I know most of the tour operator companies include VAT taxes in the price (safari trip to Tanzania). Is there a way to get this back at some point since, as tourists, we are not required to pay it? Thanks!

VAT is only refunded for physical merchandise which is taken out of a country. Services, which is pretty much all you buy from tour operators, are required to be paid by tourists and are not refundable anywhere I know of.

Consumption (restaurants, bed night rates etc) is not tax free therefore no chance to get anything back.

You might get back for what you are able to physically show at customs ;-)

SV

Whether Tanzania or other destinations, VAT are not refunndable for services used within the country... hotels, restaurants, tours, etc.

For purchases/souvenirs you take out of a country, depending on specific amount spent (and particular country), do refund such taxes on departure.

Don't recall seeing a VAT refund desk at JRO or DAR.

My Complete African Safari Planner, 2008, page 388, says "In South Africa, the VAT tax, currently 14% is included in the price of most goods and services, including hotel accommodation and food. To get a VAT refund"...etc.

Is this a mistake?

From South Africa, as I recall, YES you can get your VAT refund on departing for souvenirs being taken out of country (over a certain amount spent)... not for hotels, restaurants, car rentals, etc... those things you've used "in-country."

Be sure to save all your receipts and have the merchandise to which they're associated available to show the agent processing your refund... much as you do when departing from other countries who have the same policy for refunds, i.e., France, Italy, Turkey, etc.

That was the procedure when we visited and assume still the same.

I take the Fodor's quote to mean that hotel rooms are VAT refundable, but from what you say that's not correct, so I guess it is a mistake.

SBW, please learn to go to the original sources rather than relying on what you may read in books or on websites (even though Sandi is correct).

"Goods consumed and services rendered in South Africa, do not qualify for a VAT refund." is the definitive answer and is easily found on http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/generalinfo.php which is an official site. (And it took me about 6 seconds to google to it.)

Shouldbewriting: You quoted correctly -- but didn't take the full stop/period into account.

>><i>In South Africa, the VAT tax, currently 14% is included in the price of most goods and services, including hotel accommodation and food<B><red><u>.</B></red></u> To get a VAT refund . . .</i><<

They are two separate sentences. Yes, VAT is included in most goods/services. And yes, one can get a VAT refund for some purchases. But it does not say >><i>In South Africa, the VAT tax, currently 14% is included in the price of most goods and services, including hotel accommodation and food and you can get a VAT refund on everything you spend in SA.</i><<