The Complete Guide to Tax-Free Shopping in Lima: Save 18%

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Let’s be honest—every trip to Peru includes some shopping. Mine do at least. So whether you’re picking up souvenirs, gifting loved ones, or treating yourself to something timeless (like a beautiful alpaca coat), you’re going to spend a little.

So here’s the smart question: if you’re going to shop anyway, why not start with a nearly 20% discount?

That’s what Peru’s VAT refund program offers to non-resident travelers. And while not every store is included, the ones that are can make this perk seriously worth it—especially if you know where to go and what to buy.

I’ll admit, I used to find the process intimidating. But once you’ve done it once, it’s surprisingly painless—no endless forms or confusing lines, just a little organization and a few extra minutes at the airport. It’s one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” travel hacks.

How the VAT Refund Works (Simple Steps)

You can get a refund of up to 18% of the IGV tax on certain purchases, as long as you:

• Are a non-resident of Peru
• Stay 60 days or less
• Shop at stores with the “TAX FREE” sign (SUNAT-authorized)
• Spend at least 100 soles per transaction
• Take the items out of the country (for personal use only)
• Pay with an international credit or debit card (no cash)

 How to Claim It:

• Ask for a Tax Free certificate when checking out (passport required).
• Use the Global Blue app or kiosk at the airport before you leave.
• The refund will be credited to your card—usually within five business days.

Before You Fly: Give yourself a few extra minutes at Jorge Chávez Airport to validate your receipts before security. It’s quick, but you don’t want to be rushing through it.

Where to Shop: Start with Kuna

If you’re shopping for alpaca—and let’s face it, most of us are—start with Kuna. Here’s why this should be your first (and maybe only) stop:

• All Kuna stores are part of the VAT refund program
• The quality is reliable—everything feels intentional and luxurious
• You’ll find classic and contemporary styles made from baby alpaca and even vicuña
• The refund adds up—18% back on a high-ticket item is real money

Their Larcomar location is especially convenient (and scenic), and Kuna often runs great sales. When I traveled with my aunt and cousins in 2023, Kuna was the favorite stop of the trip—and we didn’t even realize the VAT refund program had just gone into effect. My friend Heather still has me check for a restock on her favorite hat every time I’m in Lima.

That same trip, my aunt bought her all-time favorite “walk-the-dog” coat. She’d originally picked up a vicuña coat—thinking it was about $1,100 USD, which was a lot, but fair for something made from such an exclusive fiber.

Turns out, her calculations misplaced the decimal  It was $11,000. The coat made it as far as the cashier before we realized. We all had a good laugh, set it down very gently, and she ended up with a beautiful baby alpaca version for a fraction of the price she originally thought it was. And honestly? Unless you’re holding the vicuña and alpaca side by side, you’d never know the difference.

But, imagine—if you were spending $11,000 on a coat (and we definitely were not), the refund would basically cover the cost of your business-class ticket to Peru in the first place.

If you’re planning to make one elevated, investment-level purchase in Peru, this is the spot. You walk out with a beautiful piece and a good chunk of your money back.

And while not part of the VAT refund network, I’ll quietly add:

Fringe Mod – If you don’t find something at Kuna, check out my favorite alpaca brand, Fringe Mod. Not tax-free, but the quality and inventive, comfortable styles make it worth a look if you’re after something stylish and a bit more modern.

What About the Other Stores?

I went deep into research mode for this post and was expecting to have to slog through a list of what to recommend. But surprisingly (and maybe sadly), the list of VAT-approved stores is quite short. Here’s what stood out:

• Kuna – The standout for quality, value, and style (see above)
• Casa Banchero – Rolex distributor, if luxury watches are on your radar
• Michelle Belau – Feminine, polished pieces with good quality; not overly trend-driven
• H. Stern – Gorgeous jewelry, ideal for a splurge, but not unique to Peru
• Ilaria – Well-crafted silver (925/950 purity) with strong Incan and pre-Incan design influences. I often browse when staying at the Swissotel, but it leans a bit Brighton for my personal style—occasional pretty frames or earrings aside.
• Victoria’s Secret / Bath & Body Works – Yes, they qualify, but you probably didn’t come to Lima for that.

At the moment, Global Blue Perú SAC is the only officially designated company authorized by SUNAT (Peru’s tax authority) to process VAT refunds for tourists.

There may be more authorized stores listed under SUNAT’s program, but actually finding them is another story—the website is a maze of government links and spreadsheets that are nearly impossible to navigate.

The short version? Global Blue handles all refunds, and the stores that participate will have TAX FREE signage visible near the register. Always ask at checkout to confirm your purchase qualifies—not every boutique that should offer it actually does yet.

Insider Tip: Don’t get stuck paying Peru’s 18% hotel tax (IGV)!

It’s only for Peruvian residents. If you’re a tourist staying less than 60 days, show your passport and entry stamp and make sure the tax isn’t added to your bill at checkout. Most hotels are good about it, but always check—especially at smaller or boutique properties.

Final Take

If you’re planning to buy alpaca, start where the style, quality, and value align. The VAT refund is the cherry on top—especially when you’re making higher-end purchases.

Here’s your smart shopping checklist:

• Look for TAX FREE signage (Kuna is a sure bet)
• Pay with an international card
• Always carry your passport- no passport no refund paperwork
• Ask for the Tax Free certificate
• Validate it at the airport
• Get up to 18% back—it really adds up

And just to put that in perspective: on a $600 alpaca coat, your refund covers dinner at Troppo—Lima’s best Italian spot and one of my personal favorites.

You’re going to shop anyway—make sure you do it with a little strategy and a lot of style.