VAT question

It is complicated. We have never been successful. And it is only for things your bring home and don't use in Europe so taxes on room, food, transportation is not refundable.

As Frank said it can be complicated. When you enter a store look for a sign that says that participate in the VAT refund program, if they do then when you purchase an item that store must fill out a form for you, so every time you purchase things you will need to have that store fill a form out and give it to you. The forms will have two parts, one for you to keep and one for you to hand in at the airport. I have done this and I received around 35.00 back, it will take a couple months for you to get a check in the mail. We didn't buy anything real expensive, most expensive thing was a pair of Doc Martens sandals. I would recommend you getting the forms where you can, and turning them in, it's not any trouble if you don't mind a small amount of time it takes. Even if you only get $20-30 back thats better then nothing for the little time it takes.

If you buy something expensive enough then it's worth doing. In fact, I think that most places have a minimum purchase. But for the most part it's not. If you buy a tailored kilt, it's probably worth it. A kilted skirt on the other hand is probably not worth it. You are given the forms and then turn them in after clearing security for your flight home. In Glasgow there was a slot you dropped your envelop with the form. It's been a separate form for every purchase.

In Ireland it's an easy process. You get the form from the store when you make a purchase, and you turn them in at the airport before you leave. You can't get VAT refunds for hotel rooms, though. The refund is only on purchases for things that you will use outside of Europe (or the UK).

VAT on hotels in the UK is 17.5% ... but just want to make sure that you realize that you cannot get a refund on the VAT you pay for a hotel room. You cannot get a refund unless you export the goods out of the country.

In order to get VAT back, you must not use the goods in the country. I have gotten back VAT a number of time for purchases, but always when I've purchased from a shop that participates in the global refund scheme. The shop will seal the goods. When you depart from the EU, you need to show your receipt and also show that the goods are still in the sealed package (e.g. have not been used in Europe). I've only done this at Heathrow where there is a counter to get your refund. There is also generally a minimum value before you can claim the VAT back.

I know this isnt about VAT, but...

FYI: Always pay in Euro's if a hotel, shop or restaruante asks you if you want to pay in dollar or Euro's. You still get better rate to pay in Euros, even if they try to make you 'think' if your paying in 'dollars' is better.. it is not.

I just returned and got the VAT refund and it was super easy.
When I purchased our stuff in Edinburgh, it was over 30 pounds and I was therefore qualified for the refund. I paid with a credit card and the till spewed out this long receipt with VAT info. All I needed to do was write in my travel dates. When I went to Heathrow, I easily found the line for VAT refund. There was an employee near the back of the line, helping people. Because I'd paid with a credit card, I didn't need to wait in line. She stamped the receipt and said the refund will go right back on my credit card. I shall wait and see.
They really only give back about 10% and the purchase must exceed the store's minimum, but it was very simple for me. My girlfriend does this all the time with no hassle.