You can currently snap up day trips to France from £29 with Eurotunnel

24 February 2023 , 15:15

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You could be in France in no time (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

You could be whizzing off to France for just £29 thanks to a new offer from the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.

That's because the rail service is currently running a deal on day trips with tickets from just £29 each way for trips taken before March 23, 2023.

But that's not the only bargain to be had.

While hitting the shops, there are heaps of goods which qualify for a VAT refund (up to 20%) including cosmetics, technology, jewellery, and food and drink items, following the UK's departure from the EU.

To bag the deal, you first have to make sure the store you're in offers tax-free shopping, and then spend more than €100.01 in France to qualify for a VAT refund.

Family launches urgent search as cat called Zorro escapes inside Eurotunnel

You can now get 20% off shopping in France (Getty Images)

When you pay, ask a member of staff for a tax refund form, and you will need to show your passport.

You have to prove that you bought the goods in the EU and will consume them in your non-EU country of residence.

You can find out more and book the £29 fares on the Eurotunnel website here although it's worth noting they are subject to availability.

As for the VAT refund, Eurotunnel has shared a few tips for shoppers which you can check out below:

• Try to purchase as many items on the same receipt as possible - you can often get a higher rate of refund for larger purchases.
• Don’t use the items before you leave the EU, as all items must be unused in original packaging to get the discount.
• Take a photo of your tax refund forms after having them validated so you have evidence if a problem with your refund occurs later.

Le Shuttle trips are going from £29 (PA)

VAT rates in France are 20% standard, with pharmacy goods at 10%, food & books at 5.5%.

In France, you can validate your tax refund form by scanning the barcode at a self-service PABLO kiosk. Eurotunnel has these located in the Calais terminal, but validating tax refund forms MUST be done before leaving Calais.

To get a refund, you can present your credit card when making a purchase, then you’ll get an electronic refund in the currency of your card or bank account.

Make sure you remember to validate the tax free form before leaving the country.

Milo Boyd