Best way to 'detax' after H in Europe

[FreddieMac]

Wow didn’t know this! I take it then that this also means we don’t pay any UK VAT or customs upon arrival in the UK since we already paid tax in France? Or do we still pay UK VAT and customs upon arrival then claim the EUR tax refund?

As you’re claiming the tax rebate, you need to declare and pay taxes, customs and duty.

I don’t know what the process is if one choses not to claim back VAT, but expect you would still be expected to declare and pay.

 

[_gelato_]

As you’re claiming the tax rebate, you need to declare and pay taxes, customs and duty.

I don’t know what the process is if one choses not to claim back VAT, but expect you would still be expected to declare and pay.

Thanks Is there a place at London St Pancras (arrivals) to declare and pay customs and VAT? I couldn’t find any info on this when I googled.

 

[FreddieMac]

Thanks Is there a place at London St Pancras (arrivals) to declare and pay customs and VAT? I couldn’t find any info on this when I googled.

There’s airport style green and red exit routes with customs agents on hand/call.

 

[bisousx]

Calling for opinions.

My last flight out of Spain is at a very early time in the morning. It’s a 7 AM flight, and I know that the detax/VAT refund office does not open until 6 AM. Which would leave me barely enough time to get through the gate before takeoff. Not an easy feat with an international flight.

would anyone recommend me to come to the airport a day early or several days early just to get the paperwork done?

Or do they have some requirement where my boarding pass shows I’m leaving the same day?

wwyd?

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

As you’re claiming the tax rebate, you need to declare and pay taxes, customs and duty.

I don’t know what the process is if one choses not to claim back VAT, but expect you would still be expected to declare and pay.

it clearly says on the gov.uk website


“You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat).

If you go over your allowance you pay tax and duty on the total value of the goods, not just the value above the allowance.

You may have to pay import VAT and customs duty if you exceed your allowance.”

so when travelling to FSH to purchase a bag will require the above.

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

Hi, just wanted to add I don’t work for the government etc. I just don’t want my bag confiscated. We hear crazy stories from the US about not declaring properly and it’s hard enough getting a bag as it is x

 

[lalame]

Calling for opinions.

My last flight out of Spain is at a very early time in the morning. It’s a 7 AM flight, and I know that the detax/VAT refund office does not open until 6 AM. Which would leave me barely enough time to get through the gate before takeoff. Not an easy feat with an international flight.

would anyone recommend me to come to the airport a day early or several days early just to get the paperwork done?

Or do they have some requirement where my boarding pass shows I’m leaving the same day?

wwyd?

This has happened to me a few times! It depends... if there's a detax/VAT office after customs (Munich airport has this for example) then I would just do that and problem easily solved. If not, then I have gotten an airport hotel for the night before so I could try to do this step the night before or at least be well positioned to get there as early as possible the morning of flight. I didn't have a problem doing it the night before when my flight was cutting it as close as yours was but I doubt they would let you do it days in advance or even if your flight were just a few hours later. They scrutinized it a bit in my case.

 

[880]

Calling for opinions.

My last flight out of Spain is at a very early time in the morning. It’s a 7 AM flight, and I know that the detax/VAT refund office does not open until 6 AM. Which would leave me barely enough time to get through the gate before takeoff. Not an easy feat with an international flight.

would anyone recommend me to come to the airport a day early or several days early just to get the paperwork done?

Or do they have some requirement where my boarding pass shows I’m leaving the same day?

wwyd?

I think the idea is check in first (go early and if you are with someone, have them wait in a lounge with all your stuff) (bc I thought you needed same day boarding pass) then perhaps run with stuff to Global Vat refund office (Find out if there is one after security so you don’t have to go through. If you are global entry, TSA pre, and Clear, perhaps you can circumvent long security lines). I found getting the vat back on CC was fast and easy. Make sure your paperwork is in order prior. In Italy, no one cared about seeing the goods, but I’m not sure that’s the norm.

happy travels! Hugs

 

[QuelleFromage]

Hi, just wanted to add I don’t work for the government etc. I just don’t want my bag confiscated. We hear crazy stories from the US about not declaring properly and it’s hard enough getting a bag as it is x

Well, it IS also the law. And I'm pretty sure most countries work similarly to the US in that if you attempt to evade customs duties, you are at high risk of losing any privileged traveler status (such as Global Entry in the US or APEC in Asia).
The entire point of the tax refund is that you are only paying tax in ONE country, as opposed to two. It's not actually intended to be a tax free experience.

 

[madameLV]

Well, it IS also the law. And I'm pretty sure most countries work similarly to the US in that if you attempt to evade customs duties, you are at high risk of losing any privileged traveler status (such as Global Entry in the US or APEC in Asia).
The entire point of the tax refund is that you are only paying tax in ONE country, as opposed to two. It's not actually intended to be a tax free experience.

A friends friend didn’t declare and got fined 100% of the value of the bag. It ended up being a croc bag, so they paid a pretty penny. They also lost their global entry and are now flagged for customs to inspect them every time they return.

In other words, it’s not worth it.

 

[lalame]

I will always declare due to the risk/certainty of losing Global Entry alone! But it should be noted, you don't always get charged tax. I don't know why it seems to vary but for example at SFO, I've always declared and never been asked to pay additional tax... my purchases have definitely gone over the exclusion limit too. I'm not complaining though... the state already gets plenty from me, that's for sure.

 

[QuelleFromage]

A friends friend didn’t declare and got fined 100% of the value of the bag. It ended up being a croc bag, so they paid a pretty penny. They also lost their global entry and are now flagged for customs to inspect them every time they return.

In other words, it’s not worth it.

Honestly if I had to choose between any of my bags and Global Entry it would not be a choice

 

[lulilu]

A friends friend didn’t declare and got fined 100% of the value of the bag. It ended up being a croc bag, so they paid a pretty penny. They also lost their global entry and are now flagged for customs to inspect them every time they return.

In other words, it’s not worth it.

I am glad you posted this as it bears repeating. I've read so many posts in tpf of people talking about how to avoid paying taxes or bragging about doing just that. I just have to SMDH. As QF says, it's the law. Why would you risk not paying this tax? (True, you are sometimes just waved through, but I wouldn't risk not declaring any more than I'd risk not paying my income taxes. The consequences can be onerous.)

 

[lulilu]

Calling for opinions.

My last flight out of Spain is at a very early time in the morning. It’s a 7 AM flight, and I know that the detax/VAT refund office does not open until 6 AM. Which would leave me barely enough time to get through the gate before takeoff. Not an easy feat with an international flight.

would anyone recommend me to come to the airport a day early or several days early just to get the paperwork done?

Or do they have some requirement where my boarding pass shows I’m leaving the same day?

wwyd?

I had a similar situation flying out of SG. The tax office was not open yet but the Pablo machines worked just fine.

 

[madameLV]

I am glad you posted this as it bears repeating. I've read so many posts in tpf of people talking about how to avoid paying taxes or bragging about doing just that. I just have to SMDH. As QF says, it's the law. Why would you risk not paying this tax? (True, you are sometimes just waved through, but I wouldn't risk not declaring any more than I'd risk not paying my income taxes. The consequences can be onerous.)

It’s also not that bad. I declared all my items and they only charged me for the birkin because I “was honest”. I only paid around $500 for my B30 Barenia Fabourg. I still saved THOUSANDS.