It’s not a nightmare, it’s for real: Chanel increases its prices right before the holidays season. We could hardly survive the second growth of prices, but the brand obviously thinks that “third time’s a charm”. However, experienced fashion lovers are ready to fly across the globe to find the ultimate truth: where are popular Chanel handbags the cheapest? Going to Paris or London to grab a designer bag is no longer a caprice but a money-saving strategy.

But where exactly can you get Chanel goods for a lower price?

We are about to find out! For this article, we have compared the official prices of the most popular purses of the French brand in 8 regions of the world and are ready to share the details with you!

Which Country Has The Cheapest Chanel Bags?

As you will see from our research, the price difference can be quite impressive when it comes to luxury shopping in various countries. Why is that?

First, it’s the uneven change in price. For example, this July, Chanel 19 Small bag was increased by 11.8% in the USA but by only 2% in the UK. Not fair at all, right? You can see these differences in our article Chanel Increases Prices Worldwide for the Second Time in July 2021.

Second, it’s the unique approach to taxation. In the USA, everyone pays sales tax in addition to the sum on the price tag. However, in other parts of the world (most EU countries, Japan, Australia), any American citizen can receive a VAT refund. Yes, that’s the benefit of shopping abroad!

How is our research built? We have selected one currency (USD, obviously) and studied the local Chanel websites in the USA, UK, EU, Australia, the Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, and Russia to define which country offers the cheapest purses for US residents. Then, we deducted the approximate amount of VAT from the prices and found where are popular Chanel handbags the cheapest.

*Please, keep in mind that all calculations are rough and serve only as an example. The exact price depends on the exchange fee (when paying with a credit card or exchanging cash), the current conversion rate at the moment of purchase, and the precise amount of VAT you receive.

As of 11/ 8/ 2021, the conversion rates for the currencies we use in our article are:

• Europe: EUR to USD = 1.16
• UK: GBP to USD = 1.35
• Australia: AUS to USD = 0.74
• UAE: AED to USD = 0.27
• Japan: YEN to USD = 0.0088
• Hong Kong: HKD to USD = 0.13
• Russia: RUB to USD = 0.014

Ready to dive into the depth of the fashion hunt with us? Let’s go!

Chanel Mini Rectangular Flap Bag

USA: $4,200 + state tax

Europe (3,600 EUR): $4,171 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $3,670

UK (3,090 GBP): $4,191 (-14% VAT refund) = $3,604

Australia (5,980 AUD): $4,435 (-10% VAT refund) = $3,992

UAE (16,260 AED): $4,427 (-5% VAT refund) = $4,205

Japan (515,900 YEN): $4,555 (-8% VAT refund) = $4,190

Hong Kong (32,100 HKD): $4,121

Russia (332,700 RUB): $4,670 (-12% VAT refund) = $4,110

Best price: UK

Chanel Classic Small Flap Bag

USA: $8,200 + state tax

Europe (7,300 EUR): $8,457 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $7,442

UK (6,210 GBP): $8,422 (-14% VAT refund) = $7,243

Australia (12,340 AUD): $9,150 (-10% VAT refund) = $8,235

UAE (32,960 AED): $8,973 (-5% VAT refund) = $8,524

Japan (960,300 YEN): $8,480 (-8% VAT refund) = $7,802

Hong Kong (70,180 HKD): $9,010

Russia (582,200 RUB): $8,172 (-12% VAT refund) = $7,191

Best price: Russia

Chanel Reissue 2.55

USA: $8,800 + state tax

Europe (7,800 EUR): $9,037 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $7,953

UK (6,630 GBP): $8,992 (-14% VAT refund) = $7,733

Australia (13,190 AUD): $9,782 (-10% VAT refund) = $8,804

UAE (35,220 AED): $9,588 (-5% VAT refund) = $9,108

Japan (1,045,000 YEN): $9,227 (-8% VAT refund) = $8,489

Hong Kong (68,200 HKD): $8,756

Russia (633,000 RUB): $8,885 (-12% VAT refund) = $7,819

Best price: UK

Chanel Boy Bag

USA: $5,900 + state tax

Europe (5,100 EUR): $5,910 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $5,200

