FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AM I ELEGIBLE TO CLAIM A TAX FREE FORM?
As a non-EU resident visiting Europe you are entitled to reclaim the local sales tax, usually known as IVA, on all items purchased during your stay in Europe. Countries and territories within the European Union and therefore NOT eligible are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, The Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
CAN TAX FREE BE APPLIED FOR SERVICES?
No. Services, although taxable, are not eligible for VAT refunds.
CAN I USE THE PURCHASED GOODS BEFORE EXPORT?
No. The merchandise you have purchased must be still unused upon leaving the European Union
DO I NEED A CUSTOMS STAMP?
Yes, without a customs stamp is not possible to process a tax refund. Tax Free forms must be stamped by Customs upon leaving the last European country you will visit, but if the goods are in your check-in luggage, you must obtain the Customs’ Stamp in the last European Airport where you check-in and always before you actually send your luggage. Remember you might be required to show your purchase at Customs Point when leaving.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN MY REFUND?
The Refund can be cashed at our Customs Refund Points and abroad, or it can be applied to your credit card account also by international cheque to home address.
IS A SERVICE CHARGE APPLIED?
Yes, Travel TaxFree applies a statutory processing administration fee. Your refund corresponds to the full amount of VAT minus a processing administration fee. The Customs refund points will add a local charge for cash refunds.
CAN I CASH MY TAX REFUND IN ADVANCE EVEN BEFORE OBTAINING THE CUSTOMS STAMP?
Yes, the TRAVEL ADVANCE REFUND System gives you the opportunity to cash your refund before obtaining the Customs Stamp. Just go to one of our City Advance Refund Points and show your Form, an ID document and your valid credit card VISA or MASTER CARD as a guarantee. After cashing your Tax Refund in advance, you must stamp your Tax Free Form at the last European Customs Office where you can still exhibit the merchandise you have purchased. and mail it back to us using the pre-paid envelope provided by the store in 30 days maximum from the date of the refund.
AM I ELEGIBLE TO CLAIM A TAX FREE FORM?
As a non-EU resident visiting Europe you are entitled to reclaim the local sales tax, usually known as IVA, on all items purchased during your stay in Europe. Countries and territories within the European Union and therefore NOT eligible are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, The Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
CAN TAX FREE BE APPLIED FOR SERVICES?
No. Services, although taxable, are not eligible for VAT refunds.
CAN I USE THE PURCHASED GOODS BEFORE EXPORT?
No. The merchandise you have purchased must be still unused upon leaving the European Union
DO I NEED A CUSTOMS STAMP?
Yes, without a customs stamp is not possible to process a tax refund. Tax Free forms must be stamped by Customs upon leaving the last European country you will visit, but if the goods are in your check-in luggage, you must obtain the Customs’ Stamp in the last European Airport where you check-in and always before you actually send your luggage. Remember you might be required to show your purchase at Customs Point when leaving.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN MY REFUND?
The Refund can be cashed at our Customs Refund Points and abroad, or it can be applied to your credit card account also by international cheque to home address.
IS A SERVICE CHARGE APPLIED?
Yes, Travel TaxFree applies a statutory processing administration fee. Your refund corresponds to the full amount of VAT minus a processing administration fee. The Customs refund points will add a local charge for cash refunds.
CAN I CASH MY TAX REFUND IN ADVANCE EVEN BEFORE OBTAINING THE CUSTOMS STAMP?
Yes, the TRAVEL ADVANCE REFUND System gives you the opportunity to cash your refund before obtaining the Customs Stamp. Just go to one of our City Advance Refund Points and show your Form, an ID document and your valid credit card VISA or MASTER CARD as a guarantee. After cashing your Tax Refund in advance, you must stamp your Tax Free Form at the last European Customs Office where you can still exhibit the merchandise you have purchased. and mail it back to us using the pre-paid envelope provided by the store in 30 days maximum from the date of the refund.