What you really get back
What this solves
Tourists routinely think "8.1% of my CHF 1,000 = CHF 81" — and then walk out of the airport with CHF 56 after Global Blue's commission. The hidden cut is real, and varies wildly between airport, city, and refund type. This tool doesn't try to upsell you on the "right" operator — it shows what each one actually costs in net refund.
How to read
- Global Blue commission varies by airport: 25% in Zürich, 30% in Geneva, 33% at smaller locations. That's on the MWST amount, not the gross.
- Planet, Premier Tax Free are slightly cheaper — 20–25% commissions, mostly 22%.
- Online refund via the Swiss Customs app (eRefund) gives 100% of MWST but requires filling in customs forms online before the airport.
- Minimum purchase: CHF 300 per receipt at one store, on the same day. Single receipt of CHF 299 doesn't qualify.
Limitations
- You must be a non-resident. EU/EFTA citizens living in Switzerland can claim too if they live near the border.
- Goods must leave Switzerland within 3 months of purchase.
- Goods must be unused (clothing worn once is borderline — Customs may refuse).
- Some stores (Coop City, Manor department stores) charge a separate handling fee on top of the operator's commission.
FAQ
Do I have to queue at customs?
If your spend is under CHF 500 and all your receipts are from one operator, the self-service kiosk works without seeing an officer. Above CHF 500 expect a 5–15 minute wait at the customs line.
Are consumables (food, chocolate) refundable?
Yes at 2.6%. Some operators refuse to process them below CHF 30 MWST — small enough to not bother.
Sources
- ESTV — Federal Tax Administration MWST guide (estv.admin.ch)
- Global Blue — operator fee table
- Planet — operator fee table
- Customs eRefund — bazg.admin.ch
About
Built after watching a tourist at Zürich airport complain that her "CHF 81 refund" was "only CHF 56" — she hadn't realised Global Blue keeps a third.
Privacy
No tracking. See homepage privacy.
Disclaimer
2026 commission rates. Verify with operator before processing large claims.