Over the world most prices on goods include a Value Added Tax (VAT) that can be as high as 25 percent. If you are an international visitor you are able to claim a VAT refund.
The purchase of goods in the retail trade is VAT free under the following requirements*:
1. You are not a resident of the country and able to prove it with the personal identity documentation.
2. Purchase the goods on the minimum threshold amount for the VAT refund.
3. You do not have a residence permit authorising you reside in this country for more than 3 months
4. Export the goods within time limit based on the country regulations for the VAT refund in your personal travel luggage. Your personal travel luggage includes those objects that you have with you on crossing a border, for example hand luggage or the objects in a vehicle used by you as well as the luggage checked in connection with your travel. Hence, baggage sent beforehand or afterwards by post or forwarder does not fulfil the condition.
5. The seller will refund the sales tax to you as soon as he or she receives proof that the goods have been exported properly. Usually it is proofed by the Customs stamp.
Please note:
Purchased goods should be presented to the Customs for the inspection before check in if you are leaving the country by plane.
If you are travelling by plane, you should have the objects that are in your main luggage confirmed by the customs office at the first airport before you hand it in at the check-in desk.
A direct tax refund by tax offices or customs authorities to the purchaser is not possible.
*Requirements differs per country.
