Tax free Chanel Heathrow London Airport
Dear Chanel, why did you stop stocking iconic bags at Heathrow? You heartbreaker! The most favorite store for every Chanel shopper is the Chanel boutique in London Heathrow airport at Terminal 3. More about this later on.
Located in the United Kingdom, near London, the Heathrow Airport is one of the most popular destinations to shop for designer handbags. Why? Because our favorite brands are located at the tax-free area. So why not shop Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada at Heathrow airport.
VAT free is better than VAT refund
Europe is already famous for shopping high fashion goods, because they’re cheaper than most of the countries due to the VAT refund policy. However, if you apply for VAT refund, you need to pay a fee to the company that helps you process the application. But if you buy directly at Heathrow airport, the VAT will not be included in the price and thus you don’t need to apply for tax-refund at all.
Price comparison Heathrow airport vs boutiques
To clarify what we mean by VAT free is better than a refund, we made a calculation between buying at Heathrow airport and at the boutiques.
We took the current retail price of the Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag, which is £4450 GBP (price as per June 2017). Then we create a calculation of Heathrow tax-free price and the price at the boutiques in the UK.
Price Heathrow airport
| Retail Price | £4450 GBP |
| Airport Tax-free Prices | £3708 GBP |
Price UK boutiques with VAT-refund
| Retail Price | £4450 GBP |
| VAT Refund | -£623 GBP |
| Retail Price – VAT Refund | £3827 GBP |
So the bag costs £3708 GBP at Heathrow and £3827 GBP after you get the VAT refund.
“Buying at Heathrow airport is less expensive”
We took the Chanel bag as an example, but this is also an example for other designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Hermes and so on. And it doesn’t matter what goods you buy, the prices at Heathrow airport for a brand-new items are cheaper than at the retail stores.
You can only buy VAT free if you leave the EU
Here’s the bad news, not everyone gets to buy VAT free at Heathrow airport. You get the VAT free prices only when you’re about to leave Europe to another country. So Heathrow must be your final destination.
But how can they know?
The SA will ask for your flight ticket when you are the cashier. If you’re qualified, they will offer you the goods without VAT and you can enjoy more discount.
But if you’re not flying outside Europe, then the SA will give the same price as at the boutiques in London. So the prices will be with VAT. And of course, you can apply for VAT refund later on.
Airports have limited stock
Buying at airport is a great experience, but there is short supply of space and a lot of shops. The location is not cheap as well, so the stores can only carry limited stock. Usually, you will find a lot of small accessories like wallets, but the bags can be limited.
Since 2013, Chanel has announced that they will stop selling iconic handbags at Heathrow. There are six types of iconic’s, which include the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, Chanel Reissue 2.55 Bag, and Chanel Classic Quilted Boy Bag. The WOCs, Mini Classic Bags as well as the Mini Reissue 2.55 Bags have all been spotted.
Shopping at Terminal 3
As you can see, there is lot of terminals. But if you’re looking for the crème de la crème, go to terminal 3 (T3). That’s where the boutiques are where you can find lot handbags.
At terminal 3, make sure you get to level 1, the departure lounge. This entire section is Duty Free and there are numerous of boutiques, from Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton to Burberry and Mulberry.
T3 map: get to the departure lounge at level 1
T3 stores: after security
| Bulgari Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 1286 | Burberry Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8125 |
| Cartier Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 6000 | Chanel Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8754 1000 |
| Gucci Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8759 9159 | Harrods Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5290 |
| Hermes Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0179 | Mulberry Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 8399 |
| M·A·C Cosmetics Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 | Paul Smith Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8990 9402 |
| Salvatore Ferragamo Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5290 | Smythson Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)208 745 0715 |
Shopping at Terminal 5
T5 is the next stop to go if you have the time. It has boutiques like Chanel, Chloe, Hermes, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. These stores are located at level 2. If you want to go to Harrods, go to level 3 (after check-in).
T5 map: get to level 2
T5 stores: after security
| Armani Collezioni Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 | Hugo Boss Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 |
| Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5260 | Burberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 8343 |
| Cartier Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6072 | Chanel Opening hours: 05.30 – 22.00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 7777 |
| Chloe Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 | Dior Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 |
| Gucci Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6333 | Harrods Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 (B Gates) Tel: +44 (0)7500 101 699 |
| Hermes Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6084 | Longchamp Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 |
| Louis Vuitton Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6061 | Mulberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6254 |
| Prada Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6339 | Rolex Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 2115 |
| Saint Laurent Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 +44 (0)20 8283 5095 | Stella McCartney Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 |
| Tods Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 | Valentino Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 |
Shopping at Terminal 2
The popular shops are located in Level 4.
T2 map: get to level 4
T2 stores: after security
| Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7535 | Bulgari Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7570 |
| Hugo Boss Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8316 | Burberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 1167 |
| Gucci Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7790 | Harrods Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7756 |
| Kurt Geiger Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8839 | Micheal Kors Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7762 |
| Mulberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7730 | Paul Smith Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 8447 |
| Rolex Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7516 | Smythson Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7577 |
| Ted Bakers Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7590 |
Shopping at Terminal 4
The popular shops are located in level 2.
