How Do You Get A VAT Refund For Shopping Abroad?
A VAT (value added tax) is similar to an American sales tax, but it is applied in most European countries to shopping purchases and automatically added into the price. Tourists and any other non-residents are often allowed to receive a 15 to 25 percent refund by holding onto their receipts. This sort of refund could save you a substantial amount of money if you are shopping abroad. Shop smart by keeping track of all your receipts. You will need them to determine how much of a refund you deserve, which will depend on the country you visit. Every country has different policies for VAT refunds and some are only for purchases that are a minimum of $25. Ask for a special VAT refund receipt or get an application for a VAT refund upon purchase. Some stores will offer an export certificate to be stamped by customs that gives the specific amount due back as a cash refund. Keep all items purchased abroad in a separate, easy-to-access piece of luggage. At customs, all purchases and receipts must
