What is actually covered for a refund with this VAT TAX? Are your hotels? And if so, does the paying in cash at the hotel with a discount cancel that tax refund out? I read some stories posted of trying to get this refund. Is it really that difficult and time consuming? I have a flight leaving Venice to Rome with a l hour and 20 minute wait for the connection home to Boston. This is obviously made difficult so it doesn't happen. Does it include restuarants and / or what else exactly? Thanks again..........L

It only applies to things you take with you, not things consumed while there

Big purchases - yes.

Hotels, flights, rental cars, petrol, meals, theater tix, opera tix, haircut, etc etc - no

Hi L,

Vat refund applies only to goods that you take out of the country.

You will have to give your forms to a Customs agent at FCO.

You might have to show the goods.

Actually, I never found it difficult to get my VAT back. I've always gotten my VAT back for my qualified purchases, and I've always felt it was the easiest thing to do.

If I were you, I'd claim my VAT at Venice, before you go through security. Ask any airport personnel, and they'll be able to help direct you.

Important items of note:
1- If the item you want a VAT refund for is to be in your checked luggage, make sure you pack it so that the VAT agent can see it without asking you to completely unpack. I've seen it happen. You will go claim this VAT refund before you send your luggage away for check-in.

2- If the item you want a VAT refund for is to be in your carryon, then make sure it is available for immediate inspection by the VAT agent.

In either instance, make sure your form is completely filled out, and your receipts are stapled to the form.

Depending on the VAT form you get, you can either get a cash refund on the spot, or a credit to your credit card.

Get to Venice airport earlier to get it all done. Depending on lines, it may take up to an hour, but can be as fast as a few minutes.

Enjoy!

PS - in the UK, you can get your VAT back on hotel stays if it is for business. I don't know what documentation is needed, but it's good to know.

Thank you everyone.

It has to be items you take out of the country and it has to be a reasonable amount of money (how much depends on country and merchant - who's willing to do the forms). You won;t get it back on $25 - but can on a couple of hundred.

Good point from NYT.

I think that you have to spend about 180E in one shop to qualify.

It is 150 Euro at each individual store in Italy.

And do make sure to have the things accessible when you depart, as noted above. On my last trip, I had the forms stamped with no problem and no one asked to see any of my purchses. The officious Nordic woman in front of me, however, was asked to pull out each and every purchase from her huge bags...and the inspector went over each pair of trousers, each box of jewelery, etc..she was there a long time! And I believe that once an item is worn, it no longer qualifies for the refund...