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VAT Refund in Europe

Hello,

In his post entitled "How to Claim VAT Refunds", Rick writes at some point the following: "Some stores may offer to handle the rest of the hassle for you (if they provide this service, they likely have some sort of “Tax Free” sticker in the window). *If you’re charming and at the right store, try talking the merchant into mailing your documents for you** and reimbursing your credit card on the spot. You may also be able to take your paperwork to a nearby third-party agency to get an immediate cash refund (minus a commission for the quick service; these tend to be located at money-exchange counters near touristy landmarks). In either case, you’ll still need to get the documents stamped at the border, then mail them back; if they never receive the documents, they’ll charge the refund to your credit card.*"

There is something I don't get. If the store is nice enough to mail the documents for you, how can you then get the documents stamped at the border ?

Thank you,

Jean-Marie

Posted by
4799 posts

Yeah, not sure where he was going with that. My wife bought some stuff in Paris and the store helped her fill out the paperwork, she went to a window at CDG and got her refund on the spot.

Posted by
4535 posts

I presume that the merchant gets the documents stamped and mailed. Some businesses do that as a service to their customers (don't expect it at trinket shops).

Posted by
1437 posts

In Venice last year my friend purchased some Louis Vuitton for his wife. The sales person told us to head down the street/alley, make a left at Chanel & at the Exchange Office will process the paperwork for him.