unejam1

Has anyone had experience getting a VAT Refund at Gatwick airport? Any advice?

Much of what I want to buy will need to be checked in, so what do I do? Get the bag tags first then go to customs or can I just go straight to customs then check-in? (In Rome, the lady made me check in first.)

Also, what is the minimum purchase? I have read everything from 20 pounds to 75.

Thanks!

Ricardo_215

Do you live in or out of the EU? If in the EU, you won't get any VAT refund.

unejam1

I do not live in the EU.

janisj

"<i>what is the minimum purchase? I have read everything from 20 pounds to 75.</i>"

That is up to individual merchants. Some have a per day £ threshold, I've seen as low as £20 and as high as £100. Some don't participate at all.

At LGW there are VAT desks landside before security, and airside after security. If your things are in checked bags you'd have to do it at the landside desk.

One time I observed someone trying to do the refund at the landside desk and they wouldn't process it. I couldn't hear all the details, but apparently it was something small and the officer told them they had to put it in their carry on and take the paperwork to the airside desk. Can't imagine why --- but he was really adamant.

unejam1

Thanks, janisj. That happened to me in Rome once. In that case, she was adamant simply because she didn't want to do it and wanted to go on break.

I'm sure that won't happen this time as the things I plan to purchase are liquid.

sashh

Can't imagine why --- but he was really adamant.

to make sure it is taken out of the country

wobbers

and if you are taking liquids then you need to do it landside because the goods will need to be checked in.
Unless it is a lot of money to get back its a unnecessary bother. And I hope that you are leaving EU on this flight, because otherwise no refunds.

romet

We just got VAT refund at LGW. We mistakenly went to customs after checking in (before security). You are supposed to show articles, especially if expensive, such as iPhones, so go to customs before checking in all your baggage.