Louis Vuitton In Austria: Cheaper Or Not?

Louis Vuitton is a luxury fashion house that was founded in 1854 and has since become one of the most recognisable brands in the world. The brand's iconic monogrammed handbags, accessories and clothing are sought-after by fashion enthusiasts globally. When it comes to purchasing Louis Vuitton goods, price differences across countries are to be expected. In this context, the question arises: Is Louis Vuitton cheaper in Austria?

Louis Vuitton store locations in Austria

Louis Vuitton, the luxury fashion house, has three stores in Austria. These are located in:

• Vienna, the capital city, at Am Graben 20, 1010, Wien, Austria
• Salzburg, at Alter Markt 12, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
• Kitzbuhel, at Vorderstadt 13, 6370, Kitzbühel, Austria

The Vienna store is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Salzburg store is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, and the Kitzbuhel store is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All three stores are closed on Sundays.

VAT refunds for tourists in Austria

Louis Vuitton is a luxury fashion brand that sells products like clothing, bags, and accessories. The brand has physical stores in various countries, including Austria.

When it comes to the cost of Louis Vuitton goods in Austria, it's important to consider the value-added tax (VAT) that applies to purchases. The VAT rate in Austria is 20%, and this tax is typically included in the displayed prices of items in stores.

For tourists visiting Austria, there is an option to obtain a VAT refund when purchasing goods, which can effectively reduce the overall cost of their purchases. Here is some information about VAT refunds for tourists in Austria:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a VAT refund in Austria, you must be a non-EU resident. Specifically, your passport must indicate that your domicile and residence are outside the European Union. Additionally, your passport should not be issued by an authority of any EU member state, and you should not have a residence permit for Austria or any other EU country.

Minimum Purchase Amount:

The total purchase price per bill must exceed 75 Euros. This minimum amount applies to the invoiced amount, and you are allowed to purchase multiple items to meet this threshold.

Export Requirements:

You must export the purchased items from Austria within three months of the purchase date. The goods must be exported in your personal luggage, which can include hand luggage, checked baggage, or luggage transported by car or airplane.

Customs Stamp:

Before leaving the European Union, you must present the purchased items to customs officials and obtain an official stamp on your export documents. This can be done at an airport or border crossing, depending on your mode of transport and your exit point from the EU. Keep in mind that you may need to obtain the customs stamp from the authorities of the last EU country you visit before exiting the EU.

Export Certificate:

The vendor will provide you with a completed Form U34 (export certificate) that contains confirmation of your purchase. This form must be stamped by customs officials or an authorized company. At Vienna International Airport, for example, the export certification process is conducted digitally by authorized companies.

Timeline for Export and Submission of Documents:

You must export the goods to a non-EU country within three months after the end of the month of purchase. Then, within six months, you need to send the stamped export certificate (Form U34) back to the supplier in Austria to initiate the VAT refund process.

Refund Process:

Some Austrian suppliers use specialized companies to process VAT refunds. In these cases, you may receive the refund directly at the border, although a handling fee may be deducted. Otherwise, the VAT refund will be processed by the supplier upon receiving the stamped export certificate.

It's important to note that VAT refunds may vary depending on the specific Louis Vuitton store and their policies. Additionally, there may be slight differences in VAT rates and refund procedures between different countries. Always remember to review the specific requirements and conditions for VAT refunds in Austria and confirm the process with the vendor before making your purchase.

Louis Vuitton prices in Europe

Louis Vuitton is a well-known luxury boutique that first originated in Paris, France, in 1854. The brand has since expanded globally and now has stores in Europe, the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The pricing of Louis Vuitton products varies depending on the region, and there are a few factors that contribute to these differences.

Firstly, Louis Vuitton products are generally less expensive in their country of origin, France, or other European countries. This is because the brand is exempted from paying import taxes, transportation taxes, and other state or foreign taxes in these regions. As a result, the prices of Louis Vuitton items in Paris and Europe are significantly lower than in other parts of the world. For example, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag costs 1,040 Euros in Paris, France, and with a VAT tax return of 12%, the final price is estimated to be around $1015.11. In comparison, the same bag costs $1,513.36 in the United States (assuming you bought it in New York City) and HK$ 11,700 (approximately $1502.33) in Hong Kong.

