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

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#856
Does anyone know the tax rate for watches? Looking at an Hermes one, steel casing with leather band. The tax table for watches is confusing.
Like do I follow general, special, or 2? Lol

Since this is the most expensive item I'm planning to buy in London, I want to ensure I'm ready to pay any duty on it (and if it would be worth it).
 
#857
BEWARE--do not buy from Italy if you live in another country and might want to return your purchase. Italy assesses a ginormous duty.


I recently bought two bags directly from Julian Fashion's website. I knew I'd have to pay 9% of the value assessed by the United States (where I live), which was fine with me. I also knew that I'd be able to get that amount back if I returned the bags, through the US's drawback process. What I did not anticipate was that Italy would assess 351 Euro on my return, even though I marked it as returned, unaltered Italian goods, and even though I indicated that the country of origin was Italy. I'm still trying to find out if that was correct, and whether I might have any recourse (thoughts, anyone???), but I doubt I do, especially since Julian Fashion paid it and deducted the amount from my refund.


I hope someone else can learn from my expensive mistake.
 
#858
Hello,

This may sound weird, but I'd like to know how to maximize my VAT refund.

I have questions regarding the taxation. I will be going to France, Switzerland, and Italy this late October 2016.

I understand that the tax rate varies in three different countries that I visit. For example, Italy may be 14%. France may be 12% and Switzerland may be 5%. Therefore, I'm interested in knowing how much tax refund I will be getting.

For example, if I buy 1,000 euros worth of handbag in France, 1,000 euros worth of clothes in Switzerland, 1,000 euros worth of accessories in Italy. I'll be leaving from Milan, Italy to go back to Bangkok, does this mean that I will get tax refund based on Italy rate? I'm wondering if I will be getting tax refund based on three different that I visit.

I also would like to know if I go custom, there will be administrative charge for the service. What if I don't know to pay for this charge. Is there a way to get tax refunded in its fully? Will the method be varied in different countries across EU? What I'm asking is how to get tax refund without using the agency in order to avoid charge?

Please let me know,
Zarut
 
#859
Hello,


Has anyone here ordered Chanel items from Europe, particularly Harrod's? What are the import and export fees to be expected?


I am in the US and have never ordered from there, however, I'm considering it since there are items I want that aren't offered here the states.


TIA!
 
#862
I will be traveling to Europe in March from USA. I will be flying into Amsterdam and going to Paris for 1 day via train to shop. Then I will go to Budapest and back to USA.

Several questions concerning VAT refund:

1. Does Chanel or Celine do a VAT refund in the store? Or is it at the airport only?
2. At the airport can I get it done in Amsterdam or do I have to get it done in Budapest since its the country of departure from Europe? Also, is the place where I get my paper stamped 24 hours?

Thank you!!
 
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#863
drnadsmd said:
I will be traveling to Europe in March from USA. I will be flying into Amsterdam and going to Paris for 1 day via train to shop. Then I will go to Budapest and back to USA.

Several questions concerning VAT refund:

1. Does Chanel or Celine do a VAT refund in the store? Or is it at the airport only?
2. At the airport can I get it done in Amsterdam or do I have to get it done in Budapest since its the country of departure from Europe? Also, is the place where I get my paper stamped 24 hours?

Thank you!!
Click to expand...


If you go back to this thread you'll find all the helpful answers about VAT refund 101
 
#864
Hi all! It seems like Japanese resellers always have great prices on bags. Yes I've heard some stories about moth ball smells, etc., but I can't get past the deals. I've purchased from Japan in the past when living in the US and never had an issue.

Now that I'm living in the UK I'm wondering what issues you've had when purchasing from outside the UK. Did you have to pay VAT or customs charges (or are they one in the same?) and if so was it worth the price you paid for the bag you bought?

Thanks for any help!
 
#865
AECornell said:
Hi all! It seems like Japanese resellers always have great prices on bags. Yes I've heard some stories about moth ball smells, etc., but I can't get past the deals. I've purchased from Japan in the past when living in the US and never had an issue.

Now that I'm living in the UK I'm wondering what issues you've had when purchasing from outside the UK. Did you have to pay VAT or customs charges (or are they one in the same?) and if so was it worth the price you paid for the bag you bought?

Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

Some Japanese sellers will mark the prices down on the customs forms without you ever even mentioning it.

However, if they insist on declaring the full value then you can rest assured that 99.9% of the time you will be charged VAT, customs fees (where the value is relevant) and a postal processing fee (varies depending on the delivery company). I once paid 40% in charges on a lower value item.

www.dutycalculator.com is helpful.
 
#866
Yuck I don't want to do that!

I'm thinking maybe I'll have it sent to my parents in the US and have them bring it over this summer. Since they won't have to pay any taxes on it in the US. Although then I wouldn't get to inspect/use the bag until they come.

vernis-lover said:
Some Japanese sellers will mark the prices down on the customs forms without you ever even mentioning it.



However, if they insist on declaring the full value then you can rest assured that 99.9% of the time you will be charged VAT, customs fees (where the value is relevant) and a postal processing fee (varies depending on the delivery company). I once paid 40% in charges on a lower value item.



www.dutycalculator.com is helpful.
Click to expand...
 
#867
bakeacookie said:
Good to know!

I think Hermes is about the same percentages for leather goods like LV. I know I saved a ton on my Evelyne, but silks weren't with buying in the UK.

I know I'm buying LV for myself and mom, the savings alone outdo any customs duty because of how much it costs here with tax.

Certain items are definitely cheaper here or with no difference. But all the leather goods I'm eyeing have a significant difference, so I have to double check to see if I'm still saving money even if I pay duty.
Click to expand...
For the rest of us wanting to know which brands are also totally worth the trouble while in Europe - I'd add Fendi to the list. I just purchased a purse for 3600 euro (incl about 500 vat) in Italy. It costs $5400 USD (not including sales tax). SCORE!
 
#869
Can I ask the VAT return? Would it better to get VAT refund by mail ( where you mail them recepit and put back on your credit card) or cash( where you get in line before your flight tomget refund in cash)?
Which one is best ? Thanks
 
#870
natalia0128 said:
Can I ask the VAT return? Would it better to get VAT refund by mail ( where you mail them recepit and put back on your credit card) or cash( where you get in line before your flight tomget refund in cash)?
Which one is best ? Thanks
Click to expand...

I say get it while you are there. Also, my other tip is take a picture of your stamped form at the airport. They have a way of turning up lost. They take an imprint of your credit card and charge you the VAT + a penalty if they don't get the stamped form within so many days.
 
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