Ah yes, definitely need to do that as well, especially after hearing more news on robberies. Thank you!!
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
- Start date
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Exiting France on Eurostar, the detax is right after you clear security and passport scans, all upstairs via escalator. At Hermes they said to scan and then drop envelop in the mailbox, but the machines were down and the detax official helped us through. He said no need to send forms bc detax will be issued back via CC automatically. Didn’t check items, but we had them ready. Official only asked where (which hotel) we used this trip. Premier and First classs lounge is an elevator up.
We were stopped in Amsterdam because of an orange box, carried by DH, fortunately we flew from France.
And all this tax deduction. The European VAT is between 20-22%, but irl only 10-12% will be deducted, the rest 10% is paid for services. I asked Dior and Hermes for a full deduction because I usually travel by car in Europe, and I have to pay Swiss VAT immediately, they declined my suggestion as they work only with an intermediator.
The intermediator and the stores won't give up their cut!
I've found that the percent I get back varies by the intermediator, the size of my purchase, and the store I'm at. The highest I've gotten back is 14.5% out of 19% (Germany). I guess the store declined most of their kickback there.
I've found that the percent I get back varies by the intermediator, the size of my purchase, and the store I'm at. The highest I've gotten back is 14.5% out of 19% (Germany). I guess the store declined most of their kickback there.
Just flew back from Paris. I have no flagged history previously but this time my global entry was flagged with a big "X" on it. The customs officer asked me to go to the duty area. Surprisingly, the officer called me by my first name and told me that he knew about my purchase in Paris. I believe the Pablo system has linked to the US customs system. I was glad that I was being honest and helpful in the duty process. I was charged 9% on the exotic bag and 5% on ready to wear. He warned me that if I was not honest, he would have charged me 4x from the duty paid. It took 30 mins for the duty process, paid with CC, and I walked away with a smile.
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Quick question for all those ladies and gents with multiple passports- if you use your non- US passport - do you know if the US authorities are made aware of purchases made under a different passport ? Just a thought …I’m aware that MANY TPF members use multiple passports to schedule an appointment in Paris …curious to see if this is a way to avoid paying duties upon your return ? Just a thought …
I find many of the comments here disturbing. It is ILLEGAL not to declare. Make your purchases, assume you might pay up to 9% for bags (after personal exemption of your party and a small allowance at 3%). Many times customs appreciates the honesty and waives you through or works on the amount. Don’t put yourself in a potentially embarrassing position that will make further travel returns far more difficult. The temptation is strong but is it worth the risk? Ask yourself. If you can afford the goods, you certainly can afford the tax.
Hoping someone can help me with a customs/import duties question! I will be traveling to Paris from the US in a few weeks and planning to do some shopping there. After Paris we will be taking the Eurostar to London for a few days before returning to the US. I know to do my VAT refund at the shops/on my way out of Paris and to declare my items upon my return to the US. My question is if I would have to declare my items and/or pay import duties in London when passing through as a tourist? I have been searching for an answer to this for an hour now and can't find a clear answer! TIA to anyone who can provide some insight!
There is a customs desk next to the VAT refund PABLO machine ( after Gare du Nord Eurostar security) where you can double check To be sure.
I can only tell you my experience. The Pablo system was down, so a customs officer walked me through it. He stamped me and said my VAT refund will automatically appear on my cc; I did not need to drop the paperwork in the box (contrary to what I was told at the boutique) and then all I need to do is declare at home US. IMO it made sense, you are getting VAT back bc you don’t live in the EU, but your home customs/tax may be applied.
by the way, it’s important to run to the taxi line once you reach London Bc otherwise there may be a long wait
and for UK shopping, there is no longer any VAT refund
I think you might need to. HMRC charges have become stricter this year.
You are technically importing into the country (albeit passing through) and unless there is some mechanism to stop you selling there is a potential for HMRC charges to be levied.
When items are imported and travel across borders the import/export charges are not normally incurred because the items are effectively bonded by the shipping companies.