It really is haha. But now DBF is getting into watches so I might not be able to spread purchases around next time.
Duty | Tax | Customs for International shopping {VAT refund}
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It really is haha. But now DBF is getting into watches so I might not be able to spread purchases around next time.
Hello! I have a question. I just bought a so black reissue from the Chanel boutique in Vienna. I'll be departing EU from London Heathrow. I understand I will have to submit the original receipt to the tax refund customs? Is that mandatory? If I ever need to fix the bag in my home country, is that possible without an original receipt? Does Chanel accept photocopies? Thanks in advance!
You should have gotten 2 copies. You need the original receipt they won't make any exceptions. You have to get the receipt stamped before you can go get the vat back.
Thanks... It's definitely too late to ask for a second copy of the invoice now, I have left Vienna already
Thanks... It's definitely too late to ask for a second copy of the invoice now, I have left Vienna already
I was at Chanel in Florence and they filled out all my passport info on reciept and there was a carbon copy attached and they just tear it off. Did you give them your passport? The receipt says how much vat you should be getting back
Hi Missyb, I've received 2 docs from the Chanel Selfridges. Please refer to the attached photos. Can I keep one of these as my copy? I don't have a proper tax invoice like the Chanel boutique normally gives me.
Thank you for the help guys. Customs was very nice. They didn't collect anything from me. They didn't even ask to see anything, just asked me questions in which I answered truthfully.
Thank you for the help guys. Customs was very nice. They didn't collect anything from me. They didn't even ask to see anything, just asked me questions in which I answered truthfully.
Glad it all worked out! When I got back from Barcelona they didn't say anything either when I went through customs.
Can you take a picture with your phone of the receipt in case they take it? Than you at least have proof on your phone. Then when you get home print it out just in case. Mine came from a Chanel boutique so the receipt was different.
Yes, they're actually really nice it seems, if you are. Lol.Thank you for the help guys. Customs was very nice. They didn't collect anything from me. They didn't even ask to see anything, just asked me questions in which I answered truthfully.
I've only had to pay customs 1 out of 3 times I've gone through. I like being truthful as silly as it sounds.
And I didn't even pay as much as I anticipated I would. So even with a custom's fee, you still come out on top because of the cheaper prices, somewhat favorable exchange rate, and the VAT refund!
Hello, thanks for the help so far. What they gave me was: (1) a long receipt which had my passport info and amount of VAT I'll get in return, and (2) the official Chanel invoice.
I'm worried that they customs will leave me without the original invoice, which seems to be the case?
I would say take pics with your phone just to be on the safe side. I don't think you'd have a problem with that if you had any issues.
Same with me, I've always been honest and have paid a few times but, a couple of times, they have waved me through since they said I wouldn't owe much. One agent told me that if you are up front with them, they appreciate it and will not feel the need to search through your belongings. I've also seen other people pulled out of line and had their baggage searched down to the last item. If they find undeclared stuff then, well, that's not going to be good.
I am ALWAYS so thrilled to be back on US soil that I declare, however like others I've only been charged once, the other two times they have waived me through.
The last trip a few months ago, I had all of my VAT forms stamped (and by the way they did return all my original receipts), but in the midst of all the long lines I FORGOT to drop the stamped VAT envelopes in the designated box neat the VAT area at CDG. It was NOT until I returned back to the states did I see them all of the envelopes in my carry on - ugh and to think I stood in that mammoth line at CDG and ladies it was miles LONG. I decided to take the postage paid envelopes ( they all say postage paid air mail on the front) to my local US post office and they suggested to add postage just in case it was an inside the euro country process - each envelope was $1.80, not bad. It ALL worked out, approximately 4 weeks to the day I received many credit(s) to my Visa - whew, that was a close one.
Additionally, I took pictures of all the VAT receipts prior to mailing so I would have the reference numbers as all the Company VAT websites have tracking if you have your reference number!
P.S. I always choose the credit card reimbursement and have never had a problem.
HTH !
SB
The last trip a few months ago, I had all of my VAT forms stamped (and by the way they did return all my original receipts), but in the midst of all the long lines I FORGOT to drop the stamped VAT envelopes in the designated box neat the VAT area at CDG. It was NOT until I returned back to the states did I see them all of the envelopes in my carry on - ugh and to think I stood in that mammoth line at CDG and ladies it was miles LONG. I decided to take the postage paid envelopes ( they all say postage paid air mail on the front) to my local US post office and they suggested to add postage just in case it was an inside the euro country process - each envelope was $1.80, not bad. It ALL worked out, approximately 4 weeks to the day I received many credit(s) to my Visa - whew, that was a close one.
Additionally, I took pictures of all the VAT receipts prior to mailing so I would have the reference numbers as all the Company VAT websites have tracking if you have your reference number!
P.S. I always choose the credit card reimbursement and have never had a problem.
HTH !
SB