That seems odd to me. I would call Global Blue (or whichever company was used to process the VAT refund). I'm still waiting on a tiny refund from last October. Four of five of my refunds processed within 6 weeks but this last one seems to have disappeared. I've tried e-mailing them but gotten no response so, overall, I have to say that Global Blue's customer service is pretty bad. So, my advice is call, don't bother with e-mail. Have your passport number and the transaction ID number ready with all other information. Did you take a picture of your refund receipts? That will help if you did.
Duty | Tax | Customs for International shopping {VAT refund}
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That seems odd to me. I would call Global Blue (or whichever company was used to process the VAT refund). I'm still waiting on a tiny refund from last October. Four of five of my refunds processed within 6 weeks but this last one seems to have disappeared. I've tried e-mailing them but gotten no response so, overall, I have to say that Global Blue's customer service is pretty bad. So, my advice is call, don't bother with e-mail. Have your passport number and the transaction ID number ready with all other information. Did you take a picture of your refund receipts? That will help if you did.
U.S. Customs tax is exempt for the first $800 ($1600 for married couples). The first $1000 after that is taxed at 3%. Anything above that is taxed at 6% (for handbags...the rates vary depending on the merchandise). The customs agent told me that the rate charged over that $1000 threshold varies depending on your arrival airport, but I'm not sure how reliable that information is. I've also heard that the amount you declare should not include any VAT Refunds. To my knowledge, there is no "cap".
Sorry...I just re-read your original post. Should have had some caffeine before I start posting. You would not be charged the US Customs Tax on items purchased abroad when you enter the US. Only US Citizens are charged the US Customs Tax. While in the US, you will be charged "sales tax" on your purchases (which varies by state and even by county) and that tax is not refundable like the EU VAT Tax.
Oh! Wow yay! Thank you so so so much for answering to my queries[emoji8][emoji8][emoji8]
I was just in Spain abt 2 weeks ago. The gentleman at the Chanel Barcelona store said the rate goes up by how much you spend. I can't remember where it starts at (possibly 12-13%) but after you spend 3000 it is 14.90%. Once you spend > 5000 it is 15.7%. I spent 6400 (Dont worry not Just for me---had to buy some necklaces For mom!) my VAT refund on my form was 1004.8 --and I just got my refund back via credit card 2 Weeks after i dropped it off at the Airport box! Yay!
He also said that Spain's 15.7% VAT is the most off any country (I think he said Europe but he might of said EU lol) can't remember I was just exited to get 15.7% VAT Back 😜😜😜
He also said that Spain's 15.7% VAT is the most off any country (I think he said Europe but he might of said EU lol) can't remember I was just exited to get 15.7% VAT Back 😜😜😜
Please allow me to share the rather frustrating refund process recently. Sorry for the long post.
BACKGROUND
I purchased two girl bags from Amsterdam Chanel in two days back in early December 2015. Since I made the purchase in two days, I had two refund vouchers.
I departed Amsterdam back to my home country on 6 December 2015. I put TWO refund vouchers in ONE envelope.
REFUND PROCESS
I received refund for one Girl bag in January 2016 (quite quick, indeed). Since I put 2 vouchers in 1 envelope, it was strange that refund for the other bag was not processed (they said they did not receive my voucher). Then, I inquired with Premier by the online forms and emails.
Time and time again, I was told it took longer time than expected because there was holiday and they had to process a lot of refunds. I was told to follow up again with them in February.
In February, still no refund received so i followed up. This time, I emailed and they told me no voucher was received by them. I even called them to explain the situation. They re-assured me that it could be the case that even two vouchers were put in one envelope, they would not be processed at the same time. I was told to wait until March.
Then, March arrived and still no refund. I received the same 'heartless' reply from the customer service when I emailed them. Then, I called them explaining the situation (AGAIN). I also asked if they lost my voucher and if so, what could be done on my side so that I can get the refund. Finally, a very helpful customer service staff acknowledged that it was quite strange that it took so long for the refund, and it was more strange that they did not process the refund at the same time when I put two receipts together. He promised he would check with the Amsterdam office and revert.
After the call with the helpful staff, I received email from Premier that my refund was processed successfully. I received the refund to my credit card 2 weeks later.
LESSON LEARNT
Simply email them does not help. International calls are necessary. You need to push them but of course remain to be polite. Explain to them clearly why the situation is different and further action from them is required (rather than just sit and wait).
I hope Chanel one day will shift from using Premier to Global Blue. I find that GB has much better customer service and the refund tracking is more user-friendly.
BACKGROUND
I purchased two girl bags from Amsterdam Chanel in two days back in early December 2015. Since I made the purchase in two days, I had two refund vouchers.
I departed Amsterdam back to my home country on 6 December 2015. I put TWO refund vouchers in ONE envelope.
REFUND PROCESS
I received refund for one Girl bag in January 2016 (quite quick, indeed). Since I put 2 vouchers in 1 envelope, it was strange that refund for the other bag was not processed (they said they did not receive my voucher). Then, I inquired with Premier by the online forms and emails.
Time and time again, I was told it took longer time than expected because there was holiday and they had to process a lot of refunds. I was told to follow up again with them in February.
In February, still no refund received so i followed up. This time, I emailed and they told me no voucher was received by them. I even called them to explain the situation. They re-assured me that it could be the case that even two vouchers were put in one envelope, they would not be processed at the same time. I was told to wait until March.
Then, March arrived and still no refund. I received the same 'heartless' reply from the customer service when I emailed them. Then, I called them explaining the situation (AGAIN). I also asked if they lost my voucher and if so, what could be done on my side so that I can get the refund. Finally, a very helpful customer service staff acknowledged that it was quite strange that it took so long for the refund, and it was more strange that they did not process the refund at the same time when I put two receipts together. He promised he would check with the Amsterdam office and revert.
After the call with the helpful staff, I received email from Premier that my refund was processed successfully. I received the refund to my credit card 2 weeks later.
LESSON LEARNT
Simply email them does not help. International calls are necessary. You need to push them but of course remain to be polite. Explain to them clearly why the situation is different and further action from them is required (rather than just sit and wait).
I hope Chanel one day will shift from using Premier to Global Blue. I find that GB has much better customer service and the refund tracking is more user-friendly.
What a nightmare! Good thing you put them in the same envelope - then you knew that they must have received it. I agree, global blue is heaps better at this!
Hi all! I asked the same thing in Dior group, what is the Vat refund company that Chanel use? I'll be in Paris next month. Thanks!