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

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#571
Heathrow was no problem. Stamped at customs and proceeded to the get a refund on my credit card. This was in 2010.

This year in Italy, I got mine refunded anywhere I found Global Blue (twice in Florence and once in Venice) although we were flying out of venice. At the Venice airport, I got the papers stamped by customs BEFORE security and dropped off the papers at the post box located at the Global Blue kiosk inside the terminal.
I'm glad I did my refunds in the city instead of relying on the airport as the check-in for KLM was opened only 45 mins prior to boarding and we had just enough time to drop off the papers before proceeding to the Gate. There was a long line at Global Blue and only one person servicing at that time.
 
#575
There is a great new company that will prepare and file duty refunds for you. Unfortunately, they are only based in Canada right now but promise to be expanding to the U.S.A. soon. It is much easier to use than the traditional way and can also be done completely online. You will get your duty refunded much faster.

www.duty-back.com

:smile1:
 
#583
So I'm filling out the vat paperwork and I'm confused on the "how do you want your refund" bit.

I'm wanting to get cash. I know it's a lot less of a refund but I would like the cash option. But the form itself only gives
1. Card
2. Check
3. Other (fill in)

Do I write down cash?

Or do I check the card option and fill in my card info, then take that to the office after it gets stamped?

Just want to make sure I get something back. And I have doubts all my vat envelopes will make it should I put them in the post after I get the officials' stamp.

Thanks!
 
#584
bakeacookie said:
Has anyone tried to just use a photocopy of their passport when claiming the VAT at stores or do they absolutely have to see the passport itself?
Click to expand...

no, they don't have to see the passport, they only need to see your photo and the information on the passport; but some stores have different policies.. I do my shopping in the same stores always and know their policies
 
#585
bakeacookie said:
So I'm filling out the vat paperwork and I'm confused on the "how do you want your refund" bit.

I'm wanting to get cash. I know it's a lot less of a refund but I would like the cash option. But the form itself only gives
1. Card
2. Check
3. Other (fill in)

Do I write down cash?

Or do I check the card option and fill in my card info, then take that to the office after it gets stamped?

Just want to make sure I get something back. And I have doubts all my vat envelopes will make it should I put them in the post after I get the officials' stamp.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I think I'm late to reply but if you need cash at the airport you don't need to check any of the above, there used to appear the "cash" choise formerly but not anymore.

cash has a disadvantage as the tax refund payer company takes %10 of the total tax refund as a comission when you request cash; if you choose the credit card option then it takes 6-8 weeks to issue the payment -but its safe, your money won't get lost- and you don't pay any comission. This comission thing matters when you are going to get a high amount of tax refund
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top