France Cuts VAT (Tax) on Meals – Effective July 1

We posted a report about this back in March, so just a reminder that the VAT cut in France goes into effect tomorrow, July 1, 2009.  From tomorrow saying, “L’addition, s’il vous plait” should not be quite so painful!

If you have been considering a trip across the Channel to Europe this summer perhaps this good news will help seal the deal.  Obviously the French restaurant trade is hoping the tax cut will help lure visitors back to France, despite the euro exchange rate.  The tax is being cut from 19.6 percent to 5.5 percent so it should make a noticeable difference to the final bill for meals in cafes and restaurants, although the cut does not extend to alcohol. 

This good news should also help boost interest in skiing at French resorts in the Alps for next season, along with the availability of cheap ski insurance.

Visit our Travel Guide for France and, if going by car through the tunnel or by ferry, be sure to read upon the current laws for driving in France and other countries in Europe, as there have been some changes. Look on the page for the link for the FCO ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for important and updated advice from the Foreign Office. 

Don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you don’t have one, or check the date to make sure it is still valid.  However, remember that the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance. 

Don’t take a chance and drive across to Europe without the protection of European vehicle breakdown cover, or motorcycle travel insurance – check out our cheap rates.  What else can we add but Bon voyage et bon chance!