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

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#961
Hi everyone! I have a stop over in Heathrow next month and want to visit Chanel My question is this, how do I conceal my purchase from customs back in Norway? Paying toll in Norway makes it not that much cheaper than full price, and if you get stopped with a purchase that should have been presented to them they will confiscate it.

I suppose buying something small is a good idea, but do you have any other tips?
 
#962
I asked my cousin to send me Hermes twilly (€145) from Germany to US ( sold out in US).
I wondered do I have to pay import tax for gift send from Germany.
Or my cousin have to pay in advance when she ship that item.
Could someone share some experiences send stuffs from Europe unions to US?
thanks

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
#963
My experiences, with Germany/US packages:
1) fill out customs form to declare contents/value
2) mark as "gift"
3) US international postage cost is much higher than Germany's
4) around Christmas, German mail delivery crawls as a drunken slug

No duties paid, either end. For gifts.
You will not have trouble with twilly.
 
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#964
I found a bag online in the UK (John Lewis) that shows price including “all applicable tax” but want to ship to me in the US—international delivery is 18.00.

Without knowing the method of shipment, does anybody have experience in what to expect with an “import” —cost?

I searched but could not find anything, thought here would be best place to post question. Thank you!
 
#965
simbadog said:
I found a bag online in the UK (John Lewis) that shows price including “all applicable tax” but want to ship to me in the US—international delivery is 18.00.

Without knowing the method of shipment, does anybody have experience in what to expect with an “import” —cost?

I searched but could not find anything, thought here would be best place to post question. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Hi I am having this same issue right now. I want to buy a bag from a UK merchant to ship to me in the US. I emailed them to ask if they knew what the customs fees would be for me and they said they weren't sure but their estimate would be around 20% of the cost of the item. However I have no idea how accurate that estimate is. I may start a separate thread.
 
#966
I want to buy a bag from a UK merchant to ship to me in the US. I emailed them to ask if they knew what the customs fees would be for me and they said they weren't sure but their estimate would be around 20% of the cost of the item. However I have no idea how accurate that estimate is.

Has anyone imported leather handbags into the US from Europe and do you know what % the customs fee is?
 
#967
Hi- I’m traveling to Paris and would love to get some advice. How do you guys pack returning home?

1. Is there a VAT refund outside the gate at CDG? Can I check in my goods after VAT refund after the process?

2. Do you recommend putting your bags and goods inside the carry on or check them in?

3. Also, what do you do with boxes and shopping bags? Do you need to have them with you to show at the refund? Do people toss them out?

Thank you!
 
#968
isun83 said:
Hi- I’m traveling to Paris and would love to get some advice. How do you guys pack returning home?

1. Is there a VAT refund outside the gate at CDG? Can I check in my goods after VAT refund after the process?

2. Do you recommend putting your bags and goods inside the carry on or check them in?

3. Also, what do you do with boxes and shopping bags? Do you need to have them with you to show at the refund? Do people toss them out?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

1. Yes, there are VAT refund agents/Pablo booths outside of the gate near check-in areas. Go there first and then check-in after in case you need to show goods.

2. I always carry on the valuables. In case of theft or loss, airlines only cover so much.

3. You don’t need original packaging. I’ve usually kept boxes and checked in a cardboard box of boxes filled with worn clothes and/or shoes. You can get a cardboard box from your hotel (if they have one) or at an Office Depot (there’s one that’s a 10-15 minute walk north of the Louvre).

Enjoy Paris!
 
#970
Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Paris for about 2 weeks and will fly from US-France however I’ll probably travel around Europe (Belgium, Germany, etc) during my time in Europe.

1. If I purchase in Paris, am I still eligible to get my VAT refund when I come back to the states?

2. VAT refund for Paris is 12%..does anyone know the rates for Belgium? (Or is there a website that lists these percentages?)

Thank you!
 
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#971
OsloChic said:
Hi everyone! I have a stop over in Heathrow next month and want to visit Chanel My question is this, how do I conceal my purchase from customs back in Norway? Paying toll in Norway makes it not that much cheaper than full price, and if you get stopped with a purchase that should have been presented to them they will confiscate it.

I suppose buying something small is a good idea, but do you have any other tips?
Click to expand...

You could send it to yourself, but use a UK sending address, send it registered and mark it as a gift. I have sent presents to friends in Norway, was never an issue even if the items were designer. Usually a little letter helps or a card, in case they open it, but if it isn't from a business address or something that is forbidden to send, it tends to not be an issue
 
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#972
Hi everyone,

I'll be heading to Europe in January. I'll be flying RT from Oslo, Norway but I'll be traveling to Barcelona, Paris, London. When should I claim VAT? I will most likely do the most shopping in Paris as I plan on buying a Celine while there and possibly a bag for my mom as well. I don't anticipate doing any shopping in Spain or England, if I do shop in England it'll most likely be from the Liberty sale.
 
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#973
francesmonique said:
Hi everyone,

I'll be heading to Europe in January. I'll be flying RT from Oslo, Norway but I'll be traveling to Barcelona, Paris, London. When should I claim VAT? I will most likely do the most shopping in Paris as I plan on buying a Celine while there and possibly a bag for my mom as well. I don't anticipate doing any shopping in Spain or England, if I do shop in England it'll most likely be from the Liberty sale.
Click to expand...

To be honest, Madrid is superb for shopping and amazing bargains to be had, with the low Pound rate, even the UK is not that bad, especially if you hit the sales in January. you should definitely check out Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.
 
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#974
What is the process when ordering online via Etsy from France? Item is a bag for $750. I'd get it in a heartbeat but so unsure about import process! Thanks for any help!
 
#975
I haven't bought from Etsy but a friend does regularly, usually the delivery company charges the import duty from you and then hands the amount over to customs and revenues.
 
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