Everything I read about VAT (taxes) says the taxes can be recouped on goods. But nowhere do I see anything about services. We have booked many a tour, hotel, and will eat at many a restauraunt with no "goods" to show at the airport. Can someone help me with this? If you are helping me, can you also tell me how your experience went at the airport? The airport shows a "Change Group" outside of the airport terminal by the car rental. Is that the only one? And is it really inconvenient? Also, did it take a long time? I am trying to figure out what time I should have the Flybus take us to the airport to have enough time to claim my VAT. Or if I should even bother since my goal is to get the VAT back from services, not goods. Thank you in advance
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2621 posts
Services, and anything used/consumed in the country are not subject to VAT refund. Only unused goods you take out of the country.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23542 posts
There is no refund of VAT on services or anything consumed within the country. IMO, recovering the VAT is not worth the hassle for small items or purchases. If you purchase an expensive item, then often the vendor will ship it for you and recover the VAT at the same time. VAT is part of the vacation expense. Don't worry about it.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2468 posts
Yes ,no VAT refund on anything except allotted purchase and you need to meet the minimum amount at each store. There is only one place to have the VAT process done at the airport.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I appreciate you all taking the time to help me understand this process. I'm lucky to have gotten your responses so quickly. And Frank, thanks for your response because you have not only saved me a lot of time I would have wasted but your information regarding vendors shipping any big items is invaluable. I feel like you know me because you got me down from the cliff when you said "VAT is part of the vacation expense. Don't worry about it." That was exactly what I needed to hear. Viola!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23542 posts
To expand briefly on the vendors. We have bought expensive art work (hundreds of Euro) and generally large enough so that you cannot conveniently carry it. Then the VAT is significant. The vendor will ship and often the VAT refund will cover the cost of shipping. That is the easiest way to handle the VAT refund.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
When VAT is handled by the seller of the goods is the amount reduced off the bill right then and there? I am aware of the need to show them my passport.