Declare or Not Declare? VAT Refund Tips for Europe Shopping

How to Shop TAX FREE in Europe (VAT refund explained)
Europe's Tax-Free Shopping Secrets Revealed: Never Overpay Again! This is EXACTLY How to get a tax refund for items bought on a visit to France and Italy.

Join us for today's VAT Refund Guide for American Tourists to Save Money Shopping TAX FREE in Europe in 2024. Americans, Canadians and other tourists traveling to Europe can shop TAX FREE, but you might be wondering how to get money back after shopping and paying taxes? In this video, we'll explore the VAT refund process for tourists in 2024 and how much money you can actually save while shopping in Europe.

We'll delve into the ins and outs of VAT refunds, focusing on popular shopping destinations like Paris, France, and Milan, Italy. Discover the secrets to maximizing your savings and making the most of your shopping experience abroad. We'll guide you through the steps to claim your VAT refund, including the necessary documentation and minimum spending requirements at stores offering VAT refunds. Should you declare your shopping abroad? We'll discuss import duties and help you make an informed decision.

If you're planning a luxury shopping spree in Europe, this video is a must-watch! Learn how to shop smart, save money, and make the most of your European shopping adventure. Don't miss out on this valuable VAT refund guide for American tourists.
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00:00 Shopping in Europe (SAVE BIG!)
00:43 What is VAT?
01:19 VAT refund by country
01:49 What you can buy tax free
02:29 Galleries Lafayette
02:50 how to shop TAX FREE
03:50 VAT Refund rules
04:16 Credit card vs cash refund
05:35 VAT refund fees (yikes)
06:20 Hacks to save WITHOUT VAT refund
07:22 Essential VAT refund info

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Welcome to Portable Professional, your go-to resource for stress-free travel.

Megan here, Hello! I've taken well over 300 flights and countless trips in the last decade. I have learned how to have seamless travel experiences without unnecessary stress and anxiety. I'm here to help you also feel confident about your travels while making the most of every trip.

Ready for stress-free travels? Subscribe and join us every Wednesday and Sunday for informative videos full of practical tips. You'll learn how to navigate airport security, pack like a pro, identify scams, and even uncover little-known hacks to take your travel to the next level. (these are my specialty!)

[loriguinan]

Just did this yesterday in Paris. You covered the steps exactly. Our VAT refund was over $1k. At the refund machine we had 1 form of 5 purchases get the dreaded red screen. We had all items on hand when we went to the counter. The agent looked at the form, asked if we had all the items, which I said I did and offered to show him and he said no, stamped the form and we were done. By the time we got to the gate I had the email stating that particular refund was processed.

[tessat]

Back in the late '90s I went to Ireland with my parents and grandfather. I bought some nice Irish wool sweaters for myself and my now-husband. We were all there in July. I sent in my VAT refund paperwork when I got back, because that was the way it was done then. I got my refund in December. By then, my poor grandfather had died after an auto accident a week or so after Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November in the US). I don't know if he submitted his VAT paperwork but, at that time, you could literally die waiting to get your refund.

[marklangley]

From UK. In Venice and bought a moonswatch..275 euros had no idea about this but they asked where I’m from, took picture of my passport and gave me a bunch of paper with a 49 euro refund on it. Very happy though haven’t got it yet 😊

[birbluv]

I did this a few times, last in 2015 for Ireland. Or at least I tried. It was never worth the hassle. At one airport, can’t remember which, there was a long line of Chinese tourists who had bought a lot of luxury goods. The only reason I stayed in the line was because I had nothing else to do before my flight.

[joannedestephano]

Thanks for the step by step and the detailed info. I read a lot about claiming a VAT refund but you really pulled it all together to make sense. I'm ready for my shopping now. BTW, love your support team who appears halfway through.

[tammypearson]

I had no idea what was VAT. Thanks for the information. I will have to re-watch this video a couple of times to absorb all this information!

[srinivasosuri]

Thank you for the step by step walk through. You are a life saver!!

[jsimpso]

I don't bother with the VAT refund. I simply pay the VAT when travelling and just don't declare the goods when I come back. After all, some government got my money for the sales tax.

[terrifromm]

I purchased a Waterford crystal harp from Blarney Castle gift shop in Ireland in 2015. I was told by the sales person at Blarney to fill out a VAT form, include a copy of my sales receipt, and mail everything back to Ireland. I didn't and my credit card was charged US $16.25! This was an expensive lesson.

[michelepineau]

I got the VAT refund in the UK at the airport and instantly at the Waterford shop in Ireland. But that was 20 years ago and I don't remember how much I got back. I also got a tax refund for the (then) pricey opal pendant I bought in Australia as it was the only purchase I made that qualified. I simply don't bother to spend a lot anymore these days, so I don't try to get a VAT refund.

[letterify]

Learning about the VAT is informative but after all is said it seems more bother than it's worth so for me, i will pass on trying to get the refund. Thanks for the knowledge.

[DuncanMaddux]

Thank you for all of the extremely valuable and helpful travel information. You do the world of wonderful service, Megan!

[denismoreau]

Good tips I sent this video to my ex wife because she’s going to Europe again in September. I don’t believe she did a Vat refund the first time we went.😊

[deandecoursey]

Most of my purchases were in Ireland in the 1990’s. I bought crystal from Kinsale crystal and chandeliers from Waterford. Also Irish tweed material from Donnagal, that I later had made into tweed suits while in Bangkok. I bought a bottle of aged 30 year whisky while in Edinburgh for around $80. I still haven’t opened it yet and it’s worth around $900. Most everything I bough was shipped back to the U.S. for the cost of the VAT refund. Back in the 1990’s, the exchange rate was very favorable in reference to the U.S. dollar.

[labtechsuperstar]

I've done it. And depending on the country the process varies a little. In Portugal, it's a kiosk, but it only works if you only bought things in Portugal. And even then, those kiosk machines don't always work. They do have a desk in LIS where you can get cash in hand, and they don't gouge too badly, actually. In Italy, I had to see a guy and he stamped all the receipts and we had to put them in various envelopes (Global Blue, Planet, etc) and put them in their 'post boxes'. In Germany, you have to see an officer and they stamp all the receipts. I got refunds and just say, "Well it's better than zero dollars/euros".

[yaowsers]

I didn't bother. I was in Milan at the Swarovski shop and bought something for about 250 euro. The really nice sales lady was telling me about the vat tax thing but i said i wouldn't be doing it. Italy's having a hard enough time, I'm ok with paying a bit of tax😊

[aminor]

That’s a lot of work for a little refund! I have never done this.

[HighMaintenanceMinimalist]

Please note, a HUGE detail is being left out...Make sure you have the VAT free items with you when you are requesting a refund. If you don't have them, your request will be denied. I've watched multiple videos about this and nobody mentions it

[pcmacintyre]

Some of the malls in Bangkok such as Siam Paragon have offices to process VAT refund there. Many of the stores have VAT listed as a separate line item on the receipts to facilitate the refund.

[eviemom]

Hi, thanks for the helpful video. I’ll be going to Paris in couple of days then to Rome and plan to shop at both places, so I just need to file VAT refund at Rome on my way back to the US correct? No need to do it when I leave Paris?