List Countries Here in Which Visitors May Be Eligible to Receive a Rebate
I do not know of a centralized resource (FlyerTalk or otherwise) where one can access a list of countries that offer a rebate (cash, tax or otherwise) to visitors.
For example, I was in Italy twice and did not know that that country had a program.
The purpose of this thread is to give visitors of foreign nations, territories and other autonomous governments and regions a list of countries that offer a rebate of any sort, as well as a list of qualifications to apply for that rebate.
With the help of other FlyerTalk members, this thread will become quite a comprehensive list of resourceful information that may be quite useful to FlyerTalk members who could gain valuable knowledge and legally profit from it.
Last edited by Canarsie; Nov 30, 07 at 9:39 pm.
Reason: The original information posted here now seems to be outdated and obsolete.
Enjoy your shopping! Royal Street (French Quarter) is too overpriced but Magazine Street (uptown) is lots of fun and I would not pass by the Riverwalk which, OK, the usual mall stuff, but in a pretty setting overlooking the Mississippi River and a fun place to gather. Very convenient to Harrah's and the Aquarium, so after you win a big jackpot at Harrah's you can stroll over and do some shopping.
The website claims we are the only one of the 50 states to offer a tax rebate to international visitors. I have no idea if this is true, but since sales taxes are high, and prices fairly low, in Louisiana, then you should be getting a very good deal if you like to shop.
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, National ExElite, Anti-Apostheid Platinum, PWP CentCom
Posts: 2,240
Australia
Australia
Tourist Refund Scheme
Spend at least A$300 in a single store and get a single tax invoice (receipt). If you've made multiple purchaes at a single store which combined would exceed $A300, you must request that the store consolidate those purchaes into a single tax invoice.
You can collect the refund from multiple stores; however, each store's purchase(s) must exceed A$300.
Buy goods within 30 days of departure
Wear or carry the goods as you're clearing customs/immigration at departure (ie, no checked baggage)
Make the claim >30 minutes before your departure
Some items are specifically excluded, including beer and spirits (but not wine), so just buy them at the duty-free shop. Check the site using the link above for details.
Typically, you'll make your claim at the TRS office, which is generally located just past the immigration/customs/security checkpoint. According to the website, claims will be paid out in the following ways:
Check
Credit to an Australian bank account
Payment to a credit card (they don't specify which, but I assume MC/V, possibly AmEx)
Many stores (jewelers in particular) offer tax-free shopping (ie, subtract 10% off the prices you see). Typically, this will entail you filling out a form at the time of purchase. Your merchandise will be placed in a sealed bag. It must stay in that sealed bag until you've reached the customs/immigration departure point prior to security screening. At that point, they'll collect the tax invoice, and you can move the item(s) into your normal carry-on baggage.
For all the details, visit http://www.customs.gov.au/ - check out the "quick guide to customs for travellers" section.
Unlike other Customs administrations, there is no provision for travellers to obtain a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their purchases when they leave the country.
In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travellers are required to purchase from a duty free shop or arrange for the retailer/supplier to export the goods.
GST is 12.5% for all goods (except those exported by the supplier). In addition, alcohol and tobacco products have further levies.
Moderator: United Mileage Plus, Women Travelers & Trip Reports
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Alamo, CA
Programs: UA1K; *wood plat; Hyatt diamond, Fairmont premier
Posts: 14,210
I've gotten VAT refunds throughout Europe - Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, England, Spain. There are a lot more I'm not thinking of. In some countries - Italy especially - small shops tend to offer you a discount when you ask about the VAT refund because they'd just as soon avoid the paperwork (and often reporting the income). This has happened to me in other countries as well. It's always worth asking about.
While it's certainly good to make people aware of the VAT refund programs, I would suggest looking up the minimums and rules for where you're going just prior to your trip (Google's a big help). The minimum amounts you must spend in one shop to qualify tend to increase periodically. I suspect any specifics posted here will be out of date soon, unless someone wants to do some constant upkeep. ...
While things might change, I think this is a good thread & am glad it's a sticky.
I didn't know (until someone mentioned it verbally to me in passing a while back) that you can get rebate on hotel costs in Canada. While not huge, every $$ back is a $$ that can be used for future travel
I still haven't been able to find out if you can get VAT back on hotels in UK, so if anyone knows that answer please let me know as their VAT is pretty high. PS - I tried reading through a multiple-page legalese form on the internet & still couldn't figure it out.
I still haven't been able to find out if you can get VAT back on hotels in UK, so if anyone knows that answer please let me know as their VAT is pretty high.
You can't get the VAT back for goods and services consumed during your stay in the EU. The return of the VAT is only available for goods that are exported out of the Union.
And a general point about refunds that needs to be noted: The EEA (EU+ Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and probably another country that I can't remember) is considered a single entity for tax rebate purposes. Therefore EEA residents are not eligible for tax rebates for goods/services purchased in another EEA country.
I didn't know (until someone mentioned it verbally to me in passing a while back) that you can get rebate on hotel costs in Canada. While not huge, every $$ back is a $$ that can be used for future travel
Make sure that you have the form issued by the Canadian Government, and not by some private tax-rebate firm - only the gov't will charge you no fee and give you your full refund. Gov't forms are typically available at airport information counters, and clearly say that they are issued by Revenue Canada.
Spend THB 2,000+ in the same (participating) store on the same day
Store has to fill out the rebate form
Minimum total purchase of THB 5,000 from all forms
If the goods are checked-in, have to present them to customs for inspection. If carry on, there's a rebate desk after immigration.
Location: (Real not "pseudo") 8 year USA expat on the Chilean central coast
Programs: Lowly AA Gold; Hertz Gold
Posts: 357
I've been waiting and waiting and no one has mentioned Argentina. I am not the expert on this so you might want to check out relevant posts on Gaucho100K's Buenos Aires thread in the South America forum.
