Coming back into the US, would it be possible that agents would ask for receipts or should I just mail it back to myself from Paris?
Official worldwide thread - Tips/Advice for customs, VAT, etc...
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Yes, they could ask you for your original receipts so you should hold on to them. I've been asked to show mine in the past.
You should always take pics with your phone of all your receipts and VAT paperwork just in case.
I got back from my trip to London/Paris about 5 weeks ago on June 5th. I was supposed to fly back home on the 4th for an afternoon flight but it was cancelled and rescheduled to an early morning 7:45AM flight the next day. Because of this, I was already worried about my refund because I would be there before the tax refund area in the terminal even opened.
When I did my refunds from my trips last year (Paris + Milan), they were all dropped off at a time that someone was able to assist me and make sure all my documents were correct and I got my refund within 2-3 weeks.
This time around, because the airport was pretty much empty, I scanned all my documents at the kiosk and it says it was accepted. I proceeded to seal up the envelopes and dropped them off in the mailbox.
It's been 5 weeks since I left and still nothing on my credit card. I looked up the document IDs for the forms that I do have (2 out of the 4 from Paris) and it doesn't say anything about my refund, it's not even able to track it. I'm worried that I made a mistake. Does anyone have experience with the automated kiosks taking longer? Thanks in advance!
When I did my refunds from my trips last year (Paris + Milan), they were all dropped off at a time that someone was able to assist me and make sure all my documents were correct and I got my refund within 2-3 weeks.
This time around, because the airport was pretty much empty, I scanned all my documents at the kiosk and it says it was accepted. I proceeded to seal up the envelopes and dropped them off in the mailbox.
It's been 5 weeks since I left and still nothing on my credit card. I looked up the document IDs for the forms that I do have (2 out of the 4 from Paris) and it doesn't say anything about my refund, it's not even able to track it. I'm worried that I made a mistake. Does anyone have experience with the automated kiosks taking longer? Thanks in advance!
I did some with the kiosk and some with the agent. Premier refunded in 2 weeks but all the ones from Global
Blue took 9-10 weeks and they never updated it in the site. I emailed them several times but got faster response from their Facebook page.
Hi everyone!
I am currently in Europe and was able to score some goodies (reveals to come when I get back to the States) but I had some questions regarding claiming at customs. Do I claim VAT free price? Do I claim in US dollars? I bought some items in France and may get a couple of things at Heathrow. I claim all purchases correct? TIA
I am currently in Europe and was able to score some goodies (reveals to come when I get back to the States) but I had some questions regarding claiming at customs. Do I claim VAT free price? Do I claim in US dollars? I bought some items in France and may get a couple of things at Heathrow. I claim all purchases correct? TIA
Claim all purchases. In US dollars. I use the price on the receipt, but your question re VAT-free end cost is a good one. There is a thread devoted to customs and VAT issues in the Hermes shopping forum. The people there are very knowledgeable about this type of stuff.
Does anyone know the how customs taxes and duties are calculated?
I can’t seem to find a calculator or chart or brackets anywhere. I called DHL and they said they don’t know anything about it and it’s at the government’s discretion.
How does that even make sense? I understand under $800 there is no duty. In the past I paid $150 on a bag that costed $1500. I’m wondering how much duties I will pay on a $3000 bag from the U.K.
I can’t seem to find a calculator or chart or brackets anywhere. I called DHL and they said they don’t know anything about it and it’s at the government’s discretion.
How does that even make sense? I understand under $800 there is no duty. In the past I paid $150 on a bag that costed $1500. I’m wondering how much duties I will pay on a $3000 bag from the U.K.
From my experiences, it is at the government (employee) discretion to some extent, because some bags that cost 3K will never even be charged. They don't have time to check every inbound package, so many items go through completely without a tax/duty. If the employee has time, they might do extra checking. I've never been charged for a UK item, but I have for a Japanese item that was only $300, and it was about $68 on that item, and the UK item (no charge) was 2500. It's quite random. But they hold your package hostage until you pay. Some stores (like Selfridges) will pay a custom/duty tax on your behalf so you won't get any charges at all. And some sellers/companies will ship it as a gift or low value so the chances of a tax/duty are gone. I paid $68 on a bag that was $300 so I'm not sure why that happened - perhaps it also matters how the package is sent (post office versus a delivery service).
Thanks for the quick reply. My duties ended up being $300 for my purchase. It just boggles my mind, how it's up to the agent to decided how much duty the person should pay and there isn't a set rate or percentage.
I actually only order from SelfridgesUK and I have always had to pay duties. How have you had them pay for your duties?
I actually only order from SelfridgesUK and I have always had to pay duties. How have you had them pay for your duties?
It's included at the price at checkout, that's how their online store works for non-EU purchases.
Oh maybe for online but I have an SA in the store that I am in contact with and she takes off 16.66% for the VAT tax. If you want her information, I'll be happy to pass it along to you. They have so much in the store, I never look at their website. I usually find what I like here in the states, try it on and then message her with pictures and sizes. Anything less then $800.00 you do not pay duties.
that is very helpful... i will keep it in mind, thanks. i normally shop there during the holiday sales, and yes, just online.
you might want to look here: https://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm
if you find the category and download the spreadsheet it gives the percentages they should charge...
