Hello hoping someone knows about VAT and trains. I’ll be leaving Ireland/EU via the train from Dublin to Belfast and can’t seem to find anything about processing VAT at the Connolly train station in Dublin. Everything I find is about the Dublin airport and it appears you have to go through security.
Probably can't because there are no border controls btween the north and south.
Ok thank you! That explains why I couldn’t find info. I could go to the Dublin airport but I think you have to go past security correct?
you need to make the claim in the final moments as you leave the EU. If you go to the airport departure area, make a claim and then leave the airport to go the station and head north through Ireland you are reentering (well you never left) the EU so you won't be at the last point in Ireland.
I think you may have a problem - the Good Friday and Brexit agreements ensure no border controls entering Northern Ireland, and you can't claim in the UK.
I think the problem is I’m not departing from the airport - am departing from the train- so I can’t even drop it at the airport unless I go through security which i cannot. Does anyone have more insight? So appreciate your help!!
Oh and I’m heading to Belfast so not part of EU
No idea if this article helps, I didn’t really understand it, but it might?
Thank you so much I did see that in my google searches not helpful to my situation which is interesting it can’t be that uncommon. Hoping to hear hear more insights
Where are you going after Belfast?
Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit arrangements still has EU free movement of goods rules and EU Customs Union rules in force.
What do you think you will be claiming as a VAT refund? Very few items qualify for the refund and only when you are leaving the country for good.
https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/retail-export-scheme/on-what-purchases-can-you-reclaim-vat.aspx
It is way longer than I cared to read through, but you may find it worthwhile.
Unless you are buying $2k or more of stuff, I wonder if its worth the bother? ( of finding out the if & how to do it)