It is worth noting that Louis Vuitton products are also eligible for a tax refund in Paris, resulting in an additional 12% discount on the online price. This makes purchasing Louis Vuitton in Paris even more financially advantageous.

When comparing prices within Europe, it is important to consider the VAT (Value-Added Tax) rates in different countries. For example, one source suggests that the VAT in Austria is 20%, and this is included in the displayed shop prices. In contrast, Hungary has a VAT rate of 19%. Therefore, when purchasing Louis Vuitton items in Europe, it is beneficial to consider the VAT rates and the potential for tax refunds to maximize your savings.

In summary, Louis Vuitton prices in Europe vary depending on the country, with prices being generally lower than in non-European countries due to tax exemptions. Paris, France, offers the most significant savings, with the added benefit of a tax refund. Within Europe, countries with lower VAT rates may offer slightly better deals, but it is essential to consider the displayed prices and any potential tax returns.

Louis Vuitton prices in Hungary

However, it's important to note that VAT rates are just one factor to consider when comparing prices across countries. The store price set by Louis Vuitton in each country will also play a significant role. Some sources suggest that the prices displayed in Louis Vuitton stores in Austria already include VAT, which could make a difference in the overall price compared to Hungary.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Louis Vuitton products are typically cheaper in France, as the products are usually finished there. This means that if you're looking for the best deal on a Louis Vuitton product, France might be your best bet.

When purchasing Louis Vuitton goods in Hungary, it's essential to be aware of the tax policies. For tax refunds, an original eligibility document, such as a hard copy of your passport, is required. Copies or photographs of identity documents are usually not accepted.

In summary, while VAT rates may suggest that Louis Vuitton products are more expensive in Hungary than in Austria, the overall price depends on various factors, including store prices and potential tax refunds. It's always a good idea to do thorough research and compare prices before making a purchase, especially when it comes to luxury goods.

Louis Vuitton x Murakami collection

Louis Vuitton is releasing a re-edition of its iconic collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, marking two decades since their first partnership. The collection is slated to be released in 2025, with pre-orders beginning on 3 January 2025. This dynamic duo first collaborated in 2003, when designer/artist collaborations were less common. Their initial collection debuted on the brand's spring 2003 runway under Marc Jacobs' creative direction.

Takashi Murakami is known for his bold, colourful aesthetic, and his complete reimagining of the brand's iconic LV logo was unprecedented at the time. The new collection will feature a range of accessories and iconic leather goods, from the Alma to the Speedy, fusing Louis Vuitton's emblematic codes with Murakami's visionary creativity.

The 2025 Murakami Collection will see the return of beloved icons like the Monogram Multicolour, the Panda motif, and the Cherry Blossom. The Monogram Multicolour bags will be the first to be shipped to clients in mid-January, with the Panda motif and Cherry Blossom collections dropping in March. Mid-2025 will see the final release of the Cherry Collection.

The collection includes a range of handbags, such as the OnTheGo East West Chain ($3,550), the Handbag East West ($3,950), the Coussin BB ($4,950), the Nano Speedy ($2,270), the Speedy Soft 30 ($4,300), the Pochette Accessoires ($2,100), the Dauphine Soft GM ($5,050), the All In BB ($2,830), the Capucines BB ($7,450), the Neverfull MM ($2,960), and the Capucines East-West Mini ($6,850).

Other items in the collection include the Speedy Bandoulière 20 ($2,830), the LV x TM Side Trunk MM, the LV x TM Micro Alma Monogram Multicolour, the LV x TM Criss-Cross Card Holder, the LV x TM Monogram Superflat Square 90, the LV x TM LV Sunset Flat Comfort Sandal, the LV x TM Attrape-Rêves, the LV x TM Cosmetic Pouch PM, the LV x TM Keepall Bandoulière 45, and the LV x TM Superflat Panda Key Holder.

Frequently asked questions