busiest supermarkets!
What’s the Deal?
- Spend €150 at Carrefour Cité Europe.
- Walk away with a €10 gift card.
- The card jumps into action on the day of purchase or anytime within the next year.
Whether you’re hunting for fresh baguettes or exclusive vegan snacks, this offer gives your wallet a gentle hug.
Why It’s a Win
- Easy and Instant: No complicated codes—just a simple ticket to supermarket savings.
- Universal Flexibility: Use it at the store’s doorstep or online, whenever you feel like treating yourself.
- Short‑Term Loyalty Bonus: Encourages repeat traffic—pay, redeem, repeat!
So, dear UK travellers, plan your next grocery spree, click a few seats aboard LeShuttle, and let Carrefour splash some extra colour into your day.
Stay Updated
Want the latest scoop delivered straight to your phone? Subscribe, and never miss a beat.
