In an increasingly globalized world, shopping tourism has become an essential driver of retail growth. In this context, Global Blue, the world leader in Tax Free Shopping solutions and payment technologies, stands out as a strategic partner for retailers who want to attract, retain, and provide a premium experience to international consumers.

What is Tax Free Shopping?

Tax Free Shopping is a system that allows tourists who are not residents of the European Union to recover part of the VAT (Value Added Tax) on their purchases made in European territory. Global Blue pioneered this concept, simplifying the process for both consumers and retailers.

For international tourists, this means buying more for less. For retailers, it represents a clear opportunity to increase sales, attract new audiences, and strengthen competitiveness—especially in the luxury and premium segments.

Global Blue's Integrated Solutions for Retail

Global Blue's services go beyond simple tax refunds. The company offers a complete ecosystem of solutions tailored to the needs of retailers:

🧾 Tax Free Shopping: Fast and efficient processing of VAT refunds for non-EU residents.

💳 Smart payments: Through solutions such as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), customers can pay directly in their home currency, with greater transparency and convenience.

📊 Post-purchase and loyalty: Data analysis tools, targeted marketing campaigns, and loyalty programs to increase average ticket size and customer recurrence.

Advantages for Portuguese retailers

Collaborating with Global Blue brings multiple benefits to retailers in Portugal:

✅ Increased sales: Greater appeal to non-EU tourists, such as British, American, and Brazilian visitors.

✅ Marketing and market intelligence: Access to valuable data for more strategic and planned decision-making.

✅ Simplified processes: Digital solutions that facilitate the issuance of forms and in-store refunds.

✅ Differentiation in the luxury and premium sector: Greater competitiveness in high-end shopping centers and tourist destinations.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Benefits for Tourists

The shopping experience for tourists is taken to another level with Global Blue's services:

🛍️ Fast and efficient VAT refunds, without complications.

💱 Payments in local currency with complete transparency on exchange rates.

📱 Digital and in-person support in stores and airports.

🌍 Personalized experience, focused on comfort, fluidity, and satisfaction.

Presence in Portugal

In Portugal, Global Blue has expanded its operations through strategic partnerships in tourist regions such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

An important highlight is the agreement with ACRAL – Associação do Comércio e Serviços da Região do Algarve (Algarve Region Trade and Services Association), which guarantees retailers in the region access to Tax Free technology, refunds, specialized marketing, and analytical tools.

Other relevant partnerships include collaborations with:

- Highgate Portugal

- Freeport Fashion Outlet

- Vila do Conde Fashion Outlet

These collaborations involve technical training, incentive programs for sales teams, and strategies to optimize commercial results, further strengthening Global Blue's commitment to innovation and excellence in tourist services.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

An Opportunity to Grow with Shopping Tourism

By adopting Global Blue's solutions, Portuguese retailers gain more than just a VAT refund tool. They gain a strategic partner to grow, innovate, and build loyalty among international customers, in a scenario where shopping tourism is establishing itself as a pillar of the economy.

If you are a retailer and do not yet offer Tax Free, you are missing out on a great opportunity. If you are a tourist, take advantage of the exclusive benefits and turn your shopping in Portugal into an even more rewarding experience.

Would you like to know how to integrate Tax Free into your store?

Talk to Global Blue and find out how we can transform your retail performance.

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