I wish I knew this. New Bond st SA told me I dont even need to show the shawl I bought because it was a small amount. BAD ADVICE that I followed. Sorry, off topic.
Best way to 'detax' after H in Europe
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I have seen bad advice re avoiding taxes in FB groups, but am surprised to see it posted and remain posted here.
Edited to add: I am not suggesting the quoted posts are bad advice. To the contrary.
Just wanted say that one can make an appointment in advance to clear tax refund at London Heathrow if pressed for time. There is a charge of £15 to prebook a date and time or I believe £5 per claim receipt if you are already there, the queue is long and one is running late for check-in. See Heathrow.com website for details. My process has always been smooth even if I was asked to show my bags after security due to the value. Refund is also fast. I wanna go slightly off topic and thank Hermes for sending me 3 SOs AFTER I moved away and now qualify for Tax Refund from the EU.
Hi, I would like to know if the prebook date/time for VAT refund only for UK purchase only? I have purchases made in France and I like to know if I can processed these as well with the prebook services.
Thank you.
Yes, they do that in France too because a lot of people try to abuse the VAT refund system by claiming purchases that they don’t actually export out of the EU zone. I process a lot of my tax refunds at NCE and it’s hilarious to see people open their luggage and unwrap all sorts of goodies for custom agents.
NCE is?Yes, they do that in France too because a lot of people try to abuse the VAT refund system by claiming purchases that they don’t actually export out of the EU zone. I process a lot of my tax refunds at NCE and it’s hilarious to see people open their luggage and unwrap all sorts of goodies for custom agents.
Currently sitting in the lounge in MXP and waiting to go home. I’ve managed to get tax refund successfully for the first time in Italy!!
All of my refunds are with GB. I was instructed by GB to get all my invoices/ items checked at the custom first (all purchases were made in Italy). Custom officer was pretty chillax (slow!) but he did ask to check my Oran sandals and show him the soles to make sure they were not worn. He didn’t ask to see the highest value item which is my new Lindy.
I know it is tempting to use the new purchases whilst on holiday but best to keep them in the original package to get tax refund successfully!
All of my refunds are with GB. I was instructed by GB to get all my invoices/ items checked at the custom first (all purchases were made in Italy). Custom officer was pretty chillax (slow!) but he did ask to check my Oran sandals and show him the soles to make sure they were not worn. He didn’t ask to see the highest value item which is my new Lindy.
I know it is tempting to use the new purchases whilst on holiday but best to keep them in the original package to get tax refund successfully!
If I make an purchase in the EU ( Milan) but plan to travel outside the schengen zone and not return to the states for a bit ( 5 months ), would I be able to mail off the papers
Yes within 90 days after leaving EU, as long as your refund invoice is validated at tax refund counter/ custom. If you are leaving from Milan, your item is purchased in Italy and not picked by custom, GB would just validate and refund the tax right away.
There is also another GB and custom at airside in case landside is busy but you will have to hand carry your items.
I would love to hear from all of you experienced shoppers if it's more financially beneficial to get your VAT refund in cash vs. credit card credit. I have always opted for credit card refund but have found that I receive about 10-15% less than what is listed as the expected refund on the receipt (and I have taken into account the fluctuation of euro to dollar). Also there were times that I didn't receive my VAT even though it was processed correctly at the airport (twice it happened when leaving Amsterdam).
In my experience, I always got more money back opting for the credit card refund. Once I asked for cash and immediately regretted it because I got so much less back.
