I just returned from a three week trip to Italy. While in Florence I purchase a gold necklace to match the bracelet that I purchased a few years ago. This was on July 11. I then continued with my trip in Italy, returning from Rome on July 31. I had the GlobalBlue VAT refund form in hand, completed by me properly, PP#, name, addy etc. I went to the Rome Airport, terminal 5 around 9-10 am Italy time. Got boarding pass, went to customs to have the form stamped, as required, and then accross to the GlobalBlue refund kiosk, handed it to the young lady in the envelope and asked if this was the proper place and had I done everything correct, she responded yet. I need to mention that I was very ill, as was put on meds for my back right before I left which made me sicker by the day, and didn't realize what was happenig. Anyhow, I have been home trying to recoup, get appetite back and eat for the last 11 days, and checked my bank statement the other day and there was a charge from GlobalBlue on the card for the tax for the jewelry, which I know you have 90 days to get the form turned in. This happened within just a little over a month. I have called the CC company to dispute and have charge stopped which they said they cannot stop, but I can dispute. After thoughts, and alert for everyone, I realize now that i have nothing to prove that I did the proper procedure with the form as you have no copy. Be smart and take a pic of the forms when you turn it in, which I did not know to do. I am concerned now that I have no proof, as I do not have the document number, no picture, and no proof that I turned it in. Anyone have any suggestions as to how someone might proceed to validate a dispute. This does seem like a scam somewhat, as they do not give you any copies, and no receipt NOTHING! This has amounted to quite a lot of $$ (over $450), and i have been to Italy before, done this and turned the forms in and never had a problem. Any suggestions out there as to what one might do???? Also, be aware to document anything that you do with GlobalBlue for your own protection, doc #, picture, whatever, so when you get home and have a problem you can verify. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by
Fullerton, CA, USA
19 posts
It took approximately 4 months for us to get our credit for the VAT. Just relax, I'm sure more people will come on to tell you that it can take that long. Some friends received their refund in two months and other friends it took the 4 months like ours.
Posted by
OP
Glen Allen, VA
88 posts
Just an update on this situation with the VAT. I was finally able to talk to someone at GlobalBlue today, and was informed that they had indeed received the form, but it appears that the lady at the refund desk only put it into the mailbox, and therefore it took longer for them to receive it, and it was not in the required time for instant refund. He asked me if I got a receipt and I told him no, did not know to ask. So, a heads up for everyone, when you turn in your form demand a receipt at the desk so you have proof of when you turned it in. He informed me that the form had now been received and processed, and that I would get the credit back to my credit card within two weeks. So wanted to let everyone know, ask for a receipt so you have no issues with the time frame when you give them the VAT forms. Finally a good outcome!