My husband & I will be in Italy in April. We are flying into Venice, traveling around northern Italy for 3 weeks then taking the Bernina Express into Switzerland and flying home (USA) from Zurich. Once we cross into Switzerland we will not be returning to Italy. If we want to request a VAT refund for something bought in Italy do we need to do that before we leave the country & if so, how? Can we request a VAT refund at the Zurich airport for something bought in Italy? Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Chicagoland
1883 posts
VAT refunds at the Zurich airport are only for items purchased in Switzerland.
If your EU purchases qualify for VAT refund you will have to do it when departing Italy. You'll have to decide if it is worth the effort.
You can bring your tax forms, passport, train ticket and purchases to the customs office at the Swiss Tirano Train Station across from the Italian Tirano Station for processing. You should verify hours/days of operation.
Allow extra time before your departure. And remember the items must be unused. So don't remove any tags... Also, don't forget you may have to pay duty on your purchases if you are over your $800 personal exemption when you return to the US.