Global Blue vs Planet Tax Free at Geneva.
Two tax-refund operators handle most Swiss détaxe at GVA. Different refund rates, different counter locations, different processing times. Here’s which to ask for at the boutique.
Global Blue vs Planet Tax Free at GVA
| Criterion | Global Blue | Planet Tax Free |
|---|---|---|
| Standard refund rate | ~6.4% (of 8.1% VAT) | ~6.6% |
| Cash refund rate | ~5.4% (1% fee) | ~5.6% |
| Counter at GVA airside | Yes — T1 departures, near rows 90–100 | Yes — same area, adjacent counter |
| Counter at GVA landside | Yes — before security | Yes — before security |
| Card refund processing | 4–8 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| Cash refund | CHF or EUR (limited GBP, USD) | CHF or EUR (limited GBP, USD) |
| Mail-in deadline | 21 days from stamping | 21 days from stamping |
| App refund | Yes (instant validation if accepted by retailer) | Yes (Planet Pay) |
| Coverage at Swiss luxury boutiques | ~80% of watchmakers and luxury fashion | ~70% — newer in Switzerland |
Which to ask for at the shop
If both are offered at the boutique, choose Planet for slightly better refund (~0.2% more) and faster card processing. Default to Global Blue if Planet not available — it’s more widely accepted.
Choose Global Blue if…
You’re shopping at older established Swiss luxury (Rolex, Patek, traditional Geneva watchmakers). Wider acceptance, mature processes.
Choose Planet Tax Free if…
Both are offered. Slightly higher refund (~0.2%), faster card processing (3–6 weeks vs 4–8), modern app.
Always check
Some shops only work with one operator. Confirm at point of sale — fixing later is impossible. Both require minimum CHF 300 per shop per day.
Skip cash refund if amount > CHF 500
Cash refund carries a 1% fee. On CHF 5,000+ watch purchases, take card refund — saves CHF 50+ for 3-4 weeks delay.
Global Blue vs Planet at GVA — FAQ
Which is better Global Blue or Planet for Swiss VAT refund?
Planet Tax Free typically offers a marginally better refund rate (~6.6% vs ~6.4% of an 8.1% VAT) and faster card processing (3–6 weeks vs 4–8 weeks). Global Blue has wider acceptance at established Swiss luxury boutiques, so if you’re shopping at older Geneva watchmakers it’s often the only option. If both are offered at the till, pick Planet. If only Global Blue is offered, take it — losing 0.2% is still better than losing 6.4%.
Where are the Global Blue and Planet counters at GVA?
Both have counters in two locations: landside (before security, in the T1 departures hall, near the customs office at rows 90–100) and airside (after security, near the duty-free area). Use the landside counter BEFORE check-in to first validate your form at Swiss customs, then take the stamped form to the operator counter for refund. If using airside counter, do customs validation landside first.
How long does the card refund take from Geneva?
Planet Tax Free: 3–6 weeks after they receive your stamped form (in person at airport counter = instant submission). Global Blue: 4–8 weeks. Both refund directly to the credit/debit card you originally used to buy the goods. If your card has expired in the meantime, contact the operator’s customer service to update — refund will be re-issued.
Can I get cash refund at Geneva airport?
Yes — both Global Blue and Planet pay cash in CHF or EUR at the airport counter, immediately after validation. Cash refund carries a ~1% processing fee on top of the 1.7% operator margin. For high-value refunds (CHF 500+), card refund is better value (save CHF 5–50+ depending on amount). USD, GBP cash available in limited quantities — usually CHF/EUR only.
What if I forget to stamp at GVA and post the form?
You can post your tax-free form (still requires the customs stamp obtained at any Swiss border crossing within 30 days of purchase) directly to Global Blue or Planet using the pre-paid envelope. Refund to card in 4–8 weeks. Strict deadline: form must arrive at the operator within 21 days of customs stamping. If you’ve left Switzerland without a stamp, your refund is lost — Swiss customs does not stamp retroactively.
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