thanks for the replies/info

can you use travelex for all vat refunds? it seems that the store you bought from has to be part of the travelex scheme?

Id thought I have to mail the stamped HMRC form back to the store?


http://www.travelex.co.uk/uk/personal/vatrefunds.aspx

"With the form properly validated you have a number of options. You can post it back to the retailer, return it to a VAT company (available if the retailer has outsourced this service), or should there be cash refund office at the departing airport, the refund can be made in cash.

Travelex acts as an agent for a number of Refund Agents, Global Refund and Premier being the major ones. Should their forms be presented at various Travelex locations at either Heathrow or Gatwick Airport in the UK then they can be exchanged for cash instantly. There is no extra charge for this service."

VAT

Q What is the Retail Export Scheme?
A As a non-European visitor to the European Union you will pay VAT on most things you buy. The Retail Export Scheme allows you to claim a VAT Refund on most goods you intend to export from the European Union. You must export them by the last day of the third month following that in which the goods were purchased.

Q What documents do I need in order to receive a VAT Refund?
A In order to receive a VAT refund in the UK you will need the following:

* A VAT refund form from the retailer (The refund companies can vary. Travelex issues refunds on behalf of the following companies: Global Refund/Premier Tax Free/GB Tax Free/UK Tax Free)
* Your Passport (If you are leaving the UK after completing your education for example you will need to produce your expiring Visa/One way flight ticket to prove you are leaving the EU)
* Proof of purchase of goods from the Retailer (To prove that you have purchased these goods. Customs may also wish to see the goods you are exporting)

Failure to show any of these items will result in a VAT refund not being processed.

Please note that not all retailers participate in the VAT refund scheme therefore you may not get a VAT refund on all items purchased during your visit.

Jewellery (Inc. Watches) and Electrical goods worth £250 and over must be declared Airside (After Security). All other goods must be declared Landside (Before Security).

Q Who qualifies for a VAT refund in the UK?
A Residents not living in the following countries are eligible for a Tax Refund:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (inc Balearic Islands), Sweden and UK

Q Can Business Traveller’s claim back their VAT refund with Travelex?
A Travelex do not process any VAT forms for Business Travellers. Those claiming VAT whilst in the EU on business must not have their company registered for VAT in the EU. They must also be visiting for business purposes. Business traveller’s must contact HM Customs and Excise on 0845 010 9000 or by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Q How can I receive my VAT refund?
A There are a number of ways you can receive your VAT refund:

* Cash - Travelex provides VAT refunds in either Pounds Sterling or a foreign currency at any of our VAT offices in Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport
* Credit Card - Customers who possess Global Refund forms can choose to have their refund put onto their card at any of our VAT offices in Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport
* By Post - Some refund forms issue refunds via Credit Card only

Q I haven’t received my refund as yet?
A

I can confirm Travelex are agents for HM Customs so when you come to Travelex to claim you VAT Refund we will stamp it with a Travelex stamp then send it to Customs to be stamped with the official Customs stamp then we will send this to the company or shop for them to credit the VAT back onto your account.

You will need to contact the company or shop directly to find out if they have received the forms as they will then need to refund your VAT. Please see below contact details for the relevant companies:

Global Refund [email protected]

Premier Tax Free [email protected]

GB Tax Free 08448 008503 or email them at [email protected]

Q Do all retailers/shops have the VAT Refund forms?
A Should the retailer be part of the Retail Export Scheme they will give you a VAT Refund Document. The VAT scheme is only voluntary and not all shops participate in the scheme. The majority of the shops will have VAT stickers in their shop windows. If the shops do not participate in the VAT scheme you will be unable to claim your VAT back.