Official worldwide thread - Tips/Advice for customs, VAT, etc...

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#496
I've got a VAT question. I know you're supossed to do all of that at your departing airport, but we have a connecting flight from Rome to Amsterdam, then from Amsterdam to the US. Should I do my VAT refund at the Rome airport or the Amsterdam airport?
 
#497
I think it must be when you actually leave the EU, thus Amsterdam. Have it all packed separately, as they may well ask to see the items - they can legally ask to do so.
 
#498
Has anyone filled out the tax-free/customs form for the refund for CHANEL? I just want to make sure I do it right!

All I need to do is send the stamped tax free form along with my duplicate copy of my receipt in the pre-paid envelope, right?
 
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#499
Hi, i will be travelling to london and i will be taking eurostar to paris before heading back to Asia. Do i claim my VAT in paris? If so, the items that i purchased in UK, how much VAT will i get back? Thanks.
 
#500
I am considering of traveling to Europe this winter.
I've never been there before, and am now planing my trip.
I went there mainly for shopping, while traveling:p

So which country has the highest VAT refund?
I am planning of going to France and Italy. Any other suggestions??:D
 
#502
Just returned from Paris so I can only tell you the VAT rates there. It was 12% back if going back to your credit card, 10% back if you choose to get cash at the airport. Not sure about rates for the other countries. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip. The shopping there is amazing, so much fun!
 
#503
SDBagLover said:
Just returned from Paris so I can only tell you the VAT rates there. It was 12% back if going back to your credit card, 10% back if you choose to get cash at the airport. Not sure about rates for the other countries. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip. The shopping there is amazing, so much fun!
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thank you for replying.
I heard from my friends saying that refund going back to credit card is not exactly the percentage they claimed to be? But less than that and it will be better to just take cash. Is that true?

Wow cant wait to be there lol.
 
#504
I heard from my friends saying that refund going back to credit card is not exactly the percentage they claimed to be? But less than that and it will be better to just take cash. Is that true?
Hmm, I will have to check my next credit card statement to confirm that. Just got back a week ago and had all the VAT tax credits go back to my card. I was told it takes 4-6 weeks to show up on your statement. Once I receive my card statement, I will post again and let you know what the percentage back ended up being. I suppose it will depend on the exchange rate to some extent. I'm a total novice on this. It was my first time in Europe.
 
#505
the VAT refund is supposed to be 19% but the stores hire a company to process it for them and thus make it simple for the foreigner too. However they take a cut so you only get 12% back.
 
#506
SDBagLover said:
I heard from my friends saying that refund going back to credit card is not exactly the percentage they claimed to be? But less than that and it will be better to just take cash. Is that true?

Hmm, I will have to check my next credit card statement to confirm that. Just got back a week ago and had all the VAT tax credits go back to my card. I was told it takes 4-6 weeks to show up on your statement. Once I receive my card statement, I will post again and let you know what the percentage back ended up being. I suppose it will depend on the exchange rate to some extent. I'm a total novice on this. It was my first time in Europe.
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that's so nice of you :)
 
#507
Italy n France is generally 12% tax refund via credit card for branded bags.. Chanel in france is 12.99% refund though. Tax refunds for watches are higher.. U will get ur refund successfully if u do all things right... It's jus a matter of how long it takes.. It can take as long as three months or more.
 
#508
hi all
i'm sick in the stomach
I was in paris last month and received my tax return from premier tax free via cash.
Have just been charged on my credit card by them, I suspect they have not received the forms I posted back, although I do not know why! I tried calling their france office but I keep getting cut off.

What can I do?
 
#509
Hi wannabelyn, try to contact premier tax via their link to track your refund. I dont think you can call them. I just enquired my refund which i've waited for 3 mths already (bought chanel bags in rome back in sep 2012). First reply frm them saying the voucher number was not correct, they asked me to scan the copy of the voucher. I did & few days later they replied saying that my voucher has been processed & the refund would be sent in feb/march billing. I'm quite happy even it takes almost 5mths by then... Here's the link to the tracking... All the best! :smile1:

http://www.premiertaxfree.com/index.php/tourist/refund-tracking-system/
 
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