Duty | Tax | Customs for International shopping {VAT refund}

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#751
So I bought a Chanel purse off ebay from a seller in Japan and the total was $1749 usd and with the exchange it came to close to $2450 which is crazy enough.
I get the package delivered and customs wants to charge me $596.00
Duty was $241.00 and GST was $345 and handling was $10

what a joke, I returned it back, this is ridiculous.
I know I was gonna get hit but I didnt think that much.

Does anybody know what they charge if I sent it to the US because I have an address there.
Would it be worth it even with the exchange?

Please help asap thanks!!
 
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#752
sonaale said:
Currently in Paris. Thinking about doing some serious shopping from one of the department stores, i.e. Le Bon marche, prin temps or galleries Lafayette, rather than at the boutiques. These department stores offer to the instant tax back. Is there any disadvantage to taking the instant Tax back at the department stores?
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Hi there! Would you share what your experience was with instant tax back? I've searched this thread for weeks but there is so much contradicting information and when I asked before I was told to search the thread again lol

If you know what the refund percentage is for galleries la fayette for insta refund I would appreciate it. Thank you!
 
#754
calflu said:
Actually my experience is completely different from yours
Perhaps you asked for refund in GBP while you paid in Euo

I alway pay in euro and ask for refund in euro

Then the actual amount back to my USD CC is determined by daily wholesale rates of Visa when the transaction is processed. That's the best rate one can get

My girlfriend always wants cash instead of CC refund so she always gets hit by lower % back due to higher processed fees global blues or premier tax slashes on the transaction

If you ask for CC refund you get the full € listed on the forms back while cash you don't!
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Actually, it is stated on Premier Tax envelopes that they take about 3-4% (They stated a range which I am not sure if I recall correctly now) from a rate (think central bank or some other bank). It is not base on the daily wholesales rates of Visa for sure.

I was thinking I may get the Visa's rates and be slapped with a 2.5% admin fee since the refund is in the EUR which is a different currency from my card. In the end, the refund was made in my currency with no cross border admin fee slapped on me. The refund could be processed by the Premier Tax in my country since I will incur a cross border admin fee for a transaction in my home currency that is carried out overseas. The exchange rate was worse than if the refund was made in EUR and my bank takes a 2.5% admin fee from me.

While most merchants in France practice a deduction of 10% of the overall VAT refundable as additional admin surcharge and the cash refund managing agent charges a EUR 3 or EUR 3.50 surcharge per receipt, this is not always the case in other Europe countries. If I recall from Global Blue refund form, France and UK are the 2 countries where the cash refund agents will charge a fee.

Given the case, it may be wiser to opt for cash refund if the purchase and refund is not done in France. Otherwise, my reason to opt for cash refund at the airport is the sense of security that the refund is definitely completed before one leaves the country and not withstand the agony of waiting for refund.

However, my personal advice is that if the intend is to pay via cash and refund is to be done in cash, do at least pay part of the bill by cc. In case the cash refund agent refuses to honor the refund, you can still fall back on cc refund as a last resort. I was refused cash refund at CDG airport just earlier this year.
 
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#755
luvallbgs said:
Hi there! Would you share what your experience was with instant tax back? I've searched this thread for weeks but there is so much contradicting information and when I asked before I was told to search the thread again lol

If you know what the refund percentage is for galleries la fayette for insta refund I would appreciate it. Thank you!
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The rates has actually been shared before. 12% for cc refund and 10.8% for cash refund at all 3 department stores (Lafayette, Le Bon Marche and Printemps). 13% for cc refund and 11.7% for cash refund at Chanel standalone boutiques. Instant cash refund not available at Chanel standalone boutiques and further admin fee of EUR 3 or EUR 3.50 applies per receipt for all cash refund in France (I am not sure of the charges applicable in UK though)

You are still required to get custom stamps for instant cash back and you will need to make sure the form is returned. They can always take back the refund from your credit card if the stamped refund form is not received by a grace period. Paying cash does not help since you are supposed to use your credit card as a guarantee for instant cash refund.
 
#756
luvallbgs said:
Hi there! Would you share what your experience was with instant tax back? I've searched this thread for weeks but there is so much contradicting information and when I asked before I was told to search the thread again lol



If you know what the refund percentage is for galleries la fayette for insta refund I would appreciate it. Thank you!
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Sorry, I just saw this. I ended up going through the process at the airport and didn't deal directly with any of the department stores (because we didn't end up buying anything from the department stores)
 
#757
I'm in Paris now and have done a little shopping. Well over the $800 limit for the USA however. I bought a Neverfull among other things. I'm wondering if I use it for my carry on (I didn't bring one and now I need one) and don't declare it upon arrival in USA will I lose my vat refund?

I'm unable to search as I'm on my iPhone and my internet is really really slow as its what the hotel offers.
 
#758
fashionista1984 said:
I'm in Paris now and have done a little shopping. Well over the $800 limit for the USA however. I bought a Neverfull among other things. I'm wondering if I use it for my carry on (I didn't bring one and now I need one) and don't declare it upon arrival in USA will I lose my vat refund?

I'm unable to search as I'm on my iPhone and my internet is really really slow as its what the hotel offers.
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I am sort of guessing what you are trying to ask.

The bag must not appear to be used already before the customs that will chop your VAT refund form. Ultimately the customs has a right to ask to see each individual purchase to ensure you are bringing brand new purchase out of the EU zone before you are issued with the customs stamp. Once you received the stamp, your VAT refund is confirmed so long as you follow the remaining procedures to get it.
 
#759
fashionista1984 said:
I'm in Paris now and have done a little shopping. Well over the $800 limit for the USA however. I bought a Neverfull among other things. I'm wondering if I use it for my carry on (I didn't bring one and now I need one) and don't declare it upon arrival in USA will I lose my vat refund?



I'm unable to search as I'm on my iPhone and my internet is really really slow as its what the hotel offers.
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When you get your Vat refund form stamped, you might be asked to show your purchased items. These items need look unused. Otherwise, your Vat refund form won't be stamped. However, Paris is on the Pablo system and you might just need to scan your forms at the kiosk. In any case, just be safe and keep it so its accessible and looks unused. Once the vat form is stamped you can start using it. Whether you declare it or not in the US doesn't have any affect on the vat refund.
 
#762
Hello ladies, Can I ask you here regarding a question of getting VAT paper at Chanel store;
Do we need to bring our passports, or is it ok just a driver license for get VAT paper at the store when shopping in Chanel store in paris?
TIA!!
 
#765
shopgirl4cc said:
Thank you for the reply! So I need to bring my passport to the store? I'm worried for pickpockets for my passport to be stolen in my bag, and wondering if it would be ok only driver license or copy of passport...?
I appreciate for your help, Thanks!
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Correct. The store will ask to see your passport and will complete the VAT refund form for you. I've heard that some stores will accept a photocopy, but I am not sure if Chanel is one of them. Don't let a fear of pickpockets worry you. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings at all times, use a secure bag and keep it close to you. You should have no trouble. Enjoy your trip!
 
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