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

[JoeyLouis]

Ah, that explains it. I only fly ever land at LAX, super easy and no searching! Sorry that Detroit is such a pain in the butt. On the bright side, the worst that can happen is paying, what, a 9% tariff? That reduces the VAT savings to about 3% back, which is still better than buying in the US with sales tax on top of the purchase price. US cost even before sales tax can be higher, especially where the fx rate is now, and it is even more expensive to buy here depending on state sales tax.

Agreed. And the selection overseas is so much better. Didn’t have to beg SA for a mini flap like a peasant in 2016 (they’re more available now).

 

[warriorwoman]

I have global entry, declared and they searched me and charged me tariffs. This was the Detroit airport. LAX was a breeze, But a friend landed in LAX with global entry and they charged her lots of tariffs. Very random.

I just got back from France one week ago and landed in Detroit and had no issues whatsoever. Our plane landed at 6:30 pm and we were through immigration, had our bags and were in our car by 6:45. I do have global entry which is now easier than ever.
Also, the tax free situation in France is now so easy. There was literally nobody else waiting at customs and all you have to do is scan your forms now. There is nothing to mail in. The whole thing took 10 minutes - it was at the Nice airport and I imagine it would take longer in the summer time. In terms of the refunds, one week later and I have 4 of my Global Blue credit card refunds already. I have not had good luck with the other companies over the years so I am presuming I won't get much back from those. However, my Christian Dior My ABC Dior was with Global Blue and I got back $400 on that purchase alone!

 

[inch]

We left the EU via Paris 2 days ago and had factored in time to detax. Ended up only taking us about 10mins also. Items were scanned at the machine and those that were higher in value and/or purchased in another country had to be manually stamped.

The officers were lovely. Didn’t check any of the items either.

 

[Gabs007]

Ah, that explains it. I only fly ever land at LAX, super easy and no searching! Sorry that Detroit is such a pain in the butt. On the bright side, the worst that can happen is paying, what, a 9% tariff? That reduces the VAT savings to about 3% back, which is still better than buying in the US with sales tax on top of the purchase price. US cost even before sales tax can be higher, especially where the fx rate is now, and it is even more expensive to buy here depending on state sales tax.

I totally like LAX, I used to previously fly into Philly and got the connection to LA there, found that they always created a massive hassle and problem, with LAX pretty straight forward and also a direct flight, well worth spending a bit more on the flight

 

[Kayce]

I’m visiting Paris and London next week. Does anyone know how I would go about getting a VAT refund if I purchase something in Paris (before Brexit is scheduled to happen), take the train to London, and then fly out of London (after Brexit)? In the past, I’ve been able to process everything in London, but I’ve heard that after 5:00 pm on January 31, that won’t be the case.

 

[Gabs007]

I’m visiting Paris and London next week. Does anyone know how I would go about getting a VAT refund if I purchase something in Paris (before Brexit is scheduled to happen), take the train to London, and then fly out of London (after Brexit)? In the past, I’ve been able to process everything in London, but I’ve heard that after 5:00 pm on January 31, that won’t be the case.

I wouldn't worry too much, because there is the transition period where I don't think much will change, in a year's time it will be very different, but from my understanding (and I am keeping a close eye on it due to leaving the UK) while the transition period happens and the UK tries to negotiate a deal, the same rules will still apply

 

[Juilletdix]

I have traveled many times to Europe and purchased many LV/Chanel/Hermès/high end items. Here is a little bit on my personal experiences on declaring when coming back to the US
1. I have encountered declaring the items I purchased and still having CBP searching my luggage. For other designer items, they asked if I had proof that it was purchased prior to my trip. I now always travel with a copy of the receipt or a date stamped picture. I have been told that the burden of proof is on me and without proof they could levy a duty.
2. I have received mixed answers on calculating the amount to declare. Some officers have told me its the price paid and some said paid minus VAT. I have not received a clear answer on this.
3. Percentage charged is based on the harmonized tariff schedule. I have noticed on handbags (whether leather or not, I have brought back exotics) they want to charge me based on leather regardless of what I tell them.
4. If you shop, declare. The penalty is too high if you get caught and didn’t declare. If you have Global entry it will be revoked.
5. Some officers are nice and others are rude. They want to make you feel a certain way for purchasing designer items and some have bullied me when I try to ask questions l. Threatening to seize my items. The best advice I can give from my experiences is be organized if your going to shop and be knowledgeable of the rules and rates.

Despite my experiences, every time is a different situation. Has anyone ever used a customs broker or service to price and declare items ahead of their arrival? It is still a significant savings in Europe but sometimes the hassle and harassment is too much even for the savings.

I was searching the forums for this exact information! I was wondering of you could provide a little more detail on how you go about declaring the excess amount....do you provide receipts or do they automatically search your bags? I am traveling next week and expect to spend closer to $1000 so only $200 over the tax-free limit.

 

[natalia0128]

does anyone know about Brexit tax refund how it is going to be??? does it change policy at last stop of EU?
I will travel to London soon and will stop by Paris.
will i get my stamp and tax done at Paris airport? or do i get tax refund at last stop which is London

 

[Plus Sized Luxury]

Can someone explain how VAT refund works at Paris galleries layfette please? Can I buy from multiple shops and they will be added up together or does it all have to be on one receipt? I wanted to get a bag at Longchamp but since it’s only €90, I was going to look around at the other stores to meet the €175 threshold. Is it more like a department store than a mall where I can shop different designers but only need to check out once? TIA!

 

[Kayce]

Can someone explain how VAT refund works at Paris galleries layfette please? Can I buy from multiple shops and they will be added up together or does it all have to be on one receipt? I wanted to get a bag at Longchamp but since it’s only €90, I was going to look around at the other stores to meet the €175 threshold. Is it more like a department store than a mall where I can shop different designers but only need to check out once? TIA!

It’s a department store. My understanding is that all of your receipts from that day have to total €175. You can shop in multiple departments/boutiques then submit all of your receipts together when you are finished shopping. Hope this helps.

 

[Kayce]

does anyone know about Brexit tax refund how it is going to be??? does it change policy at last stop of EU?
I will travel to London soon and will stop by Paris.
will i get my stamp and tax done at Paris airport? or do i get tax refund at last stop which is London

I recently traveled to Paris and London and had the exact same question. I was told that the UK will remain a part of the EU VAT and customs territory until the end of 2020. So, you should be able to submit your forms in the last country you visit before returning home.

 

[Mitz0527]

I recently traveled to Paris and London and had the exact same question. I was told that the UK will remain a part of the EU VAT and customs territory until the end of 2020. So, you should be able to submit your forms in the last country you visit before returning home.[/QUOTE

 

[Mitz0527]

Thank you for this respond. I am doing my research as i will be traveling Paris to London via Eurostar train. With the Brexit I trying to figure out where will i get my VaT form stamped.

 

[Mitz0527]

I’m visiting Paris and London next week. Does anyone know how I would go about getting a VAT refund if I purchase something in Paris (before Brexit is scheduled to happen), take the train to London, and then fly out of London (after Brexit)? In the past, I’ve been able to process everything in London, but I’ve heard that after 5:00 pm on January 31, that won’t be the case.

 

[Mitz0527]

I’m visiting Paris and London next week. Does anyone know how I would go about getting a VAT refund if I purchase something in Paris (before Brexit is scheduled to happen), take the train to London, and then fly out of London (after Brexit)? In the past, I’ve been able to process everything in London, but I’ve heard that after 5:00 pm on January 31, that won’t be the case.

Hello, I will be traveling to paris and london and also taking take train to london in April. I was wondering if you can give me on update on your travel trip and the VAT process.