Hi all,
I know there are THOUSANDS of threads on VAT refunds and I have read almost every single one of them. Whilst I have a pretty good understanding of how this works now, I could not find any threads or information for claiming cash refund in Paris city. I am hoping that someone could help me.
Mods, please move if this is in the wrong place. Thanks.
Ok, so here's my understanding of a normal VAT refund scenario:
1. Ask SA for form when purchasing over 175Euro, and have form filled out with passport.
2. Ensure goods are with you when you go to airport, ready to present to customs.
3. Have forms stamped, and either request credit or cash. If cash, you will line up again to receive the refund, receiving usually less due to administration fees. Ensure forms are placed in the postbox after custom stamp.
I am travelling to Paris in October, and then leaving from London. I was speaking to a friend who used to live in Paris, and now frequently travels there. She suggested that I get a cash refund from the city after my purchases, that way I can keep spending. She said you then get the forms stamped and mailed off when you get to the airport. The trick to this is, that the forms must be sent 21 days after you get your cash, otherwise, the vendor will take the money back from you from your credit card. (as you provide them with this detail when you get the cash.)
However, my friend has only ever done this leaving Paris. As I am going to be leaving from London, I wanted to know if I can do the same or whether there will be any issues from Heathrow airport.
If I choose this scenario, will it just be a matter of me getting my forms stamped at Heathrow (by travelex) and then mailing the form and off I go? (As I already have the money?)
My friend suggested that this was far more convenient, though I have read few people who have done it this way on the forum or else where online, hence me being a little skeptical.
Sorry for the long post, thank you for taking the time to read. I would really appreciate any help or suggestions at all!
I know there are THOUSANDS of threads on VAT refunds and I have read almost every single one of them. Whilst I have a pretty good understanding of how this works now, I could not find any threads or information for claiming cash refund in Paris city. I am hoping that someone could help me.
Mods, please move if this is in the wrong place. Thanks.
Ok, so here's my understanding of a normal VAT refund scenario:
1. Ask SA for form when purchasing over 175Euro, and have form filled out with passport.
2. Ensure goods are with you when you go to airport, ready to present to customs.
3. Have forms stamped, and either request credit or cash. If cash, you will line up again to receive the refund, receiving usually less due to administration fees. Ensure forms are placed in the postbox after custom stamp.
I am travelling to Paris in October, and then leaving from London. I was speaking to a friend who used to live in Paris, and now frequently travels there. She suggested that I get a cash refund from the city after my purchases, that way I can keep spending. She said you then get the forms stamped and mailed off when you get to the airport. The trick to this is, that the forms must be sent 21 days after you get your cash, otherwise, the vendor will take the money back from you from your credit card. (as you provide them with this detail when you get the cash.)
However, my friend has only ever done this leaving Paris. As I am going to be leaving from London, I wanted to know if I can do the same or whether there will be any issues from Heathrow airport.
If I choose this scenario, will it just be a matter of me getting my forms stamped at Heathrow (by travelex) and then mailing the form and off I go? (As I already have the money?)
My friend suggested that this was far more convenient, though I have read few people who have done it this way on the forum or else where online, hence me being a little skeptical.
Sorry for the long post, thank you for taking the time to read. I would really appreciate any help or suggestions at all!