chemgirl

I've got a several stores on my 'must-shop' list that are small, privately owned places. In order to get the VAT refund as I understand it, I need the merchant to fill out a form as I make the purchase and then I turn in my forms at the airport when I leave, right? Has anyone run into a problem where the merchant did not have the paperwork? I doubt the lack of a VAT refund would keep me from buying something I really loved but I'm just trying to think of all the 'what-ifs' before I go. Can you do anything to still get your $$ if the merchant doesn't have the VAT refund paperwork or are you just out of luck?

mcnyc

Hello chemgirl!
Yes, the merchant must have one of those VAT forms in order for you to get your VAT refund. Otherwise, there's nothing you can do. I just went through this in Copenhagen, where a small store did not have the VAT paperwork and told me that the airport people would know what to do with all that stuff. I didn't believe it, but thought, well, the items I purchased were still a great bargain even without VAT, so I purchased them and made my peace. Then I went to a global refund place, and they confirmed that no paperwork from the store, no refund. I was out of luck.

I must admit, I didn't ask the customs people at the airport, but maybe I would have had a different answer there? I don't know.

But, I still love my items (shoes!).

janisj

It is the shop's choice whether they participate in VAT refunds or not - and the shops know how it works. So mcnyc - that shop keeper almost certainly knew they were giving you a bum steer.

chemgirl: Most shops that do offer VAT refunds will have a small sign in the window or prominently displayed inside saying so. It might say "Tax Free shopping" or "VAT refund scheme", or "Global refund"

LoveItaly

Something I must keep in mind when I next go to Italy. I have never even thought of getting the VAT refund. Stupid me, lol!

blackduff

There is normally a mimimum amount of purchase before they'll handle the paperwork.

When you go to the airport and give your paperwork to the douanes, you might be asked to show the product. If it is already packed and the suitcase has checked already, you'll be out of luck. Pass the Douane people before you check your baggage.

I have used the "de-taxe" system with small as well as large shops. In my opinion, it worked best with the small shops.

Remember, when you pass the paperwork with the douane, you'll have to post your paperwork back to the shop. You'll need an envelope and a stamp. Otherwise you won't get your money back.

Good luck.

Blackduff

chemgirl

You have to mail the paperwork back to the store to get your refund? I read that you get cash on the spot at the airport. Does it depend on the company handling the refund?

Poohgirl

For those who haven't done this before, if you are eligible for a VAT refund be sure to ask for the paperwork to be done. Some stores may participate but will not volunteer because it is extra paperwork for them. Experienced travelers probably know the ins and outs of this already, but for people new to travel, they might not.

janisj

You either mail it to the processing company - often Global, but other firms too - from the airport, OR you can get a cash refund at a special desk. The cash refund is usually just a bit less after the fees/exchange are deducted.

The cash desk is not always open so sometimes even when you wanted cash, you end up mailing the forms.

aucho53

Hi Everyone,
I'm glad that I came across this thread. I also have a question regarding VAT refunds. I was in Paris in May and I made some purchases and requested the VAT paperwork. They filled it out for me and told me to mail it once I got back home. I totally forgot about it until this thread came up, and I was wondering if anyone knows if I can still mail it in or have I missed my chance?? Thanks in advance for anyone who knows!

Judy

If the VAT paperwork is not stamped at the airport I don't think you can get the refund.

ira

Hi C,

You must spend a minimum amount in one shop - around 150E - in order to get a refund.

aucho53

Shucks!! LOL!! I will try mailing it in anyways just to see what happens...what's the worst that could happen?
Thanks again everyone....oh and just as a side I think it 186Euro that you have to spend to get the refund (in one shop).

Thanks again!!

Neopolitan

Add me to the list of those who had never done this before, but when Lee and I each bought linen sport coats on sale in Paris last week, the clerk mentioned he could combine them on one bill and we'd get 57 euro back. He insisted it was easy, filled out the paperwork, provided a stamped envelope, and even gave me a copy of the credit card credit slip that will be honored when they get the stamped form back. He told me the place to get it stamped was AFTER security. Wrong! We checked in and cleared security, couldn't find it, and then were told it was before security. At that point I had become determined, so I headed back out through security (not an easy thing to do, by the way) and got the form stamped. Meanwhile they informed me that you must have the merchandise with you when you get it stamped. Of course ours was already in the luggage checked through. The clerk actually said it was OK this time, but next time. . . Also, they will not mail the form for you, even if it is a stamped envelope. They told me there was a mail box, but I got there and it was all taped up saying "security", so I had to tramp halfway through CDG looking for another mailbox.
So now I await our credit on the credit card.

amp322

I had a shopkeeper in Prague tell me that he would just give me a discount equaling the VAT discount, instead of doing the paperwork. He gave me a good deal on Garnet jewelry, and, personally, I would rather not stand on line at the airport & deal with the whole VAT process. I thought his offer was fair, so I went with it. Guess it depends if you want to chance it, and know an item's worth.

scatcat

I received $154.77 credit (VAT) on my credit card on July 18. I mailed it on my departure date of June 8-after it was stamped by customs.

djkbooks

Best are shops where you are not initially charged VAT, the shop does all the paperwork for you, all you have to do is visit the appropriate desk at the airport (with items in tow, before you've checked your bags), then place all the paperwork in a pre-stamped envelope in a mailbox at the airport. Only if the shop does not receive the paperwork in a generous amount of time properly stamped at the airport are you then charged the VAT.

Neopolitan

amp, if you were happy with the discount in Prague that's all that matters, but let's face it -- the shopkeeper still had to pay the government something like 20% of your final purchase. If, even after giving you the discount, he had gone ahead and done the paperwork and you had gotten the tax back based on your discounted price, then he wouldn't have lost any more money and you would have gained 20% of your final purchase. In other words, the discount he gave you had nothing to do with tax as he was still paying it (unless he illegally avoids paying the VAT).

janisj

A way to legally have the shopkeeper deduct the VAT is to have him ship the item(s) for you. I do this whenever I buy something I can't/don't want to lug around w/ me. The merchant can deduct the VAT off the top since he is exporting the goods.

This doesn't save you much, if any, money (the VAT/postage are nearly a wash) but it is really convenient.

j_999_9

In Italy (and maybe other countries), you can take the paperwork to an international bank such as Thomas Cook, and they'll give you the refund on the spot. You'll still have to submit the paperwork at the airport, but you will have the money beforehand, while you're still traveling. A plus or minus, depending on your point of view.