Whether you’re planning to splurge on a purse in Milan or stock up on skincare in a Parisian pharmacy, shopping is often a highlight of a trip to Europe—especially with the handy VAT refund. Travelers have become as strategic with the VAT refund as with a sought-after sample sale. And for good reason: While sales tax in the US averages around 7.5%, in Europe it’s a staggering 22%. Wait—don’t get sticker shock just yet! Travelers can shop tax-free in all 27 European Union (EU) member states, but with a few catches. Thanks to the VAT refund program, you can recoup some of your money on the spot or at the airport before flying home. The first catch is that there’s a minimum spend everywhere except Spain. (Due to Brexit, the United Kingdom doesn’t qualify—Northern Ireland, however, does.) The second is that you have to claim your refund before leaving the EU.…