Get a Value Added Tax Refund When Shopping for Souvenirs in Europe
If you are vacationing in Europe, you can apply for a value added tax refund when you buy souvenirs there. It’s fast and free, and most travelers leave that money on the table. There are certain restrictions, but the paperwork is worth it.
To be eligible, your purchase must be above a certain amount, from $ 30 to several hundred dollars, depending on the country (with the exception of Ireland, where there is no minimum). You must also shop in the same location for each return request: you cannot stack multiple items from different locations to meet the minimum, or ship them all together.
To receive a refund, you will need to have your passport with you when you go shopping and ask the seller to fill out a Tax Free Form. Participating retailers usually have Tax Free stickers in their windows, and just about any store serving tourists knows how this works. This means it’s great if you shop in tourist spots, but not a great idea if you do it yourself or visit smaller places. You will then need to bring your documents and purchases to the next border crossing point, present them to customs for printing, and either submit the documents at the airport or mail them to check the return.
This can definitely be a problem, but it is worth it if you do large purchases abroad, such as leather goods, artwork, furniture, wine, or other luxury items (or just plain expensive). Be careful, you cannot use your items until you claim a refund (technically, refunds are made for exported items), so don’t wear this leather jacket just yet! The minimum application deadline and application period vary from country to country, so check the information before traveling (visit the European Commission website). For a step-by-step guide, check out Rick Steves’ complete guide below.
How to get a VAT refund | Rick Steves