UK (4,380 GBP): $5,940 (-14% VAT refund) = $5,108

Australia (8,390 AUD): $6,222 (-10% VAT refund) = $5,600

UAE (23,020 AED): $6,267 (-5% VAT refund) = $5,954

Japan (638,000 YEN): $5,634 (-8% VAT refund) = $5,183

Hong Kong (45,500 HKD): $5,842

Russia (434,300 RUB): $6,096 (-12% VAT refund) = $5,364

Best price: UK

Chanel 19 Bag

USA: $5,700 + state tax

Europe (4,900 EUR): $5,678 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $4,997

UK (4,210 GBP): $5,710 (-14% VAT refund) = $4,910

Australia (8,030 AUD): $5,954 (-10% VAT refund) = $5,359

UAE (22,130 AED): $5,955 (-5% VAT refund) = $5,657

Japan (668,800 YEN): $5,905 (-8% VAT refund) = $5,432

Hong Kong (43,700 HKD): $5,611

Russia (452,800 RUB): $6,357 (-12% VAT refund) = $5,594

Best price: UK

If you are eyeing this Chanel handbag, check out if Chanel 19 Bag Is Worth Buying? Ultimate New Chanel “It” Bag Review. 

Chanel Classic Wallet On Chain

USA: $2,950 + state tax

Europe (2,550 EUR): $2,955 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $2,600

UK (2,190 GBP): $2,970 (-14% VAT refund) = $2,554

Australia (4,190 AUD): $3,107 (-10% VAT refund) = $2,796

UAE (11,520 AED): $3,136 (-5% VAT refund) = $2,979

Japan (346,500 YEN): $3,059 (-8% VAT refund) = $2,814

Hong Kong (22,700 HKD): $2,915

Russia (235,700 RUB): $3,309 (-12% VAT refund) = $2,912

Best price: UK

Chanel Coco Handle bag

USA: $4,700 + state tax

Europe (4,050 EUR): $4,692 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $4,129

UK (3,480 GBP): $4,720 (-14% VAT refund) = $4,059

Australia (6,610 AUD): $4,902 (-10% VAT refund) = $4,412

UAE (18,290 AED): $4,979 (-5% VAT refund) = $4,730

Japan (563,200 YEN): $4,973 (-8% VAT refund) = $4,575

Hong Kong (36,100 HKD): $4,635

Russia (374,300 RUB): $5,255 (-12% VAT refund) = $4,624

Best price: UK

Chanel Gabrielle Small Hobo Bag

USA: $5,000 + state tax

Europe (4,400 EUR): $5,098 (-10-12% VAT refund) = $4,486

UK (3,780 GBP): $5,127 (-14% VAT refund) = $4,409

Australia (7,170 AUD): $5,317 (-10% VAT refund) = $4,785

UAE (19,870 AED): $5,410 (-5% VAT refund) = $5,140

Japan (677,600 YEN): $5,982 (-8% VAT refund) = $5,503

Hong Kong (39,200 HKD): $5,033

Russia (406,600 RUB): $5,709 (-12% VAT refund) = $5,024

Best price: UK

Which Country Is Best To Buy Chanel?

According to our research, the UK has won 7 times out of 8. The cost of Chanel bags there is way lower than in the USA. For example, buying Chanel 19 in a British boutique, you will save up to $700! And if you are aiming for Chanel Reissue 2.55, you’ll pay $1,000 less for it in the UK. Holy flap! That’s enough to get yourself a chic designer wallet!

Another region we recommend as your luxury shopping destination is Europe. The difference between UK and EU prices is relatively small (sometimes as little as $20). Going to spend your vacation in France, Spain, Italy or England? That’s also your opportunity to get a long-coveted Chanel piece cheaper.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in the USA?

Sadly, no. The States are not the destination for luxury shopping. Although the initial cost of Chanel bags is almost the same, as in European countries, the thing is that every customer pays additional sales tax for every purchase. That’s how your $2,950 for the Classic WOC can turn into $3,070 (or even more) at the checkout.

