Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
must ring up the minimum at a single retailer—you can't add up your purchases from vari-
ous shops to reach the required amount.
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 docu-
ment. You'll have to present your passport. Get the paperwork done before you leave the
store to ensure you'll have everything you need (including your original sales receipt).
Get your stamp at the border or airport. Process your VAT document with the cus-
toms agent at your last stop in the country in which you made your purchase (or, if you
bought it in the European Union, at your last stop in the European Union), such as at the
airport. Arrive an additional hour early before you need to check in for your flight, to allow
time to find the local customs office—and to stand in line. It's best to keep your purchases
inyourcarry-on.Ifthey'retoolargeordangeroustocarryon(suchasknives),packthemin
your checked bags and alert the check-in agent. You'll be sent (with your tagged bag) to a
customsdeskoutsidesecurity,whichwillexamineyourbag,stampyourpaperwork,andput
your bag on the belt. You're not supposed to use your purchased goods before you leave. If
you show up at customs wearing your brand-new Slovenian shoes, officials might look the
other way—or deny you a refund.
Collect your refund. You'll need to return your stamped document to the retailer or its
representative.Manymerchantsworkwithaservice,suchGlobalBlueorPremierTaxFree,
that has offices at major airports, ports, or border crossings (after check-in and security,
probably strategically located near a duty-free shop). These services, which extract a 4 per-
cent fee, can refund your money immediately in cash 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 more quickly, from your point
of departure (using an envelope you've prepared in advance or one that's been provided by
the merchant). You'll then have to wait—it could take months.
Customs for American Shoppers
Youareallowedtotakehome$800worthofitemsperpersonduty-free,onceevery30days.
You can also bring in duty-free a liter of alcohol. As for food, you can take home many pro-
cessedandpackagedfoods:vacuum-packedcheeses,driedherbs,bakedgoods,candy,jams,
chocolate, oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey. Fresh fruits and vegetables and most meats are
not allowed. Any liquid-containing foods must be packed in checked luggage, a potential
recipe for disaster. To check customs rules and duty rates, visit http://help.cbp.gov .
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