I'm 100% sure because it happened to me. Fortunately I declared my purchases. But they asked for my receipts and they had printed out the vat forms from France and they had me match up every single purchase. I do save most of my shopping for my twice yearly European trips now that the euro is low, so the numbers involved were large but probably not out if the ordinary for many tpf members. I believe this is a fairly new development. I always need to stop to pay duty and this is the first time this happened.
Best way to 'detax' after H in Europe
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I'm 100% sure because it happened to me. Fortunately I declared my purchases. But they asked for my receipts and they had printed out the vat forms from France and they had me match up every single purchase. I do save most of my shopping for my twice yearly European trips now that the euro is low, so the numbers involved were large but probably not out if the ordinary for many tpf members. I believe this is a fairly new development. I always need to stop to pay duty and this is the first time this happened.
Added note: I still think it's worthwhile to file the detaxe. The refunds are usually 10-14%. Some of mine were 16%. Once the US calculates duty it usually comes to about 5% in my experience. And regardless of whether you file for detaxe you are legally bound to pay the US import duty. So you might as well get the detaxe to offset this cost. I really don't recommend trying to avoid paying US duty.
Did you go through the global re entry process? As last January I didn't even talk to anyone was waived through.
I have been shopping in Paris for many years, and ALWAYS mail my receipts home. Don't want them on me. There is a La poste in the airport can't use the yellow boxes by detaxe as not international. I have a stamped envelope ready to go.
Were you stopped as I'm sure they don't print out the detaxe info on everyone.
Just read your note. Tell me how you got 16% back as that would be a first.
At my airport global entry gets you through the first line with the agents. You still have to hand your form to another agent after you claim your bags. Even if you have global re entry. That's where they will stop people and ask about purchases. It is somewhat random but they also pick people out by the way they look, their luggage etc. I wear jeans and a sweater, my luggage is nice but not designer and I wasn't carrying shopping bags from expensive stores. But I'm in my 40s and obviously look a bit put together and I am usually traveling alone.
I think many people have done exactly what you describe for many years. The days of doing so are coming to an end with the computerized system. It's taking a big chance. You can be charged with a crime. They can confiscate your purchases and add penalty fees. They will also take away your global entry and you will be stopped every time. My advice is to pay the fees.
Yes exactly.
But in the past before I was making large shopping trips and thus I didn't declare over 800, I was also once pulled out randomly for search. So it can happen randomly and it's not fun.
Geesh, yes I'm aware it's a crime.
There was a man standing at global entry took our forms and never said a word. Transaction took 2 seonds.
Hate to keep pestering you. Were you singled out as they were reviewing what you declared?
I have been extremely lucky, shopping in Paris for 25 years and not once stopped questioned or paxkages/luggage inspected. I do worry my luck will soon run out.
Fine jewelry stores will often credit you back a higher percentage than other stores. They don't use a middle man. You mail the form directly to the store and they credit your card. I received that refund within a week.
If you want to know more please pm me. I'm afraid this is not quite the topic of this thread so we are about to get in trouble.
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Wow! That's different. Cracks me up they can't get the terrorist no fly list under strict control but they now have instant access to VAT forms. Priorities. SMH. Thanks for the info PP.
My thoughts exactly. They kept asking me about the detaxe forms and I thought "geez do they have access? No way! They were saying on the news that they can't even coordinate to figure out who might have traveled to Syria to train with Isis. How would they have my vat forms?" But they did. It turned out fine of course and they were polite about it. But it's not fun to go through. So just take my advice. Don't lie.
Would you mind telling me what airport this was? Thank you.!
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It varies by item. You can look it up online. I'd rather not give details of where I live publicly. Hope you understand.