Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
job for you, a tip (of up to about 50 Kč) is appropriate...but not
required.
When in doubt, ask:
If you're not sure whether (or how
much) to tip for a service, ask your hotelier or the tourist informa-
tion office; they'll fill you in on how it's done on their turf.
Getting a VAT Refund
Wrapped into the purchase price of your souvenirs is a Value
Added Tax (VAT) of about 19 percent. If you make a purchase of
more than 2,000 Kč (about $117) at a store that participates in the
VAT-refund scheme, you're entitled to get most of that tax back.
Getting your refund is usually straightforward and, if you buy a
substantial amount of souvenirs, well worth the hassle.
If you're lucky, the merchant will subtract the tax when you
make your purchase. (This is more likely to occur if the store ships
the goods to your home.) Otherwise, you'll need to:
Get the paperwork.
Have the merchant completely fill out
the necessary refund document, called a “cheque” (not to be con-
fused with a “Czech”). You'll have to present your passport at the
store.
Get your stamp at the border or airport.
Process your
cheque(s) at your last stop in the EU (e.g., at the airport) with the
customs agent who deals with VAT refunds. It's best to keep your
purchases in your carry-on for viewing, but if they're too large
or dangerous (such as knives) to carry on, track down the proper
customs agent to inspect them before you check your bag. You're
not supposed to use your purchased goods before you leave. If you
show up at customs wearing your new chic Czech outfit, officials
might look the other way—or deny you a refund.
Collect your refund.
You'll need to return your stamped doc-
ument to the retailer or its representative. Many merchants work
with a service, such as Global Refund (www.globalrefund.com) or
Premier Tax Free (www.premiertaxfree.com), which have offices
at major airports, ports, or border crossings. These services, which
extract a 4 percent fee, can refund your money immediately in your
currency of choice or credit your card (within two billing cycles). If
the retailer handles VAT refunds directly, it's up to you to contact
the merchant for your refund. You can mail the documents from
home, or quicker, from your point of departure (using a stamped,
addressed envelope you've prepared or one that's been provided by
the merchant)—and then wait. It could take months.
Customs for American Shoppers
You are allowed to take home $800 worth of items per person duty-
free, once every 30 days. The next $1,000 is taxed at a flat 3 percent.
After that, you pay the individual item's duty rate. You can also