T4 map: get to level 2
T4 stores: after security
| Hugo Boss Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 1431 | Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5260 |
| Bulgari Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 2373 | Burberry Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 9151 |
| Cartier Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6072 | Gucci Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8754 1475 |
| Harrods Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0353 | Longchamp Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 6724 |
| Mulberry Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 7990 | Rolex Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5145 |
| Saint Laurent Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5280 | Valentino Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 4043 |
| Versace Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0353 |
Travelling between terminals: travel time and transportation
From terminal 2 to terminal…
Terminal 3
- You can walk via the pedestrian underpass
- Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
Terminal 4
- Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
- Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
From terminal 3 to terminal…
Terminal 2
- You can walk via pedestrian underpass
- Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
Terminal 4
- Free Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
- Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
From terminal 4 to terminal…
Terminal 2 or 3
- Free Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
- Take bus number 482 or 490 from Bus Stop 7, the destination is Heathrow Terminal 5. The transportation is free.
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
From terminal 5 to terminal…
Terminal 2 or 3
- Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 4
- Take bus number 482 or 490 from Bus Stop 7, the destination is Pools on the Park. The transportation is free.
- Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
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aggy
Hello Alex,
I am residing in Singapore , what would you suggest to buy chanel coco handle large as I am going to fly out from Heathrow Terminal 2 on 21 april.
I am also going to go Paris via eurostar for daytrip a few days before.
I have contacted Heathrow Personal Shopper but unsure if I can reserve due to stocks availability.
What do you suggest to buy the bag? Is Heahthrow always cheaper? Heathrow is just so much less hassles.
Alex
Hi Aggy,
Here’s what I would suggest:
The Coco Handle Bag is one of the most wanted Chanel Bags. Heathrow doesn’t have as much stock as the normal boutiques. When you arrive in Paris and you find the Coco Handle Bag in your favorite color and size, just purchase it. You will regret if you don’t buy and Heathrow is sold-out or its not available.
When you can’t find the Coco Handle Bag in your favorite style or you just can’t find it. You can try all Heathrow airport 48 hours in prior to check stock (or the Personal Shopper) and reserve.
Heathrow is indeed less hassle and a bit cheaper because the VAT is not included in the price if you fly out from Heathrow airport. However, it has less stock.
Keep us updated!
synn
Thank you for sharing this. I will keep this in mind for future LV shopping, keep updating.
Jessica N Siah
Hi, from your post, does that mean Chanel at Heathrow no longer carries the classic flap bag (size medium to be precise)? Thank you
BMB
Hi Jessica, there are classic bags available, but not the iconic’s like the Classic Flap Bag in Medium Size.
S
Hi, do Chanel in Heathrow stock the Deauville tote bag?
Stine
Thank you so much.
I’m flying out of Heathrow to a country outside Europe. So you think i can buy it taxfree??
Once again, thank you.
Alex
If you fly outside EU, you can get tax-free. You need to inform the SA that you are going out of the EU.
Anonymous
Heathrow is the cheapest to buy Chanel. This is VAT already taken out. However, if you are flying INTO Heathrow, you cannot buy forthe tax free price. IF you are flying OUT of heathrow you can. good luck!
Stine
Hi 🙂
In 2 weeks i’m traveling to New York from Denmark but have a landing in Heathrow.
I want to buy the Chanel boy bag, and want to know if it’s more cheap to buy it in New York or Heathrow?
I called the Chanel store in Heathrow and the price there is 2620 £. Is that before refund of VAT?
Thank you so much for a lovely site 🙂
Alex
Hi Stine:
1. New York is more expensive.
2. Heathrow airport Chanel usually give you two prices:
– the price without VAT
– the price with VAT
You should ask them again.
For the prices of the Boy Bag: http://www.bragmybag.com/chanel-bags-prices/
If you look at the link above, you see that the boy bag you’ve requested is the Small Boy Bag, which is priced at 2620 GBP (With VAT).
Alex
Oh yes, you can only buy tax-free if you’re travelling from Heathrow airport to countries outside the European Union (euro countries). But nevertheless, if you can’t get tax-refund, the prices are the same for the Boy Bag. Take a look:
Chanel Small Classic Boy Bag in the United States: $4300 USD (convert USD to GBP: 3260.69 GBP)
Chanel Small Classic Boy Bag in the UK: £3200 GBP
If you live in Denmark, you should ask whether its worth it to buy in the United States?
Zee
Hi, I am travelling from terminal 4 in 2 weeks. Is there any way I can get a large chanel bag
Alex
Hi Zee, please contact Heathrow personal shopper to check which bag they have in stock and reserve. Also the large Chanel Bag, which style is it? What’s the name of the bag + style code. Check via our website for the info’s.
Alex
Here is the info for hiring Personal Shopper: https://www.bragmybag.com/shopping-guide-to-chanel-heathrow-airport/