VAT exemption issue with Advance Purchase rates
Dec 7, 2017, 10:58 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 530
VAT exemption issue with Advance Purchase rates
There's a holiday sale AP rate I booked with Hilton Buenos Aires. However, the rate I was charged included VAT (21%!), even though Hilton's site explicitly stated that foreigners are exempted from VAT. The phone rep offered to cancel the res for me but said if it's an AP rate, I'd be charged VAT. This is a Hilton system shortcoming that contradicts AR government policy. Basically Hilton is illegally charging me VAT. Is there any recourse to this? Dispute with my CC with documentation?
Dec 8, 2017, 12:19 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,989
Before getting too worked up, is this really a system issue or the interpretation of the benefit?
Here, https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/e...-accommodation it states
While it states at the time of billing the Tax is removed, it similarly states guests must prove foreign citizenship and pay using a foreign credit card. You can certainly do the latter but not the former. You booking as a foreigner does not mean you will be staying and I guess the exemption requires a physical check during the stay. I am not sure if the tax can be refunded after showing up and proving your foreign nationality but I also understand why it's not waived upfront for prepaid stays.
Here, https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/e...-accommodation it states
The new VAT rule covers hotel stays and other forms of accommodations, and includes VAT imposed on breakfast services if they are part of the cost of lodging. Other hotel services are excluded and must be billed separately.
The rebate system is available to visitors who can prove with a valid passport or identification card that they live abroad, and who pay for their accommodation with a non-Argentine credit card or via bank transfer from another country. The process is completed at the time of billing, with no need for any extra paperwork.
The rebate system is available to visitors who can prove with a valid passport or identification card that they live abroad, and who pay for their accommodation with a non-Argentine credit card or via bank transfer from another country. The process is completed at the time of billing, with no need for any extra paperwork.
Dec 8, 2017, 8:26 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 614
I booked a AP rate and then made a BRG claim. They said they can't refund me now, but the hotel will refund me at the time of checkout to my credit card. I'm wondering if this would be a possible option for you, since PayItForward says you'll need to physically prove that you're staying at the hotel.
Dec 11, 2017, 3:42 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 530
I booked a AP rate and then made a BRG claim. They said they can't refund me now, but the hotel will refund me at the time of checkout to my credit card. I'm wondering if this would be a possible option for you, since PayItForward says you'll need to physically prove that you're staying at the hotel.
Dec 12, 2017, 12:48 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,344
Dec 12, 2017, 7:55 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,887
I don't really think you will have a problem..two recent examples..we prepaid for a hotel in Israel where Vat was required until documentation at check-in proved we were foreigners. The prepay rate was no t actually charged until we got to the hotel and tax was removed with no issue. Reservation had been made 3 months before. So check you card to see whether you have actually been charged. Even though its prepaid, ive found its not charged until checkbin. Second example...just stayed in BA last month ..not on prepaid, but no issues with vat excluded...also the vat exemption on goods is also in force and for pretty low amounts..the stores provide the receipts and easy to get back at the airport. Be sure to have your passport number with you..you don't need the passport but the merchant needs the number to provide the tax receipt..
Dec 13, 2017, 3:41 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,879
I don't really think you will have a problem..two recent examples..we prepaid for a hotel in Israel where Vat was required until documentation at check-in proved we were foreigners. The prepay rate was no t actually charged until we got to the hotel and tax was removed with no issue. Reservation had been made 3 months before. So check you card to see whether you have actually been charged. Even though its prepaid, ive found its not charged until checkbin. Second example...just stayed in BA last month ..not on prepaid, but no issues with vat excluded...also the vat exemption on goods is also in force and for pretty low amounts..the stores provide the receipts and easy to get back at the airport. Be sure to have your passport number with you..you don't need the passport but the merchant needs the number to provide the tax receipt..