Hi. Looking at VAT locations at LHR and see notes that the program ended. If going, one should consider shipping items home. I’m told receipts still show a VAT line. So…we just can’t claim it anymore? I imagine shipping would be expensive. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
370 posts
Nope - no VAT refund. :-(
Shipping something to the USA can be pretty expensive, it is true. But cheaper options are available for slower service.
One bit of advice: if you decide to ship something, go to an actual Royal Mail post office. In larger cities there are shops that ship for DHS, FedEx, and the Royal Mail. I have found that they always try to steer you to the most expensive options. At the actual Post Office I have always been given real help by someone who can sort through the options with me.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12800 posts
Have you seen that discussion.
As I read it, the shop has to send the item directly out of the UK to avoid the VAT. The customer doesn't get to take it to the UPS, Fedex or whatever for shipping.
And stuff that is shipped is ( at least was in the past) subject to Duty and could not be included in one's personal exemption which which applies to what is in your possession when you return home.
So…we just can’t claim it anymore?
Because the UK changed the law.
Posted by
Freedonia
17736 posts
If you purchase something and the shop is willing to ship it outside the country, they will remove the VAT.
Quite often, shops that are used to shipping, have negotiated rates with Royal Mail and can ship it cheaper than you can.
I've done this.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
370 posts
Joe32F thanks! Very helpful! I didn’t know the nuances.
Mardee: bless you. Thanks for going to bat for this wonderful community.