I’ve decided to track our eligible purchases for VAT refunds this October. The Malpensa Airport site is very clear about applicable purchases. It seems there are three private companies that process visitor purchases. Does Global Blue handle everything from all stores, or must I track which store uses a specific processor. Is there an advantage in enrolling with these companies beforehand.? Do we stop there before customs?
Thank you I advance for your patience and advice.
I believe the store has to participate in global blue to get a global blue refund. If you go to their website, they have a list of the participating stores. There is a specific global blue form and they have a rather high minimum spend so it isn’t useful unless you are buying something expensive.
https://www.globalblue.com/en/shoppers/stores-map?country=Italy
I got a refund through global blue many years ago, but I have not done that in years so can’t provide any further detail. You will need to specifically check to see where the global blue refund locations are in Malpensa.
The other thing to be aware of, other than minimum purchase requirements, is that the item you’re claiming a VAT refund for must be unused and ideally in original packaging. Anything consumed or used is not eligible for
VAT refunds.
Are you leaving Europe from Milan, or do you have to fly to another European airport? I left from Vienna and didn't get my VAT back--the VAT people told me to use the kiosk at my departing gate. (The VAT office was closed at 6 am and I tried to get my papers stamped the night before) Well, the kiosk to get my form stamped was in the other part of the terminal where flights departed out of Europe. That part of the terminal was inaccessible to me due to security. There was no kiosk at my departing gate because I'm in the Schengen flight area. Our flight was going through CDG and I couldn't get my $150 in VAT. I would've had to go through immigration to get to the VAT desk and then back through security at CDG and that was way too much to deal with in an airport I'm not familiar with and a crowded one at that. I've learned my lesson-- I won't shop if I have to connect and my plane leaves at o dark thirty. The VAT operation in Vienna was a mess and the VAT people didn't even know their own process.
What and how much do you plan to buy? Don't answer--rhetorical. But whatever, but I suggest a trip can even be more memorable while experiencing than by buying. Whatever.
I'm going again next month to see and experience. Besides my only treasure of refrig magnets purchased on each trip, all I wiil buy is good meals/vino.
If buying is your experience, enjoy. I'll be on the streets and in the museums/churches devouring my art.
Hi!
In my experience, when you make a purchase that will meet the threshold for VAT refund, they provide you with the necessary form from the store. I have received them from Global Blue as well as another company (I do not recall the name). They will generally ask for your passport during the purchase process and enter the information in the system. We have exited through FCO back to the US. One time we used the kiosks post-security and, on our more recent trip, we used the offices pre-security. There was a line as we were there just as they opened at 6 am, but the lines moved quickly. In that case, we had forms for two companies so it was much more convenient to use the offices since they were all together.
I have never registered in advance and do not see a reason to do so. If I decide to purchase something, I don’t want to worry about which VAT refund company the store uses.
One tip if deciding between the office versus the kiosk for your refund, we did learn they will pay you in cash (minus a small fee) should you prefer not to wait for a credit card refund. Unsure if that matters to you, but something we learned.
Have a wonderful time!
