VAT Refund Help (departing Como Italy by Train, Flying out of Zurich)
 

I will flying into Italy and flying out of Zurich. I will depart Italy by taking train from Como to Zurich. Is it possible for me to get VAT forms stamped? or is there any other transport so that I can get the VAT forms stamped? Please kindly advise. Thank you.

I think you'll find you can't get the VAT refunded.

The Customs offices at Como and Chiasso stations aren't set up for this (they're just places Customs and fiscal police use to do their paperwork). You have to get the paperwork stamped leaving the EU to get this refund, and that isn't possible travelling by train.

I phrased that badly.

If you get to Como station early and go to the Customs office, you MIGHT find a doganiere prepared to sign your papers. Or you might get a local train to Chiasso, where there are more officials, find someone with nothing else to do, get him to stamp, then wait for the next train to Zurich.

But it'll be hit and miss.

Get them stamped at Zurich airport. Depending upon the envelope you are provided with you may have to buy a Swiss postage stamp which you can get at the airport.

I have never had luck with VAT refund when departing ZRH. I was told on 2 different departures that only Swiss VAT is processed. Now I only depart from ZRH if I'm sure I will not be purchasing big money items.

An alternative is to take the train to Chiasso (even one of the regional trains) where there are both Swiss and Italian customs and then continue your journey on the next Inter City train.

Hi Stephen, i'll be going on a trip to europe on the similar route as yours. I guess you should have travelled by now. can you share if you managed to claim VAT on your Italy purchases? Thanks.