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

[cherchezlabelle]

If you buy a bag on eBay from a seller in Japan and have it shipped to the U.S., how do you figure the amount of customs duties?

 

[Topviking]

Can anyone help to advise? I have a friend going to London who will assist me in purchasing a few items but I need to find out the final costs first. Anyone? Please......

All the European countries have some form of Tax Free shopping for tourists. The refund processing for these VAT tax refunds are handled by private companies that keep a portion of the tax for processing so it is never a full refund. However, planning your purchases carefully can still save you a lot of money. However, please keep in my that you have to meet the minimum purchase amount to quality for a tax free refund and one cent under the amount does not qualify! I learned that the hard way.

 

[EmmieB]

I took nearly 3 months for my to get my VAT refund, I thought they lost my form. I remember thinking maybe I should have just gotten my 10% cash immediately even though I would lose a couple bucks.

 

[tannedsilk]

Hi

I know this might sound like a silly question but I live in the UK and am planning to go to paris. If I buy a chanel bag there can I reclaim the VAT?

I doubt it, it's part of the EU.

 

[tannedsilk]

All the European countries have some form of Tax Free shopping for tourists. The refund processing for these VAT tax refunds are handled by private companies that keep a portion of the tax for processing so it is never a full refund. However, planning your purchases carefully can still save you a lot of money. However, please keep in my that you have to meet the minimum purchase amount to quality for a tax free refund and one cent under the amount does not qualify! I learned that the hard way.

Also your friend must get the appropriate paperwork endorsed at the time of purchase by the retailer. The refund processing is done at the airport so they should ensure they allocate sufficient time.

 

[pinknyanko]

I doubt it, it's part of the EU.

Um, while the UK is in Europe, it is not part of the EU. The UK still uses GBP ... and not euros. So I think she should be OK.

 

[Curlx]

Um, while the UK is in Europe, it is not part of the EU. The UK still uses GBP ... and not euros. So I think she should be OK.

sorry but that's not true. VAT refund has nothing to do with the common currency (aka Euro) it has to do with the EU as such and as of today the UK is part of the EU. So you cannot apply for a VAT refund if you buy goods in Paris and live in the UK.

 

[tannedsilk]

Um, while the UK is in Europe, it is not part of the EU. The UK still uses GBP ... and not euros. So I think she should be OK.

UK IS part of the EU, but you are correct - they do not use euros. Just because the kept their currency does not make them exempt. VAT refunds are for international travel only.

 

[bakeacookie]

Do we have to show them a passport in store? Or can a drivers license work? So much easier to carry a drivers license than a passport.

 

[Shoesanddresses]

The UK is part of the EU and unfortunately you won't be able to claim any refund if you visit France from the UK.

 

[afsweet]

Do we have to show them a passport in store? Or can a drivers license work? So much easier to carry a drivers license than a passport.

Always have to show a passport. No other way around it.

 

[bakeacookie]

Always have to show a passport. No other way around it.

Thanks! I'll just get a case for my passport to use as a wallet then.

 

[tannedsilk]

Do we have to show them a passport in store? Or can a drivers license work? So much easier to carry a drivers license than a passport.

Take a black and white copy of your passport (it's is prohibited to take color copies) and use that.

 

[bakeacookie]

Take a black and white copy of your passport (it's is prohibited to take color copies) and use that.

Thanks! I like this option a lot more. Didn't know it was prohibited to make color copies either.

 

[tannedsilk]

Thanks! I like this option a lot more. Didn't know it was prohibited to make color copies either.

You're welcome. Also if you haven't done so already make copies of your entire itinerary, passport, tickets, visas, cc etc at HOME with a trustworthy person. If your handbag or luggage gets stolen someone has all the infomation in one place.

Also watch out for pickpockets, etc in crowded tourist areas.

Have a safe journey and a wonderful time