Hi. I am planning on purchasing a Louis Vuitton wallet in Italy and a LV purse in Paris. I know about the VAT refund, but have two questions: (1) We fly from Venice to London, London to Paris. If I make purchases in Italy do I do the Italian VAT when leaving for London or do everything at CDG when we leave for the US? (2) On the US customs declaration, do I declare the value of the items including or excluding the VAT since I am getting a refund? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10207 posts
You'll submit your claim at CDG. I declare what I paid to US Customs.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
If you bought it in the EU, you need to get the VAT refund forms stamped when you leave the EU. In your case that means for both the Italian and the French purchases you need to get the forms stamped at at CDG.
As far as US customs are concerned, I would declare the net value, excluding any taxes or delivery charges (unless somebody can quote a US customs rule that says otherwise). May save you a little bit of tax.
Posted by
OP
Santa Cruz, CA
38 posts
Thank you Bets and Chris for your replies to my question. Your advice was very helpful.