Thanks! I will use global blue near Spanish steps to do the vat processing but I will still need to get the form stamped by Customs at Rome airport and mail the envelope otherwise the refund will be revoked.
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
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If I purchase items in London to wear on my trip because I didn't pack enough warm clothes (ie $200 jacket). Do I still declare those items when I return to the US (home country)? UK no longer does VAT refund, so I wouldn't file for a tax refund through UK customs.
Each person in a family is allowed $800 prior to needing to declare. This is under that limit. So assuming all your other purchases do not top $800, you are fine.
Note that if you are traveling with a partner/family member etc. each person gets the 4800 allowance. so you and a partner would be entitled to $1600.
I can get pretty close to this just in Earl Grey tea!
Absolutely, we had to do the same process in Germany last Xmas - had the VAT processing done at KeDeWe & amount put on cc but had to still get the Customs stamps departing FRA, otherwise they reverse the credit.
If you visit the day before to Rome airport to get your VAT stamp, suggest you check in on line for your flight 24 h in advance & print out your boarding pass & have it with you when you go. It's been my experience in the EU that if you need to see a Customs agent (rather than just having the machine to stamp the documents) they will ask to see your boarding pass to confirm you & the goods are departing the EU.
This has been very helpful. Thank you so much. Will definitely check in before going to the customs for stamping.
Just so everyone is aware, seeking out does not always pan out well. I have GE and arrived at ATL, dog in tow. The machines were buggy and everyone was having problems. After it spit out my receipt, I was waiting in line and an officer waved me over, grabbed my receipt and said "Go". I collected my bag, went to the nearest officer and told her that I had to take my pup to quarantine for paperwork and had a bag to declare. She looked surprised that no one had asked me and I told her exactly what had happened. She took me to secondary where I unfortunately met the most rotten natured officer I've ever come across. The female agent conveniently didn't bother to tell him I had approached her and ran off, so he took license to treat me like a criminal. He told me to expect a call from someone about my GE getting revoked. When I explained that I had personally sought out to declare, he refused to listen. Pretty much treated me with disgust like I was purposely breaking the law. Turns out he didn't know how to calculate the tax and another officer was called in. This one was much nicer, asked a few questions and then mentioned that the machines are often broken. He said he personally wouldn't revoke my GE but it was up to the other guy. Upon which the first one then says "Well, if you approached the other officer yourself....." (?!?!?!).
Point is, you can try to be honest/dishonest and that's totally on you. BUT in either case, it really depends on the officers you encounter. ATL is definitely on my sh** list and I will not fly out of Hartsfield, internationally or domestically ever again given the chance (saw a female employee pretty much abuse elderly Hispanic travelers she was supposed to be assisting).
I am SO sorry you had such an unpleasant experience. Let's hope that ATL is the exception rather than the rule. No one would argue that the officer's conduct was deplorable, as was that of the female officer.
I'll agree that it depends on individuals to make a system work. But no, you don't try to be honest- you make the decision to be honest, and then go with that. You know that you did the right thing.
And most importantly-how's the pup? Hopefully out of quarantine and happily at home?
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Thank you so much. It is regrettable and yes, I hope that this was the exception. This did happen last year during our travel back to the US. Pup is good and enjoying Paris right now! The quarantine process is going to their dept at the airport and getting her paperwork signed off on which you get in advance so thankfully they don't detain her for observation. The funny thing is, despite my asking, they were more worried about the duty fees and barely glanced at her papers.
Hi all - I'm wondering whether anyone has recently returned to the US from Charles de Gaulle via American Airlines (AA), and if so where the closest Detaxe counter (not PABLO machine) is to AA's new home in Terminal 2B in CDG? Trying to think positively and plan ahead! Thanks for any info you can share.
Hi, I went through 2B back in April and the detaxe counter and officers are located in basement. The set-up is convenient as you have the machine and if you get a red check- which I did for my birkin you have to go to the counter which is just in front of the machines (no wondering around). I was not able to locate the office on my own as I found the signage confusing but luckily someone helped me out and took me down to the counter. It was a very fast process-enjoy your trip!
Similarly, I went through at the end of April. There are signs that lead you to the escalated/elevators down to the arrivals level, but it’s basically in between 2B and 2D. It’s a bit annoying because the American checkin/luggage drop off is the furthest part of 2B. So even after you detaxe, you have to walk the length of 2B and halfway back to 2D to get through the security gates.
I also thought the detaxe process was fairly painless. A decent line, but a very helpful customs officer assisting and checking items. They also inspected some of my Hermes purchases (B25 and mini bolide) - just a can you show me and I only opened the dust bags, but didn’t care about any VCA. I also understand that Chanel and Bon Marche forms also frequently require “inspection.”
Genepi and Amcrowe, thank you both *so* much!!! I don’t know if I will get a leather appointment (I’m expecting not to, so it will be a joyous surprise if so), but in the happy event I *do* have something(s) to Detaxe, I am very glad to know where I can go to do so!