When buying the very same model in the European region, you save up to $500 because a) the prices are final and cannot be increased, b) as a non-resident, you are allowed to request a VAT refund. Considering the hefty price tag of Chanel handbags, it’s probably better to wait until you visit another country.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Hawaii?

Not really. Like almost any other state, Hawaii has a sales tax. Compared to the majority of states like FL, CA, NV, Hawaii is the US shopping paradise. The base sales tax here is only 4% (while in Florida it’s 6%). So if you have no options of traveling outside the US anytime soon, Hawaii is a place where are popular Chanel handbags the cheapest.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Las Vegas?

Definitely, no. There’s a belief that Las Vegas is a special tax-free zone, but it’s not true. Moreover, the entire Clark County where this “Sin City” is situated has an increased sales tax. Coming to Las Vegas in the hope to get a Chanel purse? Get ready to pay 8.38% local tax in addition to the price tag.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Europe?

Yes. The European region is a heavenly place for luxury shopping. The initial cost of Chanel bags may be the same as in the States, yet you don’t pay any additional sales tax and get a VAT refund (if you are a non-EU shopper!). Going to Europe can save about $800-900 if you aim for classical silhouettes.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Paris?

Not really. The prices in European shops are the same. Consider going to Paris specifically if you crave the luxury vibe and can’t help but picture yourself waltzing out of the boutique right onto famous Avenue Montaigne! And keep in mind requesting a VAT refund!

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in the UK?

Yes. Our research shows that prices for Chanel handbags are the cheapest in the UK (after VAT refund). For example, when buying a small hobo bag, you’ll save almost $600. Seems like a nice bonus to spend on something else!

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in London?

Not really. There’s one tax system that applies to the entire country. So getting a Chanel purse in a London boutique or any other British city wouldn’t make any difference for you.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Australia?

It depends. Non-Australian fashionistas can benefit from a 10% VAT refund. For some bag models, like Chanel Boy or Chanel 19, the final cost would be around $300 less than in the US. If you spend your holidays on the other side of the planet, why not treat yourself to a luxury purchase? However, compared to what they charge in Europe, you’ll be certainly overpaying a little.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in the UAE?

Compared to the US, yes. The final price with a 5% tax refund is almost the same as the US cost before sales taxes. So if shopping in the UAE, consider saving up to 4-7% (depending on the state you live in).

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Dubai?

Dubai is a part of the UAE and doesn’t have any special tax system or tax-free zone. The price for Chanel handbags in Dubai would be the same as in the rest of the country. And yes, it’s still cheaper than in the States!

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Hong Kong?

Mostly, yes. Hong Kong is a tax-free zone. That means there are no value-added taxes but also no refunds. You pay the sum indicated on the price tag. Compared to the US cost before sales tax, it’s slightly cheaper (ranges between $20 and $100, depending on the model).

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Japan?

Yes, but the difference is not that huge for the majority of handbags. The cost of Chanel Mini Flap in Japan is just $10 less (including VAT refund) than the US price before sales tax. In total, it may grow into a bigger difference.

Are Chanel Handbags Cheaper in Russia?

Yes, especially for iconic silhouettes. Buying Chanel Reissue 2.55 or Classic Small Flap bag in Russia will save you around $1,000 (if you are not a resident). The cost of the Chanel Boy bag in Russia is $550 less than in the US before tax price.

With the Chanel prices skyrocketing three times a year in 2021 (we are still shocked!), it feels essential to find the answer to the question “Where are popular Chanel handbags the cheapest?”. Hopefully, now you know your next shopping destination! Would it be France or London? Share your thoughts with us!

Would you like to know how much are Chanel purses on the resale market? Check our resale vs retail price guide. Usually, if you buy pre-loved, you can find a bag in nice condition way cheaper than the prices listed in this article. And you won't even need to travel to another country. The only thing you need to keep in mind is to always order professional authentication before purchasing a bag from a private seller. 

How to Authenticate a Chanel Bag?

We at Bagaholic provide Chanel authentication service for both vintage and new items and we're at your service any time you need help examining an item from this French brand. Please select one of the options below.