VAT/Tariff for American tourists in Spain?

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C

Caffeine

O.G.
Dec 2, 2006
73
30
#1
Hello all, happy new year!
DH and I will visit Barcelona and San Sebastian for a culinary vacation in early February and I plan to stop by the H stores in Barcelona hoping to find a Etoupe shoulder birkin2...The question is, how is the VAT handled there? Do I get VAT return in the store or I still need to go through the airport VAT handling process?
On my way back to NYC, how is Tariff going to be handled/calculated? What's the risk if I just carry the bag with me? If I need to pay a tariff, what's the percentage? Does anybody have any experience/advice? Thank you!
 
#3
Caffeine said:
Hello all, happy new year!
DH and I will visit Barcelona and San Sebastian for a culinary vacation in early February and I plan to stop by the H stores in Barcelona hoping to find a Etoupe shoulder birkin2...The question is, how is the VAT handled there? Do I get VAT return in the store or I still need to go through the airport VAT handling process?
On my way back to NYC, how is Tariff going to be handled/calculated? What's the risk if I just carry the bag with me? If I need to pay a tariff, what's the percentage? Does anybody have any experience/advice? Thank you!
Click to expand...

Hi Caffeine,
I bought a 35 Birkin in Madrid in November. The VAT is returned in your credit card after going through the Spanish customs, be aware that you have to have your bag with you if you are asked to show it.
1.- Get the bag... congratulations!
2.- Take your passport to do the paperwork in the H store.
3.- Go to the custom desk in the airport, show the papers and the bag. They stamp your papers and ONLY then you can go to the VAT return office. They don't pay more than 500 US$ cash, so the only chance is have it returned to your credit card.

It works very well, I had my refund in about 3 weeks. Hope it helps. Good luck.
 
#4
birkinmary said:
Hi Caffeine,
I bought a 35 Birkin in Madrid in November. The VAT is returned in your credit card after going through the Spanish customs, be aware that you have to have your bag with you if you are asked to show it.
1.- Get the bag... congratulations!
2.- Take your passport to do the paperwork in the H store.
3.- Go to the custom desk in the airport, show the papers and the bag. They stamp your papers and ONLY then you can go to the VAT return office. They don't pay more than 500 US$ cash, so the only chance is have it returned to your credit card.

It works very well, I had my refund in about 3 weeks. Hope it helps. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the guide. this is super helpful. :nuts::winkiss:
 
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